Overview

Inspire and teach children up to five years old in kindergartens, preschools and early learning centres. 

Learn how to support and grow a child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical development through innovative teaching methods. Engage in unique units of study of nature play, social justice, sustainability and Indigenous knowledges.

Change of Preference Expo

Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.

Your industry experience

This degree includes a mandatory work placement as a professional accreditation requirement. You’ll complete four professional placements, adding up to around 80 days of real classroom experience guided by an experienced mentor. This globally recognised degree is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Emerging technologies
  • Leadership
  • Problem-solving
  • Innovation
  • Intercultural competence
  • Contextual and theoretical knowledge

Your career opportunities

  • Early childhood educator
  • Early childhood teacher
  • Classroom teacher

Key codes

CRICOS course code
0101392
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400211743
VTAC Code (CSP)
3400211741
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Professional accreditations

Why Swinburne?

Top 500 in the world for education

5 stars for overall experience

5 stars for teaching quality

#1 in Melbourne for support services

Qualifications

One of the following:

  • successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
  • completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificate IV (completed), Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees)

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

65.0

Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2024 [after adjustment factors]

66.05

You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.

If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements. 

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.

*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.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Course prerequisites

  • VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in English (other than EAL) or at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).


Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results.

  • VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in English (other than EAL) or at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).


Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results.

Other requirements

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. View the list of each state's requirements.

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. View the list of each state's requirements.

View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of education, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks and professional placements in education and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Apply for a pathway course

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.

Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.

How credit points work

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

24
Core units
+
4
Elective units
+
4
Placement units
=
4-year bachelor degree

What your course could look like

This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2025 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.

Units of study Unit code
Semester 1
Understanding Language and Literacy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10002
The World of Maths
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10003
Theories of Teaching and Learning
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10004
Introduction to Academic Language, Literacy and Numeracy in Education
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10026
Semester 2
Indigenous Education and Perspectives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10005
Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10006
Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development for Early Childhood
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10007
Introduction to Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU10001
Want to see the full range of electives?

Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.

Units of study Unit code
Semester 1
Developing Literacy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU20001
Mathematics in Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU20002
Elective
Elective unit
Elective
Elective unit
Semester 2
Understanding and Supporting Behaviour
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU20004
Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU20053
Science and Technology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30002
Wellbeing and Resilience
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30004
Units of study Unit code
Semester 1
Imagining the World Through Language and Literature
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30001
Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Infants: Practicum 3E
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30003
Understanding and Supporting Inclusion
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30005
Play and Environment
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU40002
Semester 2
Families, Community and Citizenship
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30006
Imagining the World Through the Arts
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30007
The Healthy and Active Child
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU40001
Identity: The Early Childhood Profession(al)
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU40003
Units of study Unit code
Semester 1
Educational Leadership, Management and Program Assessment
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU30062
Nature Pedagogies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU40020
Achieving High Quality Early Learning
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU40021
Elective
Elective unit
Semester 2
Sustainable Education and Perspectives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU20005
Advocacy and Social Justice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU40004
Ready to Teach Professional Experience: Practicum 4P
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU40012
Elective
Elective unit

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$4,627

Total fee* ($AUD)

$18,508

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$32,880.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front. 

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for HECS-HELP

You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:

  • are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
  • hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

Accreditation placement fees

Placement opportunities at Swinburne are designed to provide valuable experience, promote career readiness, and recognise the importance of practical skills in achieving your goals. Students attending placements will be required to cover fees with costs ranging from approximately $350 to $600, depending on the specific course.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
BA-EDUECT
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code
BA-EDUECT
Apply directly
Course code
BA-EDUECT
CRICOS code
0101392
Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC Code (CSP)
3400211741
Apply through VTAC
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400211743
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Upcoming events
Change of Preference Expo 2024
13-December-2024