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Associate Degree of Education

Undergraduate degree

Begin your journey to becoming a teacher. Youll complete core units and develop the foundation skills required to succeed at university.

This course is only available for domestic students.

Key facts

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Begin your journey to teaching by studying an Associate Degree of Education at Deakin – ranked #11 university in the world for education and educational research. 

Whether you are looking to forge a path in education, have never studied at university, or you are not sure if you meet the entry requirements, this degree is for you. It is designed to introduce you to what it's like to study at Deakin and to set you on the pathway to becoming a teacher.

You will complete core and elective units from your choice of undergraduate teaching degrees; Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education or the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. You can look forward to also developing the foundation skills required to succeed at university – digital literacy, teamwork, communication, critical thinking abilities and more.

Do you want to create a pathway to your ultimate career as a teacher?

Immerse yourself in the Deakin environment and experience our world-class teaching facilities while benefiting from a supported entry into tertiary study. Your study will enable you to gain deeper understanding of the following disciplines:

  • arts education
  • Australian history
  • humanities
  • literacy
  • maths
  • physical education
  • science.

You will complete a professional experience unit, that will prepare you to teach in real-world primary school settings during your bachelor degree.

Once you have successfully completed your associate degree, you will be on track to step into one of Deakin's undergraduate teaching degrees to become a fully registered teacher.

Before beginning your further studies, prospective teaching students need to successfully complete the Casper test – an online, video scenario-based test that lets you demonstrate your suitability for a teaching career.

Please note upon completion of the Associate Degree of Education you can go into any Deakin undergraduate teaching course (Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education or Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, or Bachelor of Education (Primary)). however, you will receive the most credit if you enter Bachelor of Education (Primary).   

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Course information

Award granted
Associate Degree of Education
Year

2025 course information

VTAC code
1400310241 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510241 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400710241 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code
E200
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6

Course structure

To qualify for the Associate Degree of Education, students will be required to complete 16 credit points of study comprising:

  • 13 credit points of core units
  • 1 credit point elective unit
  • 2 credit points of primary specialisation units
  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001
  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

13

Core units

1

Elective units

2

Specialisation units

16

Total

Year 1

Foundation units

  • Communication Skills for Study and Work
  • Digital Literacy: Finding, Evaluating and Interpreting Information
  • Teamwork: Working Constructively with Others
  • Core units

  • Engaging and Exploring Arts Education
  • Understanding Early Reading Development
  • Humanities Through Experiential Pedagogy
  • Foundations of Science Knowledge and Practice
  • Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
  • Year 2

    Foundation Units:

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Using Analysis to Develop Solutions
  • Core Units:

  • Primary Physical Education
  • Perspectives On Learning and Teachers' Work
  • Social Contexts of Education
  • Australian Indigenous Education: Recognition, Relationships and Reconciliation
  • Elective Units:

    Elective

    Primary Specialisation Units:

    2 credit points of primary specialisation units

    Specialisations

    Primary Specialisation

    Specialisation Unit 1

    Specialisation Unit 2

    Specialisation Unit 3

    Specialisation Unit 4

    Health and Physical Education

    SP-E359007

  • Sport and Exercise Practice EEH203
  • OR

  • Teaching Sexuality and Relationship Education EEH315
  • OR

  • Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology HBS109
  • Health Psychology (Behaviour Change) HBS110
  • Health and Physical Education in the Curriculum EEH302
  • Building Leadership Capacity in the School and Wider Community ECP400
  • Languages

    SP-E359008

    Diploma of Languages units^

    Diploma of Languages units^

  • Teaching and Learning in Languages Classrooms ETL710
  • Building Leadership Capacity in the School and Wider Community ECP400
  • Language and Literacy

    SP-E359002

  • Literature for Children and Young Adults ALL153
  • Adapting Children's Texts Across Media ALL230
  • OR

  • Australian Literature ALL260
  • Diversity, Language and Literacy ECL351
  • Building Leadership Capacity in the School and Wider Community ECP400
  • Mathematics and Numeracy

    SP-E359001

  • Mathematical Reasoning and Investigation SIT176
  • OR

  • Database Fundamentals SIT103
  • Problem Solving, Modelling and Mathematical Applications ESM215
  • OR

  • Fundamentals of Finance MAF101
  • Primary Mathematics Lesson Study ESM303
  • Building Leadership Capacity in the School and Wider Community ECP400
  • Science

    SP-E359003

  • Cells and Genes SLE111
  • OR

  • Chemistry in Our World SLE133
  • OR

  • Ecology and the Environment SLE103
  • Physics for the Life Sciences SLE123
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education EES300
  • Building Leadership Capacity in the School and Wider Community ECP400
  • ^ Deakin has four options for languages study: Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian, Spanish:
    Concurrent enrolments in A221 Diploma of Arabic or A222 Diploma of Chinese, or A223 Diploma of Indonesian, or A224 Diploma of Spanish or equivalent with up to 4 credit points of RPL are given upon the completion. Completion of 3 units from any of A221 or A222 or A223 or A224 and enrolment in one further unit of A221, A222, A223 or A224 or equivalent are pre-requisite for ETL710. The Diploma can be undertaken concurrently with another course and is of 3 years part-time duration with eight credit points.

