General Information

Overview

Become an inspiring teacher and engage children across a range of subjects using the latest teaching techniques and technology.

Through collaborative group activities and school-based practical placements you'll develop the skills to design effective learning experiences, including addressing diversity to tailor learning experiences to the needs of your students.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) 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.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Learning and Communicating Online
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
COM10003
Theories of Teaching and Learning
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10004
The World of Maths
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10003
Understanding Language and Literacy
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10002
Indigenous Education and Perspectives
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10005
Introduction to Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10001
Developing Literacy
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20001
Mathematics in Practice
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20002
Understanding and Supporting Inclusion
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30005
Social and Emotional Learning
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20014
Health and Physical Education
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30014
Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Primary: Practicum 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20006
Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20003
Arts Education
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40008
Teaching the Humanities
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40011
Discovering Science
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30011
Curriculum and Pedagogy for Primary: Practicum 3P
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30015
Teaching Science
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30064
Integrated Studies
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40007
Teaching Technologies
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30059
Teaching English
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30063
Mathematics in the Primary Classroom (Mathematics Specialisation)
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30066
Teaching English (English Specialisation)
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30067
Supporting Diversity and Equity
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30013
Supporting Diversity and Equity
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30013
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
Sustainable Education and Perspectives
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20005
Teaching in Australian Schools
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30016
Assessment for Primary School
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40010

Choose from a combination of 37.5 credit points of other study. Students may also select minor or elective units (50 credit points).

Recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

Find more detail about elective units

Aims and objectives

At the completion of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduates will be able to:

  • apply their broad and coherent knowledge of students aged birth to 12 years and how they learn to show initiative and judgement when making decisions or solving problems
  • use their broad and coherent knowledge of Primary School content areas within the Australian context to critically review theory and practice
  • show initiative and judgement to plan for, and implement, effective teaching and learning in diverse contexts with the capacity to solve problems with intellectual independence
  • adapt knowledge and skills to critically analyse information in diverse contexts, and to create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
  • assess, provide feedback and report on student learning using clear and coherent communication with the ability to critically analyse, consolidate and synthesise assessment information
  • take responsibility and accountability for own learning to identify, engage in and apply professional learning, individually and in collaboration with others
  • engage professionally with colleagues, families and children, and the communication skills to present clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas.

Academic Progress – Special Requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, the Bachelor of Education (Primary) has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):

  1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they
    • (a) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a teaching placement
    • (b) fail to attempt both component tests of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to completing 100 credit points of studies
  2. A student is classified as having 'unsatisfactory progress' if they
    • (a) fail to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to completing 200 credit points of studies or following three attempts
    • (b) fail a Teaching Placement unit
    • (c) have their teaching placement terminated early by a school. In the case of early termination of a teaching placement by a school, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review processes will commence within two weeks of the cessation of the placement

Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.

Career opportunities

Graduates with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) will be specialised in the education and development of young children from five to 12 years of age. They will be qualified to undertake teaching positions in primary schools.

Professional recognition

This course meets the academic requirements outlined by The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). VIT recognition enables graduates to register as a teacher Australia wide.

On completion of an Education degree, all Teachers must register with the appropriate teacher body. Any criminal offence or proceedings need to be declared as part of the registration process. If you have any concerns about your future eligibility please discuss this with your relevant teacher registration body. 

Professional placements

Placements are a key part of your education course and are a requirement for teacher registration. Swinburne Online will provide guidance and support through the Professional Placements Office to enable students to arrange their own placements.

Professional experience requires student teachers to hold a current Child Safety Screening checks, as required by their State/Territory, before commencing a professional placement. Find out more about placements.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) is 150 credit points (normally 12 units)

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Bachelor of Education (Primary)?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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