Bachelor of Educational Studies

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
097980A
IELTS
A minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking
Fees (first year)*
$28728
Start dates
February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

The Bachelor of Educational Studies allows students to take their first step towards teaching or other education-related fields. 

This course is a pathway for students who are passionate about becoming teachers but do not meet the admission rank for their desired pre-service teacher degree. Students not meeting subject prerequisite requirements in QLD and/or VIC should undertake the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) as their pathway. Eligible students who successfully complete their first year of study (subject to meeting certain progression and non-academic requirements) may apply for transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Education suite.

This degree allows students to gain the necessary knowledge to pursue a career in corporate training, educational consultancy, online learning, vocational and community education, curriculum writing, youth services or adult learning. 

This course will not lead to early childhood, primary or secondary teacher registration in Australia, and no practicum is undertaken by graduates who complete the three-year course.

Community engagement

Students complete 35 hours of community engagement in EDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • early childhood education
  • primary and secondary education
  • special education
  • adult learning
  • corporate training
  • curriculum development
  • educational design
  • education consulting
  • vocational education

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Academic Support unitDPED100Academic Literacy in Education

    When studying DPED100, a concurrent enrolment in LNTE110 is strongly advised.

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education unitsUnit 1*EDLA111 Introductory English ORAny other unit from the schedule of unit offerings if prerequisite was met.

    *Students in Queensland or Victoria who wish to study an Initial Teacher Education course but have not met

    the prerequisite requirements in English, MUST complete EDLA111.

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education unitsUnit 2*EDMA111 Introductory Mathematics OR**EDMA163 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy ORAny other unit from the schedule of unit offerings if prerequisite was met.

    *Students in Queensland or Victoria who wish to study an Initial Teacher Education course but have not met

    the prerequisite requirements in Mathematics, MUST complete EDMA111.


    **Students in New South Wales seeking to enrol into the Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of

    Education (Early Childhood and Primary) or Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) courses and have not met the prerequisite of a HSC Band 4 Mathematics result MUST complete EDMA163. 

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 310 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE110 Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic

    Recommended for students progressing to teaching courses.

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education unitsUnit 410 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 510 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 610 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 710 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE100 LANTITE - Literacy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students ANDACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE101 LANTITE - Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students

    Recommended for students progressing to teaching courses.

    Students must register with ACER to undertake the 2 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 completed 40 credit points from units prescribed for the Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies may exit with that award.

A student who has completed 80 credit points from the units prescribed in the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) may exit with that award.

Note that none of these qualifications qualifies a student to teach in Australia.

Overseas study available

You’ll have the option of studying Core Curriculum units overseas.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission into the course, an applicant must have completed:

a. Year 12 with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Bachelor Programs;

b. Entry via Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) or Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) (Away From Base) with course co-ordinator approval; or

c. Entry via an alternative pathway as approved for ACU.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Program Policy.

Additional Approvals

Requirements for working with children: All students enrolled must have the appropriate approvals before they may enter any context in which they will have contact with children. These are: Blue Card (Qld) or Working with Children Check (ACT, NSW and Vic). International students must bring police check documentation from their own countries. To meet the requirements for working in settings other than schools, a National Police check may be required. All students who have lived in another country for 12 months or more must provide a police check from that country for that period.

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

Graduates may be eligible to progress to a range of postgraduate coursework programs, e.g. graduate certificate and graduate diploma and, through them and/or with relevant work experience, to master degree programs.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3591
  • Average first year fee: $28728
  • Estimate total cost: $86184

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

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200110373

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

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 Lily-claire Deenmamode

National Course Coordinator Pathway programs, School of Education

Originally from Mauritius, Dr Lily-claire Deenmamode joined the Australian Catholic University in 2012 as a doctoral student in Education. She is currently a lecturer in the School of Education teaching Indigenous Knowledges' and Sociology of Education and is the National Course Coordinator for the Pathway programs. Her research interests include the promotion of cultural identity and the enhancement of social justice in & through education. Dr Deenmamode continues to explore how inclusive education reframed within a social justice perspective has the potential to challenge marginalisation, disadvantage and non-recognition. 

 

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