Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education)

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 0 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
0102076
IELTS
7.0 minimum score in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking
Fees (first year)*
$28728

Overview

Prepare to be a primary teacher who is a specialist in special education, so you can nurture the development of those with a disability or learning and behavioural difficulties. By studying this course, you will also gain the practical skills to manage social, cultural and developmental diversity within the classroom.


Achieve your goals with a scholarship.  

A generous Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship is available to support new undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling in an initial teacher education (ITE) program to help meet the costs of their study. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.

Professional experience

Students will undertake 110 days (with minimum 30 days in a special education setting) of embedded professional experience.

Year 2: 15 days, 15 days. Year 3: 15 days, 30 days. Year 4: 35 days.

Work placement

All initial teacher education programs must include a defined period of professional experience, where pre-service teachers practise teaching in a school under the direct supervision and guidance of an appropriately qualified teacher. 

The current requirements are for a minimum of 110 days of professional experience that occurs in structured supervised settings. 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.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as primary or special education 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 or special education teacher in all states and territories. 

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • primary school education
  • special needs primary school education
  • community centre education
  • private colleges
  • inclusive education settings
  • advocacy
  • policy development.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OR*EDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OR Education Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures OR*Education Studies UnitsEDMA163 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy

    *Students in NSW who do not have a HSC Band 4 result for mathematics MUST take EDMA163 instead of EDES104.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OR*EDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures OR*Education Studies UnitsEDMA163 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy

    *Students in NSW who do not have a HSC Band 4 result for mathematics MUST take EDMA163 instead of EDES104.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES101Educational Thought10 cp
  • Primary Curriculum and Discipline StudiesEDEN100Foundations of Literacy10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education UnitsLNTE110Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic0 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OR*EDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures OR*Education Studies UnitsEDMA163 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy

    *Students in NSW who do not have a HSC Band 4 result for mathematics MUST take EDMA163 instead of EDES104.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OR*EDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures OR*Education Studies UnitsEDMA163 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy

    *Students in NSW who do not have a HSC Band 4 result for mathematics MUST take EDMA163 instead of EDES104.

    10 cp
  • Primary Curriculum and Discipline StudiesEDEN102Children's Literature for Early Reading10 cp
  • Special Education Specialisation UnitsEDSE111Attitudes and Inclusive Practice10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education UnitsLNTE100 LANTITE - Literacy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students AND LNTE101 LANTITE - Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students

    Students must register with ACER to undertake the two LANTITE tests. 

    0 cp

Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of a course listed below may exit from the course with that qualification. Note that none of these qualifications qualify a student to teach in Australia.

  1. Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies
  2. Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  3. Bachelor of Educational Studies
  4. Diploma in Liberal Arts
  5. Certificate in Liberal Arts

A student who does not meet the LANTITE requirements may access an appropriate exit point if they meet the requirements of that award.

Overseas study available

Our undergraduate education students can undertake professional experience and community engagement in locations like Kiribati and Solomon Islands. Students work with communities to raise the level of student engagement and offer professional development to local teachers. This intensive professional learning for teachers increases flexibility and adaptability as an educator and provides a global perspective for a better understanding of differences within classrooms.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

In addition, applicants (excluding QLD) 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:

  1. the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:
StatePrerequisites
ACT

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed Knowledge: Studies in English (T); Studies in Mathematics (T)

NSW

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 within the first year of the course.

QLD

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C).

VIC

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 – two units (any study combination with a minimum score of 25) of General Mathematics or 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 coordinator and staff of the campus Indigenous Higher Education Unit. They should have:

  1. minimum of three years’ work experience; or
  2. completion of year 12 or equivalent; or
  3. demonstrated relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy , including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

 If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

 an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)

an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Find out further information on TAC admission

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.

Learn more about adjustment factors

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 international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed. 

Find out more about English language programs 

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program 

Find out more about Diploma pathways 

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 administrators, researchers, policy makers, career counsellors, psychologists, members of the defence forces, youth ministers and family/parish educators. Master of Educational Leadership/Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership Participants explore theories of educational leadership, management and administration, and learn to apply them appropriately to their own contexts including Catholic and faith-based educational organisations defined as those organisations affiliated with a religious group or established Church. Graduate Certificate in Religious Education For primary and secondary school teachers who want to teach religion.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3591
  • Average first year fee: $28728
  • Estimate total cost: $114912

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

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. 

Explore your options

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.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

Staff Profile

Dr Matthew Zbaracki

State Head of Education, Victoria

Dr. Zbaracki attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, obtaining an undergraduate degree in elementary education. While at Wartburg, he had the opportunity to student teach in a bilingual Spanish-speaking classroom in Denver, Colorado, utilizing his own skills as a Spanish speaker. Dr. Zbaracki remained in Colorado and taught four years in the Denver Public Schools. During that time he obtained his Masters Degree in Bilingual Education from the University of Colorado at Denver. He spent two more years teaching in a suburban school district, and then decided to attend The Ohio State University for a PhD, in children’s literature. He returned to Colorado, teaching four years at the University of Northern Colorado. In 2006, he moved to Rhode Island College.  He arrived in Australia at the beginning of 2008 and teaches at Australian Catholic University.

 

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