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Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Inspire young learners and help shape their future.

  • – Gain practical experience in real Australian classrooms
  • – Build a solid understanding of language and literacy development, health and physical education, curriculum planning, and 21st-century teaching skills
  • – Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

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4 years full-time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

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32

Units

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$592*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Bachelor of Education (Primary)?

Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) is an accredited undergraduate degree that prepares you to teach and inspire kids in primary schools across Australia.

Led by experienced education professionals with recent or current classroom teaching practice, this course combines structured academic study with teaching placements in real school classrooms.

We embed professional placements throughout the course, ensuring you graduate with demonstrated experience and the practical skills required for teacher registration.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for professionals who want to build a meaningful career in primary education. Whether you’re a training and development specialist looking to formalise your expertise, a classroom support aide ready to lead your own learning environment, or a working professional seeking a career change, this program provides the accredited pathway you need to advance.

This course is not available to international students.

How you’ll study

  • – The Bachelor of Education (Primary) runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
  • – Expected study load is 10 hours per week, per unit.
  • – Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
  • – You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.
  • – Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, podcasts, quizzes, written modules, and discussion boards.

Course Highlights

Classroom Management Techniques: Learn practical, age-appropriate classroom management techniques that help nurture a positive and dynamic learning environment for children aged 5-12.

Curriculum Planning: Create learning activities to engage students and develop their skills.

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.

Child Behaviour: Understand why children display different behaviours and learn how to best approach them.

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

5.1% ▴

As a Primary School Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 5.1% 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

5.1% ▴

As a Primary School Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 5.1% 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 (Primary) 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.

How do professional placements work?

Professional experience placements are a mandatory component of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and a great way for you to gain real classroom experience. Placements are completed alongside online coursework.

  • You’ll do four supervised placements in accredited primary school settings.
  • Placements are completed under the guidance of an approved supervising teacher.
  • You’ll source your own placements but can ask for guidance from your learning advisors.
  • The final placement unit — Ready to Teach Professional Experience: Practicum 4P — requires students to demonstrate competence across all elements of the APST Graduate stage as a condition of graduation.

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

Developing Literacy

Mathematics in Practice

Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development

Sustainable Education and Perspectives

Social and Emotional Learning

Understanding and Supporting Inclusion

Families, Community and Citizenship

Mathematics in the Primary Classroom

Discovering Science

Health and Physical Education

Teaching in Australian Schools

Teaching English

Teaching Technologies

Teaching Science

Teaching Early Reading

Literacy and Numeracy across the Curriculum

Teacher Well-Being, Resilience and Emotional Intelligence

Advocacy and Social Justice

Integrated Studies

Arts Education

Assessment for Primary School

Teaching the Humanities

Innovation for Education

Introduction to Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Primary: Practicum 1

Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Primary: Practicum 2

Curriculum and Pedagogy for Primary: Practicum 3P

Ready to Teach Professional Experience: Practicum 4P

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

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

  • – Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English and mathematics study score; or
  • – A completed Diploma in a related field from a public or dual sector TAFE, or Swinburne approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO); or
  • – A completed or partially completed approved Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelors degree (subject to assessment)

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 Primary? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Bachelor of Educational Studies

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!

Additional requirements

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 (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 the Care for Kids website.

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.

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 $592*.
  • 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, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) provides a foundation for a range of roles across the education sector. Here's what you could do – and what you might earn (average annual salaries via SEEK 2026).

$100,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

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.

$205,000 to $225,000 Average Salary

Lead the educational direction of a primary school and ensure the curriculum is taught to national standards. Principals also play a key role in creating a safe and welcoming learning environment, fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and the wider community.

Lead the educational direction of a primary school and ensure the curriculum is taught to national standards. Principals also play a key role in creating a safe and welcoming learning environment, fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and the wider community.

$90,000 to $110,000 Average Salary

Drive educational excellence by leading pedagogy, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with the Australian Curriculum or relevant frameworks. Curriculum Leaders also develop, review, and implement curriculum materials to improve student learning outcomes,

Drive educational excellence by leading pedagogy, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with the Australian Curriculum or relevant frameworks. Curriculum Leaders also develop, review, and implement curriculum materials to improve student learning outcomes,

$110,000 Average Salary

Take on the role of a key school leader reporting to the Principal, responsible for managing significant school functions, improving teaching quality, and supporting student welfare. Also drive curriculum development, manage staff performance, and oversee daily operations.

Take on the role of a key school leader reporting to the Principal, responsible for managing significant school functions, improving teaching quality, and supporting student welfare. Also drive curriculum development, manage staff performance, and oversee daily operations.

$95,000 to $98,000 Average Salary

Become a highly skilled education professional focused on improving teaching quality, designing educational frameworks, and enhancing student learning outcomes.

Become a highly skilled education professional focused on improving teaching quality, designing educational frameworks, and enhancing student learning outcomes.

$80,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Advise schools, families, or institutions on curriculum, learning support, or student placement. Education Consultants also assess learning needs, design intervention programs, guide school/career selection, and provide expert advice on pedagogy or policy.

Advise schools, families, or institutions on curriculum, learning support, or student placement. Education Consultants also assess learning needs, design intervention programs, guide school/career selection, and provide expert advice on pedagogy or policy.

$125,000 to $130,000 Average Salary

Provide social, emotional, and academic support to students. Also facilitate student well-being, manage mental health challenges, assist with career and study pathways, and collaborate with staff, parents, and external agencies

Provide social, emotional, and academic support to students. Also facilitate student well-being, manage mental health challenges, assist with career and study pathways, and collaborate with staff, parents, and external agencies

$130,000 to $150,000 Average Salary

Focus on instructional leadership: coaching staff, modeling exemplary practice, managing curriculum improvement, and driving school-wide strategic priorities.

Focus on instructional leadership: coaching staff, modeling exemplary practice, managing curriculum improvement, and driving school-wide strategic priorities.

How can this qualification help me become a teacher?

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) helps you build the skills and experience to teach in primary schools across Australia.

Reflective practice: Build self-awareness and a mindset of ongoing learning throughout your teaching career.

Technology: Gain confidence with new digital teaching tools and help build better classrooms.

Hands-on experience: Complete multiple teaching placements and gain real-world classroom experience.

Skills that do more: Learn to be adaptable, communicate with understanding, empathies and help through pivotal times of students lives.

Diverse school communities: Gain experience in a range of educational settings and communities.

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 Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime!

What you’ll use Canvas for:

  • Explore all your units and modules
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates
  • Receive assessments and feedback
  • Track your study progress
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus, where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information
  • Access library and technical support
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more
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Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.

You’ll have access to:

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated
  • 7‑day support – to assistant you at any time

Indigenous Student Services

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: 

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

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

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 Education 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.

Get in Touch