Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
You’ll be equipped to negotiate the changing context of teaching and learning in the 21st century, with innovative and creative teaching methods that make expert use of emerging technologies. You’ll gain a broad body of knowledge, studying the contexts of education, cultural-historical perspectives and child development, as well as units focusing on specific subject disciplines. The course offers specialisations in Mathematics and English. You’ll complete 91 days of placement throughout the course to put into practice the leadership and management skills you’ll learn in your studies.
Indigenous Try Online Scholarship
Study your way and get your fees waived for two units of this course, plus amenities. Find out more about the Indigenous Try Online Scholarship here.
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Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online

Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Course structure
To qualify for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), students are required to complete 400 credit points comprising 32 units of study (12.5 credit points each). The 400 credit points must comprise:
- 32 core units (400 credit points) including at least one specialisation (Mathematics or English)*
*Students who wish to complete English Specialisation need to complete EDU30067 (instead of EDU30063)
*Students who wish to complete Mathematics Specialisation need to complete EDU30066 (instead of EDU30009)
In addition, students are responsible for arranging and successfully completing the 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 and Primary) 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 Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to completing 100 credit points of studies
(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 2 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.
- 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
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is 150 credit points (normally 12 units)
Units of study
EDU10002 Understanding Language and Literacy
EDU10003 The World of Maths
EDU10004 Theories of Teaching and Learning
EDU10005 Indigenous Education and Perspectives
EDU20001 Developing Literacy
EDU20002 Mathematics in Practice
EDU20003 Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development
EDU20005 Sustainable Education and Perspectives
EDU30002 Science and Technology
EDU30003 Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Infants: Practicum 3E
EDU30005 Understanding and Supporting Inclusion
EDU30062 Educational Leadership,Management and Program Assessment *
EDU40002 Play and Environment
EDU40003 Identity: The Early Childhood Profession(al) *
EDU40004 Advocacy and Social Justice*
EDU40005 Ready to Teach Primary: Practicum 4E *
EDU40006 Ready to Teach Early Childhood: Practicum 5E *
EDU40008 Arts Education
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- show broad and coherent knowledge of children aged 0-12 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 demonstrate 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; and
- 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.

Graduate skills
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community;
- effective and ethical in work and community situations;
- adaptable and able to manage change; and
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
2023 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
---|---|---|---|
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$16,496 | $4,124 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
One of:
- Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- Completion of an approved Diploma or Advanced Diploma
- Completion or partial completion of an approved Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree
Other Requirements
LANTITE: Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students
Applicants applying to transfer from another initial teacher education course must disclose all LANTITE
Casper test
All applicants (both standard entry and non-year 12 entry) must sit the Casper test. Casper is a non-academic online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes. It is an Australian Government accreditation requirement that all initial teacher education courses include non-academic selection criteria.
Working with Children Check and Police Check
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.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate suitable English language proficiency for successful completion of the course.
How to apply
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks and professional placements in nursing and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.