Key facts
IELTS band score of 7 with no band less than 6.5
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
If you’re passionate about children’s education, Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education opens the door to a range of inspiring career opportunities. Spanning the early childhood and primary education sectors, our dual-accredited degree focuses on contemporary issues in children’s learning and development, curriculum theories and pedagogies, discipline knowledge and the changing teaching and learning context within early childhood and primary education.
Through our Professional Experience Program you’ll not only gain key practical knowledge and skills, but invaluable insight into the classroom environment. With the option to combine your personal interests with a range of curriculum areas, you’ll undertake placements in early childhood and primary school settings that enrich and solidify your studies so that you graduate with the confidence and aptitude to meet the significant growth of the Australian early childhood education sector.
Are you ready to launch an exciting and rewarding career teaching children?
Deakin maintains close links with the education sector to ensure our courses are developed and reviewed with professional input. You’ll be taught by staff members who have teaching experience and who are recognised as leaders and innovators in their fields. This means you can be confident that what you learn with us will be relevant to your future teaching career.
In Australia, primary school teachers complete a specialisation in an area of expertise during their initial teacher education. Primary teaching specialisations include:
- literacy
- science
- mathematics
- language other than English.
The Professional Experience Program is a key part of every Deakin teaching student’s course experience. Working with more than 1400 schools and early childhood settings across Australia, we’ll arrange at least 115-days of placements for you in early childhood education and care settings, and schools where you’ll learn from experienced teachers.
Students also have access to specialised teaching spaces on campus to prepare for teaching.
Choose to study via Deakin's premium online learning platform and have the additional flexibility to balance work, life and study. Studying online is collaborative and engaging, while still allowing you to complete your studies when and where it suits you.
Students may be eligible for an attractive scholarship offered by the Victorian Department of Education and Training for pre-service teachers enrolled in early childhood teaching courses.
Additionally, the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education provides students with an approved pathway from the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (previously Diploma of Children’s Services offered through TAFE. Eligible students may receive up to 8 credit points of recognition for prior learning towards their degree.
Before beginning your 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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510693 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- E334
- CRICOS code?
- 102807A Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education, students must complete 32 credit points comprising:
- 30 credit points of core units;
- 2 credit points of Primary Teaching Specialisation in either: i) Science; or ii) Literacy, iii) Mathematics; iv) Languages
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- A maximum of 10 credit points at Level 1
- A minimum of 10 credit points at Level 3 or above
This course includes 115-days of supervised professional experience, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment (DTPA)*. This must be complete in the final year of study.Successful completion of this course indicates that a student has met the expected standard of performance for each of the Graduate Teacher Standards.
Students are also required to complete below two zero (0) credit point units ELN010 and ELN011 as part of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to graduate from their course.
* Students who do not pass the DTPA must seek advice from the course director.
30
Core
2
Specialisation
32
Total Units
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
1 credit point from primary teaching specialisation (Unit 1)
Year 4
1 credit point from primary teaching specialisation (Unit 2)
Primary Teaching Specialisations
Select one of the following four primary specialisations:
| Primary Specialisation | Unit 1 | Unit 2 |
| Language | Completion of Diploma^ | |
| Literacy | OR | |
| Mathematics | OR | |
| Science | | |
^ 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 RPL given upon completion. Enrolment in one of A221, A222, A223 or A224 courses and one associated co-requisite unit are required for ECL306. 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)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute.
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing placements.
International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.
Mandatory student checks
Teacher Education Graduation requirements
Students undertaking an initial teacher education course must pass an approved literacy and numeracy test in order to be eligible to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Learn more about the literacy and numeracy test.
Working with Children Check
Successful Applicants are required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional experience placements in education settings, as part of this course. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.
Interstate applicants must check the requirements and meet all conditions for undertaking professional experience in schools for their state or territory before undertaking professional experience placements as part of this course.
The Working with Children Check (Check) and a Police Check are different checks. Under the Working with Children Act 2005 (the Act) if you are doing child-related work and are not exempt, you must have a Check even if you already have a Police Check. The Police Check is not an assessment by a government agency. https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/organisations/victorian-teacher-information
Workload
Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period for each credit point undertaking required teaching, learning and assessment activities.
Participation requirements
Professional Experience Placements are a compulsory component of the course and a requirement for registration as a graduate teacher. Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Students are required to check the placement calendars published on the Professional Experience Office website each year. Placement takes priority over employment and placement periods are generally block placements of 5 full time days per week over 2-5 weeks.
Course delivery is blended and students are required to dedicate time to weekly engagement with located or online teaching and learning activities and resources. This is recommended at combined total 8-10 hours per week per unit including active learning/engagement either face to face or online, and independent study. Online students enrolled in the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education are required to attend conferences at a campus location twice a trimester.
Some units will require students to attend early childhood settings or institutions for site-based learning and teaching experiences. Some units will require students enrolled in online learning to attend on campus activities.
