Course overview
If you are passionate about children’s education, the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education opens the door to a range of inspiring career opportunities. 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 will develop practical knowledge and gain invaluable insight into classroom environments. With the option to combine your personal interests with a range of curriculum areas, you will 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 will 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 will arrange at least 115-days of placements for you in early childhood education and care settings, and schools where you will 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 MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 26 January 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510691 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610691 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- E334
- CRICOS code?
- 102807A Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- 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 and Respect at Deakin DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (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
* Students who do not pass the DTPA must seek advice from the course director.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
1 credit point from primary teaching specialisation (Unit 1)
*ECE360 Protective Education and Child Well-Being [no longer available]
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 | OR OR | |
^ 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 ETL710. 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)
- Online
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.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
International student requirements
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
Students will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements 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.
Inherent requirements
It is expected that all students will be able to abide by, and ensure their behaviour is in accordance with the Victorian Institute of Teaching Code of Conduct.
Immunisations
Immunisation and/or vaccination requirements will be communicated by the Professional Experience Office in line with the Department of Education and Training's directions at the time of placement.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience Office.
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 standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
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.
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
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).
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 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: Maths (any)
- 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.
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
You are required to complete the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admission Test) Multiple Choice if you have not completed Year 12, studied in the last five years, or met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice results for entry into Deakin University.
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisite.
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- full or partial completion of a VIT-approved Pathway Program with a minimum WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of 60% over a minimum of one year of study
- full or partial completion of a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent)
You are required to complete the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admission Test) Multiple Choice if you have not completed Year 12, studied in the last five years, or met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice results for entry into Deakin University.
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisite.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
* You will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
You are required to complete the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admission Test) Multiple Choice if you have not completed Year 12, studied in the last five years, or met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice results for entry into Deakin University.
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisite.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 35 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
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 and direct applications.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 2 aggregate points per study.
A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any LOTE or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2024.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
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 reducing the total course duration by 2 trimesters of full-time study.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete 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 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this 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 fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is intending to introduce the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to assist eligible students with costs related to mandatory placements in higher education courses for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Search or browse through our scholarships
Victorian Government placement grants
Grants ($140 - $420 per day) are available to support completing a teaching placement in an eligible regional or remote Victorian government school. Visit the Victorian Government Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant program.
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
To learn more about what the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
Courses at Deakin are flexible and culturally inclusive. Explore the various ways you can apply to study this course - including through the NIKERI Institute and via the Indigenous Access Scheme.
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)
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
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 at Faculty Board 2020
Footnotes
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
^Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019 winner