100% Online
100% Online
Learning Mode
Undergraduate
Qualification
4 years full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Dates
32
Units
$592*
Fees Per Unit
Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) qualifies you to teach children aged six weeks to 12 years old across childcare centres, kindergartens and primary schools.
Learn how to create engaging learning experiences through areas such as literacy, numeracy, the arts and play-based learning.
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 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 make sure you’re prepared and supported every step of the way.
Who is this course for?
This course is great if you’re finishing school and know that teaching is what you want to pursue, or if you’re thinking of changing careers and are inspired to make a difference in the lives of young learners.
How you’ll study
This course is not available to international students.
Curriculum Planning: Create learning activities to engage students and develop their skills.
Supporting Young Learners: Understand why children display different behaviours and learn how to best approach them.
Well-being in Early Childhood: Explore a range of issues surrounding children’s health, nutrition and safety.
Teaching in a Changing World: Step into the modern classroom with confidence. You’ll learn to adapt to rapid changes and teach skills that are necessary now.
‘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 join a career with a 3.9 satisfaction rating (SEEK), seen as rewarding and truly inspiring.
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 with a major in Early Childhood and Primary you must complete 32 units in total, with 5 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.
How do professional placements work?
Professional experience placements are a mandatory component of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) and a great way for you to gain real classroom experience. Placements are completed alongside online coursework.
How does the GTPA help demonstrate your classroom readiness?
Swinburne Online has incorporated the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) into the final year of primary professional experience units. This narrative-based assignment lets you demonstrate your classroom practice by creating a unit plan, developing lesson plans, assessing student learning, and reflecting on your teaching.
Completed as part of your professional experience, the GTPA brings together the knowledge and skills you’ve developed throughout your studies.
You’ll complete placements in early childhood and primary school settings, with support from course tutors and advisors throughout your placement experience.
When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to practise as a childcare professional or primary teacher, with accreditation from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
You will also need to complete the CASPer suitability tool in line with the AITSL and government Initial Teacher Education (ITE) requirements.
If you miss the last CASPer test date for our upcoming intake, we have an alternative pathway available to ensure you can commence your studies without any delays!
You can find more detailed information about the Bachelor of Educational Studies pathway in the tab to the left.
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 & Primary? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
The Bachelor of Educational Studies is a supported non-accredited pathway into the Bachelor of Education with a major in Early Childhood & Primary, designed specifically for students who miss the last CASPer test date, to ensure you can still commence your studies in our upcoming intake, without any delay.
This pathway can also be used by students who are wanting to study an accredited teaching course, but don’t yet meet the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary) direct entry requirements.
You’ll study the same units in the Bachelor of Educational Studies as you would in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary), meaning the units you have completed in the Bachelor of Educational Studies will be credited towards your teaching degree.
You will gain knowledge in a range of areas, including educational theory, systems and practice. You will also develop broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts impacting primary Education in Australian and global contexts.
Have more questions about the Bachelor of Educational Studies or your eligibility for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary)? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
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.
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.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
You will also need to complete the CASPer suitability tool in line with the AITSL and government Initial Teacher Education (ITE) requirements.
If you miss the last CASPer test date for our upcoming intake, we have an alternative pathway available to ensure you can commence your studies without any delays!
You can find more detailed information about the Bachelor of Educational Studies pathway in the tab to the left.
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 & Primary? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
The Bachelor of Educational Studies is a supported non-accredited pathway into the Bachelor of Education with a major in Early Childhood & Primary, designed specifically for students who miss the last CASPer test date, to ensure you can still commence your studies in our upcoming intake, without any delay.
This pathway can also be used by students who are wanting to study an accredited teaching course, but don’t yet meet the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary) direct entry requirements.
You’ll study the same units in the Bachelor of Educational Studies as you would in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary), meaning the units you have completed in the Bachelor of Educational Studies will be credited towards your teaching degree.
You will gain knowledge in a range of areas, including educational theory, systems and practice. You will also develop broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts impacting primary Education in Australian and global contexts.
Have more questions about the Bachelor of Educational Studies or your eligibility for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary)? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
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.
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.
*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.
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 Consultants 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, speak with our Course Consultant team today!
With a qualification in early childhood education, you could work across a variety of learning and care settings. Explore some potential career outcomes and indicative average annual salaries below (SEEK, 2026).
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.
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.
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.
Plan and deliver lessons based on the Australian curriculum, assess student progress, and work to support their overall development. This role requires a relevant teaching degree and registration with the relevant state or territory teaching authority.
Plan and deliver lessons based on the Australian curriculum, assess student progress, and work to support their overall development. This role requires a relevant teaching degree and registration with the relevant state or territory teaching authority.
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.
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: You’ll develop valuable skills in communication, curriculum planning, and working with diverse learners – skills that are highly sought-after in many sectors beyond teaching.
Solid Foundation: The degree serves as a stepping stone for further study, such as moving into educational leadership, curriculum planning, or even roles in social work.
Career Opportunities: As a qualified early childhood teacher or primary school teacher, you will be able to work in a variety of settings like childhood development centres, preschools, daycare facilities and primary schools.
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 Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime!
What you’ll use Canvas for:
Think of the Student Hub as your online campus, where you will be able to:
You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.
You’ll have access to:
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People!
Support available includes:
Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.
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.