    There are two options for each Diploma:
    i) for students with no background in the language; or
    ii) an advanced study for those with Year 12 level (or equivalent) in the language.

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Warrnambool

    Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

    Additional course information

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

    Participation requirements

    The Associate Degree of Education involves compulsory school placements of 5-days in year 2.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • successful completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
    • completion of a certificate III or higher in any discipline

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Non-academic requirements

    All Applicants for the Associate Degree of Education must complete the Associate Degree of Education Personal Statement Form.

    Selection adjustments

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more. 

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $9,134 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships.

    In particular for applicants interested in studying at the Warrnambool campus, the Deakin Warrnambool residential scholarship may be of interest.

    Apply now

    Apply through VTAC

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.

    Apply directly to Deakin

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Download the course flyer

    To learn more about what the Associate Degree of Education at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.

    Pathways

    This course is designed to support your pathway into one of Deakin’s undergraduate teaching degrees. On successful completion of the Associate Degree of Education, you may articulate into one of the degrees below and be eligible for guaranteed entry, subject to meeting the entry requirements of that course*.

    Bachelor of Education (Primary)

    You may receive up to 12 credit points of Recognition of prior learning for units undertaken in E200 Associate Degree of Education. Completion of both the associate degree and the Bachelor of Education (Primary) can be undertaken in 5-years full-time.

    Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education

    You may receive up to 5 credit points of Recognition of prior learning* for units undertaken in E200 Associate Degree of Education. Completion of both the associate degree and the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education can be undertaken in 6-years full-time.

    *The amount of Recognition of prior learning awarded will vary according to the specialisation sequence selected upon entry into the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education.

    Bachelor of Health and Physical Education

    You may receive up to 3 credit points of Recognition of prior learning* for units undertaken in E200 Associate Degree of Education. Completion of both the associate degree and the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education can be undertaken in 6-years full-time.

    *The amount of Recognition of prior learning awarded will vary according to the specialisation sequence selected upon entry into the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.

    ^ All Applicants into a Deakin teaching degree must successfully complete an additional selection tool for non-academic attributes. Deakin University is using the Casper assessment tool. Casper is an online, video-scenario based situational judgement test, designed to measure non-academic suitability for teaching.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

    #11 in the world for education and educational research*

    Victorian Institute of Teaching guided curriculum

    Pathway to primary education

    #1 university in Victoria for student satisfaction*

    Career outcomes

    As a graduate of the Associate Degree of Education, you will have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education or Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, or Bachelor of Education (Primary) and credit towards this degree, provided you successfully complete the Casper test.

    An associate degree equips you with the skills to succeed at both university and in your future career. Open yourself to employment opportunities as a qualified teacher or across a range of fields, including:

    • education
    • government departments
    • health sector
    • media
    • private academies/agencies
    • public service.

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities Apply theoretical knowledge and skills in education to an emerging understanding of curriculum and pedagogy appropriate to the discipline-specific teaching and learning needs of students
    Communication Use oral, written and electronic communication skills to coherently present knowledge and ideas in a range of educational contexts
    Digital literacy Navigate a range of digital technologies in order to locate, analyse, synthesise and communicate complex information
    Critical thinking Critically analyse and evaluate educational and scholarly materials in order to articulate rationales and philosophies for approaches to teaching and learning: curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
    Problem solving Use knowledge and skills in education to generate creative, innovative and authentic solutions to a range of real-world problems encountered in learning environment and communities
    Self-management Act with autonomy, responsibility and accountability in learning and working independently and reflectively to deepen professional skills and knowledge of contemporary educational contexts
    Teamwork Apply the theories of teamwork in order to work and learn collaboratively with others and as a member of a team in professional and scholarly contexts
    Global citizenship Apply emerging knowledge and skills in education to design innovative learning experiences that address social justice, equity, diversity and ethical issues

    Approved at Faculty Board 2019

    *Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.