Work experience
Successful Applicants are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to undertaking professional experience placements in education settings, as part of this course. For more information see: https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Students will satisfactorily complete 115-days of professional experience placement in a wide range of education and care settings, as outlined below:
Year 1: 5-days in infant and toddler education and care settings
Year 2: 2 x 20-days (40-days in total) in kindergarten settings
Year 3: 20-days in infant and toddler education and care settings and 15-days in kindergarten or foundation (primary school) settings
Year 4: 35-days in primary school settings
The School of Education Professional Experience Office makes all arrangements for PST placements. The number of professional experience days align with requirements of external regulatory authorities (VIT and ACECQA).
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience office.
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Senior certificate of education
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE Prerequisite subjects
Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations, and has a minimum ATAR requirement of 70 including selection adjustments.
Casper
All applicants must sit the Casper test. Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes.
Learn more about how to register for Casper and deadlines for sittings for VTAC applications from here and direct applications from here.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Applicants are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have:
- not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years
- not meet the mathematics prerequisites
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisites. Learn more about the STAT.
Personal statement
All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Casper
All applicants must sit the Casper test. Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes.
Learn more about how to register for Casper and deadlines for sittings for VTAC applications from here and direct applications from here.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Polytechnic study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Applicants are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have:
- not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years
- not meet the mathematics prerequisites
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisites. Learn more about the STAT.
Personal statement
All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Casper
All applicants must sit the Casper test. Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes.
Learn more about how to register for Casper and deadlines for sittings for VTAC applications from here and direct applications from here.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Applicants are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have:
- not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years
- not meet the mathematics prerequisites
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisites. Learn more about the STAT.
Personal statement
All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Casper
All applicants must sit the Casper test. Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes.
Learn more about how to register for Casper and deadlines for sittings for VTAC applications from here and direct applications from here.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
The Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education provides an approved pathway from the Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Previously Diploma of Children’s Services) offered through TAFE.
Applicants who have completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education may receive 8 credit points of Recognition of Prior Learning, gaining entry into the course in the second year.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of 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 eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that 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 international student fees.
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
Apply now
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education with our pathways finder.
Pathways for credit are available for this course. Details of institutional credit agreements are published in the RPL database. International students can apply for packaged offers for some of these pathways.
Applicants who have completed a Diploma of Early Childhood Education (or equivalent) are eligible to receive 8 Credit Points, gaining entry into the course in the second year.
Applicants who have completed at least 2 units in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (E333) at Deakin University are eligible to receive Credit for the units they have completed. Entry into the course is dependent on the following:
- A minimum WAM of 65
- Completion of an additional selection tool for non-academic attributes. Deakin University is using the Casper test. Casper is an online, video-scenario based situational judgement test, designed to measure non-academic suitability for teaching.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education provides a pathway into the Graduate Certificate in Educational Research.
Guaranteed pathways
Entry is dependent on the completion of the Casper test. Casper is an online, video-scenario based situational judgement test, designed to measure non-academic suitability for teaching.
Alternative exits
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (E333)
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (E320)
Careers
Career outcomes
There is an increasing demand for qualified early childhood teachers, with the workforce set to double in the next 10-years. In both early childhood and primary school education settings there is a strong demand for qualified teachers and graduate starting salaries for teachers are high compared to the graduate average. As a graduate of this course you may find employment as a teacher within the private or public education sectors.
You might also find employment in a range of other education related fields including:
- consultancy
- NGOs
- policy
- research or community-based organisations (e.g. museums, outdoor education, arts institutions, etc)
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as a nationally recognised primary and early childhood teaching qualification. Graduates of this course will be eligible to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Graduates who are intending to apply for registration interstate may be required to provide further information. Interstate applicants are advised to check the registration requirements in their state or territory carefully.
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 | Analyse and apply principles and practices relevant to curriculum, policy and regulations in early childhood and primary school education with in-depth knowledge and evaluation of theoretical underpinning. |
| Communication | Effectively evaluate and select communication skills (oral, written, digital and nonverbal) to professionally transmit knowledge and ideas with diverse individuals and groups (such as children, families, parents and caregivers, colleagues and other professionals, community organisations). |
| Digital literacy | Critically evaluate and apply a range of technologies to collect, analyse, synthesise, evaluate, generate and transmit information for the purposes of appropriate teaching and learning in a rapidly changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and evaluate contemporary issues, policies and research in educational and societal contexts to generate and transmit informed judgements to complex situations relating to teaching and learning. |
| Problem solving | Use analytical and practical skills to make well developed judgements, generate and transmit creative, innovative and authentic solutions to real-life and complex problems encountered when working with diverse individuals and groups (such as children, families, parents and caregivers, colleagues and other professionals, community organisations). |
| Self-management | Critically reflect on planning, problem-solving and decision making in teaching and learning contexts. Use initiative and autonomy to apply analytic knowledge and critical reflective skills to demonstrate responsibility for own learning and professional practice (and in collaboration with others). |
| Teamwork | Actively and collaboratively participate in learning communities, involving learners, families, community members, colleagues and the broader profession. |
| Global citizenship | Adapt and apply knowledge and skills that support the diversity of Australian society in the professional context. This includes influences of Indigenous and intercultural issues, family contexts, gender and disability on development, learning and teaching. |
| Approved by Faculty Board 2020 | |
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