Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) develops and equips students to become teachers who utilise the latest technology and teaching techniques to engage children across a range of subject disciplines.
Through collaborative group activities and school-based practical placements you'll develop the skills to design engaging and effective learning experiences. You'll be taught to identify and address diversity; tailoring the learning experience to the needs of your students.
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity, which could be a placement, internship or industry-linked project. This degree includes a mandatory work placement as a professional accreditation requirement. You’ll complete four professional placements, which adds up to around 80 days of real classroom experience guided by an experienced mentor.
You'll graduate with the skills, knowledge and dispositions to be a pedagogical leader, an effective advocate for social justice and equity, capable of teaching children from 5 to 12 years in a variety of settings, and a professional whose practice is informed by critical reflection and ongoing learning.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 28 February 2022
- Semester 2 - 1 August 2022
VTAC codes
- 3400210941 (CSP)
- 3400210943 (IFP)

Ruby's work placement helped her decide
Community is what drew her to Swinburne and Early Childhood teaching what kept her there. As part of her course she was able to undertake one of her teaching placements in Thailand, which helped her decide that this is where she wanted to be. She’s a founding member of Swinburne Education and Teaching Society and takes on as many experiences as she can.
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning, career opportunities and professional recognition.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (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
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.
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
3 units (37.5 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 37.5 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
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You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
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A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- 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
At the completion of the Bachelor of Education (Primary), graduates will be able to:
- show broad and coherent knowledge of students aged birth to 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 Primary School content areas within the Australian context and capacity to critically review theory and practice
- demonstrate the capacity to 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
- demonstrate the capacity to adapt knowledge and skills to critically analyse information in diverse contexts, and to create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
- demonstrate the capacity to assess, provide feedback and report on student learning using clear and coherent communication with the ability to critically analyse, consolidate and synthesise assessment information
- show responsibility and accountability for own learning to identify, engage in and apply professional learning, individually and in collaboration with others
- demonstrate the capacity to engage professionally with colleagues, families and children, and the communication skills to present clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas.
Career opportunities
Graduates with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) will be specialised in the education and development of young children from five to 12 years of age. They will be qualified to undertake teaching positions in primary schools.
Professional recognition
This course meets the academic requirements outlined by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). VIT recognition enables graduates to register as a teacher Australia-wide.
Fees
- Fees for 2022.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
2022 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) |
$15,940 | $3,985 | 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 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.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.