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95% graduates employed
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Top 10 Catholic universities globally
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Top 40 young universities worldwide
Course information for - 2027 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 7 locations
- Ballarat
- Blacktown
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Ballarat
- Blacktown
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 4.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200111111
- ATAR
- New
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
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Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027
Applications open August 2026
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning August 2027
Applications open April 2027
If you do not have the HSC Band 4 Mathematics (or equivalent) required for entry to this course, you can choose to study an additional unit in Mathematics/numeracy at ACU.
Overview
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (with Religious Education) prepares graduates to teach children from birth to 12 years in both early childhood and primary settings. Ideal for those seeking a flexible teaching career, the course covers curriculum and pedagogy across age groups, inclusive education, and practical experience. Key areas include literacy, mathematics, and science. Students study religious education as a teaching area, equipping them to teach in faith-based schools or support spiritual development.
Professional experience
Turn your knowledge into career ready practice with a total of 100 days professional experience in early childhood and primary settings
Work placement
Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course. You’ll be placed in educational settings at different stages of your course to ensure your practical experience evolves alongside your theoretical knowledge base. Our placement program also gives you diverse educational experiences, so you’ll be in a better position to choose your future career path. This degree can also prepare you to teach in Catholic, government and other faith-based schools within Australia.
Community engagement
You will complete a community engagement unit, EDES206 Social Justice and Community Engagement for Educators, with a minimum of 25 hours of direct service or equivalent.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration as primary and early childhood teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as a primary and early childhood teacher in all states and territories.
It is also listed on the Australian Children's Education and Care Authority (ACECQA) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as an early childhood teacher.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- early years education
- primary school education
- policy development
- community centre education
- private colleges
- inclusive education settings
- education and training roles in other sectors – e.g. zoos
- correction facilities for youth or adults
- research
- special education
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), a student must complete 360 credit points (cp).
Available Teaching Area(s)
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Religious Education Primary
This teaching area prepares preservice teachers to teach Religious Education in primary settings, with a focus on Catholic traditions. Develops knowledge of theology, curriculum and pedagogy, and skills to design inclusive learning, support faith development, and contribute to the educational and spiritual life of school communities.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit points
A student who has completed the course requirements for the courses listed below may graduate with the corresponding qualification. However, none of these qualifications qualify the holder to teach in Australia.
- Undergraduate Certificate in Educational Studies
- Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
- Bachelor of Educational Studies
A student who does not satisfy the LANTITE requirements may exit the course through an appropriate pathway, provided they meet the criteria for that award.
Additional course information
Literacy and Numeracy Test in Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE)
Students will be required to demonstrate they have achieved approved benchmarks in literacy and numeracy as demonstrated through the Literacy and Numeracy Test in Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) before undertaking their final professional experience placement.
Read more about the Literacy and Numeracy Test.
If you have started your ITE course at another institution and wish to transfer to ACU to complete your studies, please be sure that you have read and understand the requirements for receiving credit for previous studies and those on completing LANTITE.
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, which includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement and meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements.
In addition, applicants in Victoria will be required to demonstrate suitability for teaching.
All applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
- To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | Prerequisites: Nil Assumed knowledge: Studies in English (T); Studies in Mathematics (T) |
| New South Wales | Prerequisites: Nil Assumed Knowledge: A minimum of three Band 5 HSC results (including one in English), and a Mathematics Band 4 HSC result. Note: This course is structured to allow applicants to meet the three Band 5 and/or the Mathematics Band 4 entry requirements. |
| Queensland | Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C). |
| Victoria | Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English; Mathematics: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion of two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics OR Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics. |
OR
b. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants may be selected following an interview with the Course Adviser and staff of the campus Indigenous Higher Education Unit.
They should have:
- minimum of three years’ work experience; or
- of year 12 or equivalent; or
- relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course:
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
ACU offers further opportunities to advance your education career. Master of Education/Graduate Certificate in Education: Enhances career advancement opportunities for teachers and other professionals engaged in lead educational roles such as education.
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Apply through a Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC)
To apply, search the code listed below on the corresponding TAC website
VTAC code: 1200111111
If you are a Year 12 student you must apply through VTAC, UAC or QTAC. Unfortunately, a Direct application cannot be considered.
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
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