100% Online
Learning Mode
Undergraduate
Qualification
4 years full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Dates
32
Units
$578.38*
Fees Per Unit
With the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) online you will be able to teach children aged between six weeks and 12 years old, in childcare centres, kindergartens and primary schools.
You will learn how to engage children with activities such as art, music, maths and literacy. You will develop the skills you need to respond to diversity and help each child get the most out of their education during their formative years.
Led by experienced education professionals with recent or current teaching practice, this course combines online learning with teaching placements in early childhood and primary school settings. Our students get great feedback from their placement schools and centres – we ensure you are prepared and supported by our course tutors and advisors to make your placement a positive experience.
Swinburne University has now incorporated the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) into the final year of primary professional experience units. This narrative-based assignment will allow you to demonstrate your competence in classroom practice by creating a unit plan, lesson plans, assessing, reflecting and appraising your teaching. Connecting the academic program to your professional experience, the GTPA provides quality assurance of graduate readiness, giving you valuable experience to help you progress into your new career.
When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to practice as a childcare professional or primary teacher, with accreditation from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
This course is not available to international students.
‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’
Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate
As an Early Childhood Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 21.6% increase expected in the next five years.
Our Education courses have been ranked in the Top 350 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.
Our Education courses have been ranked in the Top 350 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.
To be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) you must complete 32 units in total made up of:
Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods (14 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.
Introduction to Academic Language, Literacy and Numeracy in Education
Theories of Teaching and Learning
Indigenous Education and Perspectives
Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development
Sustainable Education and Perspectives
Understanding and Supporting Inclusion
Families, Community and Citizenship
Imagining the World through the Arts
Mathematics in the Primary Classroom
Educational Leadership, Management and Program Assessment
If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:
If you have completed Year 12 (the Victorian Certificate of Education – VCE, or an equivalent qualification from interstate or internationally), you can apply based on that.
If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).
To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.
Some students start their journey with a Diploma, which can help them progress to a degree.
CASPer
All applicants (both standard entry and non-year 12 entry) must successfully complete the CASPer assessment. CASPer is a non-academic suitability assessment tool 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.
To ensure you don’t miss the CASPer deadlines and to register for your sitting or for further information about the test, visit takecasper.com.
For current Year 12 students, to ensure you meet VTAC deadlines go to www.vtac.edu.au/admissions-tests.html.
Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results.
If you’re looking to apply for our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) course you will need to complete the CASPer suitability tool. Get in touch with a Course Consultant to find out more information.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate suitable English language proficiency for successful completion of the course.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
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. For a list of each state’s requirements see www.careforkids.com.au.
Literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education
To be eligible to graduate, students must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE), which is required to become a registered teacher. This test is run externally at the applicant’s expense. Applicants must disclose all previous LANTITE attempts (if any) through a personal statement and upload the results for each attempt. Applicants who have unsuccessfully attempted LANTITE three or more times will not be eligible to receive an offer for this course.
Once enrolled, all applicants must provide relevant Child Safety Screening clearance as your state of residence requires and maintain clearances throughout the duration of the program.
Courses are only available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders.
If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:
If you have completed Year 12 (the Victorian Certificate of Education – VCE, or an equivalent qualification from interstate or internationally), you can apply based on that.
If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).
To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.
Some students start their journey with a Diploma, which can help them progress to a degree.
CASPer
All applicants (both standard entry and non-year 12 entry) must successfully complete the CASPer assessment. CASPer is a non-academic suitability assessment tool 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.
To ensure you don’t miss the CASPer deadlines and to register for your sitting or for further information about the test, visit takecasper.com.
For current Year 12 students, to ensure you meet VTAC deadlines go to www.vtac.edu.au/admissions-tests.html.
Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results.
If you’re looking to apply for our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) course you will need to complete the CASPer suitability tool. Get in touch with a Course Consultant to find out more information.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate suitable English language proficiency for successful completion of the course.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
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. For a list of each state’s requirements see www.careforkids.com.au.
Literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education
To be eligible to graduate, students must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE), which is required to become a registered teacher. This test is run externally at the applicant’s expense. Applicants must disclose all previous LANTITE attempts (if any) through a personal statement and upload the results for each attempt. Applicants who have unsuccessfully attempted LANTITE three or more times will not be eligible to receive an offer for this course.
Once enrolled, all applicants must provide relevant Child Safety Screening clearance as your state of residence requires and maintain clearances throughout the duration of the program.
Courses are only available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders.
*Note: Unit fees may change each year.
There are several ways to help manage your course fees:
There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs:
Scholarships are available for both new and current students.
Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Credit for prior study:
Services & amenities fee:
For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!
Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (average annual salaries via SEEK):
Work with children between two and five years of age to promote their learning and development.
Work with children between two and five years of age to promote their learning and development.
Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills.
Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills.
Develop the curriculum, set policies and oversee daily operations of an early childhood centre.
Develop the curriculum, set policies and oversee daily operations of an early childhood centre.
Engage children with the learning process to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, and foster social, physical and emotional growth.
Engage children with the learning process to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, and foster social, physical and emotional growth.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is a strong pathway to a successful career in child education and gaining the practical skills needed to thrive in a range of education settings.
Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.
Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!
We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.
Download a course guide
The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.
