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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)
  • We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, who are not subject to course quotas and can apply at any time.
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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

4 years full-time

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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 Early Childhood 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 Early Childhood 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 with a major in Early Childhood Teaching you must complete 32 units in total, with 4 mandatory placements throughout your studies.

Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods (13 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

Entry Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

  • A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
  • Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.

Please note that we have limited availability in our Bachelor of Education courses all year round due to limited CSP offerings, so we cannot guarantee places will be available throughout the entire calendar year.

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Education with a major in Early Childhood Teaching? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

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.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

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 our Course Consultant team today!

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):

$85,000 to $100,000 Average Salary

Play a crucial role in the development of young children, typically from birth to age five, by providing care, education, and a nurturing environment. They work in various settings, and are responsible for planning and implementing play-based learning programs.

Play a crucial role in the development of young children, typically from birth to age five, by providing care, education, and a nurturing environment. They work in various settings, and are responsible for planning and implementing play-based learning programs.

$90,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills, typically aged three to six, in the years before they start formal schooling. Create a play-based learning environment, nurturing children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through various activities and interactions.

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills, typically aged three to six, in the years before they start formal schooling. Create a play-based learning environment, nurturing children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through various activities and interactions.

$85,000 and $110,000 Average Salary

Lead and manage an early learning center, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and nurturing environment for children. This role involves overseeing daily operations, curriculum development, staff management, and compliance with regulations.

Lead and manage an early learning center, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and nurturing environment for children. This role involves overseeing daily operations, curriculum development, staff management, and compliance with regulations.

$90,000 to $130,000 Average Salary

Oversee the operations of a childcare center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education while also managing staff and resources. Manage program planning, staff recruitment and professional development, financial management, and maintaining compliance.

Oversee the operations of a childcare center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education while also managing staff and resources. Manage program planning, staff recruitment and professional development, financial management, and maintaining compliance.

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

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online, from enrolment and your first day through to graduation. Our dedicated teams are here to help you stay on track, feel confident, and succeed in your studies.

Support tailored to you:

    • Our Student Advisors are your go to guides, available 7 days a week to support you with course planning, technical support, and other any questions you may have along the way.
    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will support you in every unit with unit information, learning materials, assessments, and referencing.
    • Our Student Coaches will help you build motivation, set goals, and develop effective study habits so you can stay focused and succeed.

With ongoing access to support, tools, and resources, you are never studying alone with Swinburne Online.

Indigenous Student Services

Access opportunities. Get tailored support with your studies. Thrive as an Indigenous student with the team at the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People. Established in 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) handles all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne. This includes governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture and engagement. Student services include but are not limited to:

    • Dedicated student support services
    • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP)
    • Cultural and engagement programs
    • Networking opportunities, career support and much more

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.