Pathway with credit to a teacher education degree
Smaller class sizes
Learn the skills to succeed at university
Why choose education at Deakin
Start your teaching journey with Deakin’s Associate Degree of Education, from a university ranked #3 in Australia and #13 globally for education. Designed for those new to university or unsure about entry requirements, this course introduces you to study and sets you on a pathway to becoming a teacher.
You will complete core and foundation units from the Bachelor of Education (Primary) while building key skills in digital literacy, teamwork and critical thinking. Immerse yourself in the Deakin environment and experience our world-class teaching facilities. Gain a deep understanding of the following disciplines: arts education, humanities, literacy, maths, science, Australian history and physical education. You will also complete a professional experience unit, including a compulsory five-day teaching placement. Graduates can transition into Deakin’s undergraduate teaching degrees (Casper test required), with maximum credit toward the Bachelor of Education (Primary).
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Pathway to teaching
An ideal course if you are new to university, with a clear transition into Deakin’s undergraduate teaching degrees and maximum credit toward the Bachelor of Education (Primary).
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Build skills for university and beyond
Develop communication, digital literacy, teamwork and critical thinking alongside core education studies.
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Classroom experience built-in
Learn by doing, with a compulsory five-day school placement to prepare you to teach in classrooms.
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Be supported as you learn
As Victoria’s #1 university for student support, we care about your study journey. At Deakin, you will feel supported to achieve your best.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Graduate with guaranteed entry and credit towards Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Health and Physical Education or Bachelor of Education (Primary), subject to completing the Casper test.
Primary school teacher
A Bachelor of Education (Primary) prepares you to educate children aged 5 to 12, building literacy and numeracy skills while supporting their social, physical and emotional development.
- $103k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 9,200
More teaching roles
Physical education teacher
A Bachelor of Health and Physical Education prepares you to develop and deliver instructional plans that encourage physical activity through organised games and sports for students aged 5 to 18.
- $103k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Industries you may work in
- Education
- Government departments
- Health sector
- Media
- Public service
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
Related courses
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Associate Degree of Education?
Develop the core skills needed to succeed at university, including communication and teamwork, while gaining practical classroom experience and foundational teaching skills.
Foundational skills
Develop communication skills
Learn how to write essays, sit exams and deliver written and oral presentations.
Build digital capability
Explore how to evaluate, use and present digital information effectively.
Learn core teaching skills
Develop the understanding, confidence and capacity to teach primary mathematics, as well as print literacy and early reading.
Deepening understanding
Learn how to maintain professional wellbeing
Explore and understand the code of ethics and responsibilities that guide professional growth in teaching.
Gain practical experience
Take part in a teaching placement, apply feedback from supervising teachers and learn how to develop and structure lesson plans.
Develop classroom knowledge
Learn how to create an inclusive environment, where every child feels valued and apply this during your school placement.
Course structure
To complete the Associate Degree of Education, you must pass 16 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
To be completed in the first year of study:
Foundation units
Core units
Foundation Units:
Core Units:
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
The Associate Degree of Education involves compulsory school placements of 5-days in year 2.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| 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. |
| Use oral, written and electronic communication skills to coherently present knowledge and ideas in a range of educational contexts. |
| Navigate a range of digital technologies in order to locate, analyse, synthesise and communicate complex information. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Act with autonomy, responsibility and accountability in learning and working independently and reflectively to deepen professional skills and knowledge of contemporary educational contexts. |
| 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. |
| 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
- Award granted
- Associate Degree of Education
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400310241 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400510241 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400710241 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$10,702
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
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 Health and Physical Education
You will not be eligible for credit 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-year full-time.
^ 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.