Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 7 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200111371
ATAR
70.00 for Ballarat
Fees (first year)*

$4440 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2024
Applications open April 2024

Overview

Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of young children? As a primary teacher you will have a creative, challenging and rewarding career helping and inspiring children to develop important lifelong skills. The Bachelor of Education (Primary) will equip you with deep knowledge to enrich the learning experience of primary aged students.

Integrated with professional experience, you will choose from a range of subject areas in English, mathematics, health and physical education, Indigenous education, science and religious education. You will build skills and deep knowledge to confidently manage diverse and inclusive classrooms. By selecting religious education and/or theology units, you will be eligible to teach Religious Education in Catholic and other faith-based schools.

Away From Base (Strathfield): If you are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent you may be eligible to participate in the Away From Base program following an interview with the course coordinator and staff from the Indigenous Higher Education Unit.

Read about Away from Base and check your eligibility


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

80 days. Year 1: Community engagement, minimum of 35 hours. Year 2: 15 days, 15 days. Year 3: 15 days. Year 4: 5 days, 30 days. Students who choose languages as a subject area are required to undertake an additional 10 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 80 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 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 school teacher in all states and territories. 

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • primary school education
  • policy development
  • community centre education
  • private colleges
  • inclusive education settings
  • adult education
  • education and training roles in other sectors – e.g. zoos
  • correction facilities for youth or adults
  • research
  • special education

Employment rates

87% of Primary Teaching students are employed full-time within 4 months of graduating. (2019 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey )

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*Education Studies unitsEDES104 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*Education Studies unitsEDES104 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 Studies unitsEDEN100Foundations of Literacy10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE110Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic0 cp
  • Education Studies unitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies unitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OR*Education Studies unitsEDES104 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*Education Studies unitsEDES104 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
  • Primary Specialisation unitsElective A

    Refer to the schedule of electives for suitable choice for each specialisation.

    10 cp
  • Primary Curriculum and Discipline Studies unitsEDEN102Children's Literature for Early Reading10 cp
  • 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

    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 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.

  • Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies
  • Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  • Bachelor of Educational Studies
  • Diploma in Liberal Arts
  • 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.

Additional course information

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is also available by direct entry application to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Away From Base mode.

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.

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 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

Australian Capital Territory

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed Knowledge: Studies in English (T) and 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 within the first year of the course.


Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C); a General science subject (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 & 2: satisfactory completion of two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics OR Units 3 & 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. of year 12 or equivalent; or
  3. relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

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.

Learn more about access schemes

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

g 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.

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

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 Special 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.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

A minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking.

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 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:

Understand your pathway options

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

NSW Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Entry Requirements

Entry to all undergraduate teaching degrees in New South Wales (NSW) requires three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English or equivalent. This course is structured to allow applicants to meet the three Band 5 entry requirements within the degree program by including a full year of discipline studies before applicants study how to teach. (see NESA website)

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

Average first year fee*

$4440 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

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

Additional application information

Entry to this course is governed by the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. The selection of course entrants is based on academic merit and satisfaction of non-academic capabilities for entry to initial teacher education. In accordance with the mission of ACU, the Faculty of Education and Arts is committed to providing access to education for a diversity of students. For applicants who are not Year 12 students, the assessment may include year 12 or other studies undertaken to allocate an equivalent ranking. Additionally, ACU provides a range of access and equity schemes which consider additional or alternative factors in assessing applicants, including applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. ACU also offers approved, alternative entry pathway programs for domestic and international students.

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Matthew Zbaracki

State Head of Education, Victoria

Dr Matthew Zbaracki is the State Head of the School of Education, in Victoria at the Australian Catholic University. Since commencing with ACU in 2008, Dr Zbaracki has taught children’s literature to students in the Bachelor of Education degree, as well as second year literacy at postgraduate level. With a masters degree in bilingual education from the University of Colorado Denver, he then completed a PhD in children’s literature. He is the author of several books, his latest, Writing Right for Text Types won the Australian Publishers Award for best student resource. He has also written Best Books for Boys, (Libraries Unlimited) and is co-author of Language and Literacy published by Oxford, and Listen Hear and Books and Beyond both published by Heinemann. 

Testimonial

Nicholas

“The education courses at ACU provide a high level of knowledge and professional skills necessary to foster innovative pedagogy. Due to small class sizes and sense of community, I can form positive professional relationships with my tutors as they inspire and mentor cohorts, like myself, through our learning journey.”

Nicholas
Education (primary) student
 

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