Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Online delivery
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is designed to qualify students to teach in early learning environments and make a difference in little learners. You will learn how to effectively engage children through visual arts, music, literacy, mathematics and more, using the latest technologies and practical skills. We will also train you on a social level, how to respond to family diversity, special needs, and linguistically diverse children. You will even get to apply what you have learned – while gaining real experience – through supervised placements in a range of learning environments to teach children from birth to eight years old.
This course is delivered through Swinburne Online.
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Duration
4 years full-time
Study mode
- Online
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This course is delivered through Swinburne Online. Swinburne Online delivers Swinburne University of Technology programs designed to meet the needs of those who are unable to undertake on-campus study. These programs have been specifically designed for online delivery and support.
Course structure
To qualify for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), students are required to complete 400 credit points comprising of 32 units of study (12.5 credit points each). The 400 credit points must comprise of:
- 28 units of core education and early childhood studies (350 credit points)
- 4 units of other studies comprising of a minor or elective units (50 credit points)
Swinburne Online offers a flexible degree structure allowing students to adjust their study commitment throughout the duration of their program. Students have the flexibility to study between one and four units per teaching period.
Below are examples of study loads for Swinburne Online students:
- Accelerated study: 12 units of study per academic year
- Full-time study: eight units of study per academic year
- Part-time study: four units of study per academic year
- Recommended study: six units of study per academic year
In addition, students are responsible for arranging and successfully completing the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) normally within three attempts through the Australian Council for Education Research prior to completing 200 credit points of study.
Academic Progress – special requirements
In addition to the standard academic progress rules, the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):
1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they:
(a) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a teaching placement
(b) fail to attempt both component tests of the National Literacy and Numeracy test (LANTITE) prior to completing 100 credit points of studies
2. A student is classified as having 'unsatisfactory progress' if they:
(a) fail to successfully complete the National Literacy and Numeracy test (LANTITE) prior to completing 200 credit points of studies or following three attempts
(b) fail a Teaching Placement unit
(c) have their teaching placement terminated early by a school. In the case of early termination of a teaching placement by a school, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review processes will commence within two weeks of the cessation of the placement
Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.
Professional placements
Placements are a key part of your education course and are a requirement for teacher registration. Swinburne Online will provide guidance and support through the Professional Placements Office to enable students to arrange their own placements. Professional experience requires student teachers to hold a current Child Safety Screening checks, as required by their State/Territory, before commencing a professional placement. Find out more about placements.
Units of study
Prior to completing 200 credit points of study, students must pass national literacy and numeracy tests. Find out more about the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students, including associated costs.
Core Education and Education units
EDU30001 Imagining the World through Language and Literature Secondary studies
4 units (50 credit points) of other studies comprising of a minor or elective units (50 credit points). Find out more.
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Graduates will have the skills, knowledge and dispositions to be pedagogical leaders, effective advocates for social justice and equity, capable teachers of children from birth to eight years in a variety of settings, and professionals whose practice is informed by critical reflection and ongoing learning.
Aims and objectives
At completion of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), graduates will be able to:
- show broad and coherent knowledge of children aged 0-8 years, and how they learn with capacity to show initiative and judgement when making decisions or solving problems
- show broad and coherent knowledge of early childhood curriculum and quality frameworks within the Australian context, and capacity to critically review theory and practice
- show initiative and judgement to plan for, and implement, effective teaching and learning in diverse contexts with the capacity to solve problems with intellectual independence
- apply knowledge and skills to create and maintain supportive, safe and engaging learning environments, and the ability to critically analyse information in diverse contexts
- demonstrate the capacity to assess children’s learning and use clear communication to report the outcomes to parents and communities with the ability to critically analyse, consolidate and synthesise assessment information
- demonstrate a deep knowledge of the early childhood profession that is informed by critical thinking and ongoing professional learning
- collaborate respectfully with colleagues, families and children, and the communication skills to present clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
- show broad understandings of the complexities of early childhood education and the implications for practice, with the ability to analyse and synthesise theoretical and practical knowledge
- demonstrate conceptual knowledge of the principles of diversity and difference and the implications to children’s rights and inclusive practice, with the ability to adapt such knowledge in diverse contexts.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
On completion of an Education degree, all teachers must register with the appropriate teacher body. Any criminal offence or proceedings need to be declared as part of the registration process. If you have any concerns about your future eligibility please discuss this with your relevant teacher registration body.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Entry requirements
2019 Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 70
Successful completion of:
- the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Other requirements
All applicants must sit and achieve an appropriate standard on a selection test used to assess an applicant’s non-academic personal and professional attributes.
Applicants applying to transfer from another initial teacher education course must disclose all LANTITE attempts.
All enrolled students must maintain a current Working with Children Check (from the appropriate State Authority). A Police Check may also be required by a school prior to a placement. View the list of each state's requirements.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne for general information about the admission process.
How to apply
This course is closed for new enrolments.