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Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

Play a vital role in the development of young lives.

  • Join an industry with an expected job growth of 21.6% by 2030
  • Be prepared for modern educational challenges and innovations
  • Build a solid understanding of educational theory, child behavior, curriculum planning, and practical classroom management
  • Accredited by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

4 years full-time

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Icon Start Dates

Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

32

Units

Icon Fees

$578.38*

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OVERVIEW

Are you ready to give children the best start in life?

For young children, the time leading up to entering primary school is an important one, in which a child grows both physically and mentally, and cognitive skills develop at a faster rate than at any other time of life. Early childhood teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) is accredited by the leading industry body, the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Upon graduation, you will be qualified to teach in the pre-primary school early childhood education sector, with the flexibility to work in a range of settings including children’s centres, kindergartens, preschools and early learning centres.

Completed over four years (or part-time equivalent), you will develop a foundation in educational theory, literacy and numeracy, and build the practical skills and techniques you need to manage a classroom and the specific needs of pre-primary aged children. You will have the opportunity to implement these techniques in your practicums and fourth-year work placements.

This course is not available to international students. 

Key Learnings Include

  • Classroom Management Techniques: Learn practical, age-appropriate classroom management techniques that help nurture a positive and dynamic learning environment for children aged 0–5.
  • Practical Skills for Early Childhood Teaching: Apply early-childhood specific learning techniques in group learning contexts, preparing dynamic lesson plans that harness the education potential of play and creativity.
  • Curriculum Planning: Create learning activities to engage students and develop their skills.
  • Child Behaviour: Understand why children display different behaviours and learn how to best approach them.
  • Health & Activity: Explore a range of issues surrounding children’s health, nutrition and safety.
  • Twenty-First Century Teaching: Embrace the role of being a teacher in an era of rapid change.

Professional accreditations

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘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

21.6% ▴

As a Kindergarten Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 21.6% increase expected in the next five years.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.

‘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

21.6% ▴

As a Kindergarten Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 21.6% increase expected in the next five years.

Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) you must complete 32 units in total made up of:

  • 24 Core Units
  • 4 Placement Units
  • 4 Elective Units

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.

What you'll study:

 

Introduction to Academic Language, Literacy and Numeracy in Education

Understanding Language and Literacy

The World of Maths

Theories of Teaching and Learning

Indigenous Education and Perspectives

Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century

Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development

Developing Literacy

Mathematics in Practice

Sustainable Education and Perspectives

Understanding and Supporting Behaviour

Imagining the World through Language and Literature

Science and Technology

Well-Being and Resilience

Understanding and Supporting Inclusion

Families, Community and Citizenship

Imagining the World through the Arts

Educational Leadership, Management and Program Assessment

The Healthy and Active Child

Play and Environment

Identity: The Early Childhood Professional

Advocacy and Social Justice

Nature Pedagogies

Achieving High Quality Early Learning

Introduction to Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 1

Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 2

Planning, Teaching and Learning for Infants: Practicum 3E

Ready to Teach Early Childhood: Practicum 5e

You can choose four (4) electives.

Entry Requirements

Non-Year 12 entry

If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:

  • Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
  • Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
  • Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Year 12 entry

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.

Course Pre-requisites

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.

Credit arrangements

If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).

  • Case-by-case assessment: Every applicant is assessed individually.
  • If you’ve completed a Diploma in a related field, you may be eligible for credit.
  • Previous tertiary studies: If your past studies meet part of the academic requirements for the course, you may get credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you gain credit based on skills and knowledge from your work experience, life experience, or formal training.
  • Like credit transfer, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.

Other requirements

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.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $578.38*.
  • There are 32 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

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:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (average annual salaries via SEEK):

$90,000 Average Salary

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.

$95,000 Average Salary

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills.

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills.

$65,000 - $95,000 Average Salary

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.

$90,000 - $130,000 Average Salary

Combine your leadership skills with your early childhood sector expertise to lead community and family engagement for an early childhood teaching centre or service.

Combine your leadership skills with your early childhood sector expertise to lead community and family engagement for an early childhood teaching centre or service.

Prepare for a career the right way.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) 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.

  • Hands-On Experience: The degree includes multiple teaching placements, giving you real-world classroom experience and making you job-ready from day one.
  • Transferable Skills: Support children’s development holistically while covering literacy, numeracy, social-emotional growth, and physical well-being.
  • Solid Foundation: Practical focus and accreditation ensure you will graduate ready to meet the evolving needs of early childhood education.
  • Career Opportunities: This degree qualifies you to work as a fully registered early childhood teacher to work in preschools, kindergartens, childcare centers.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

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.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

 

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Your online classroom - Canvas

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!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

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.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

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.