Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
In the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), you’ll learn the skills and knowledge required to teach early childhood and primary schooling.
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.
Upon graduating, you’ll be eligible for employment in a range of Early Childhood and Primary settings, including children’s centres, kindergartens, preschools and early learning centres, as well as government, Catholic and independent primary schools in Australia.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 1 March 2021
- Semester 2 - 2 August 2021
VTAC codes
- 3400211371 (CSP)
- 3400211373 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Arts and Design

As an international student, I chose a university that has an inclusive culture, delivers consistent quality teaching and offers exceptional educational and technological facilities. For years, it’s been my passion to help children thrive through education. Studying at Swinburne is helping me achieve my goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher.
Winchell
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning, career opportunities and professional recognition.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
1 unit (12.5 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 12.5 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- 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
- 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.
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides opportunities to gain invaluable skills and confidence in knowing that you have what it takes to land a job in your field by graduation. You can also earn credit towards your degree. Choose from six- or 12-month professional placements, professional internships, industry-linked projects, industry study tours and accreditation placements. Find out more.
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 twelve years in a variety of settings, and professionals whose practice is informed by critical reflection and ongoing learning.
Professional recognition
This course meets the teaching registration requirements of both the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Fees
- Fees for 2021.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
2021 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) |
$15,800 | $3,950 | 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.

Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.