Course overview
Build a solid foundation in primary curriculum and graduate in-demand and classroom-ready when you study Deakin’s accredited Bachelor of Education (Primary).
Gain essential knowledge and real-world experience during guaranteed placements, ready to inspire and guide children through their primary learning years. From mathematics, science, the arts and literacy, learn how to teach across a range of subjects and specialisations, then discover how to put your skills into practice in the classroom.
You will graduate qualified to teach from prep to Year 6, with the confidence and ability to make an impact on the learning of your students.
Fast-track your career with our accelerated learning option. Achieve a four-year equivalent qualification in only three years of full-time study if you undertake selected units in Trimester 3. You can graduate confidently, meeting the requirements for registration.
Want to inspire the next generation and make a real difference as a primary school educator?
Our industry-shaped courses are developed and reviewed with input from professional educators and the education sector, meaning your learning will be highly relevant to your future teaching career. Build your confidence under the expert guidance of experienced staff who are recognised leaders and innovators in their fields.
Our Professional Experience Program will give you real-life teaching experience with guaranteed placements throughout your degree. Working with more than 1400 schools across Australia, we will arrange at least 80 days of placements for you in schools where you will learn from experienced teachers. You will also have access to specialised teaching spaces on campus to prepare for your teaching career.
Choose a specialisation and develop advanced skills in a priority area of the primary curriculum, such as:
- health and physical education
- languages (not available as an accelerated completion)
- language and literacy
- mathematics and numeracy
- science.
Broaden your perspective by choosing to take part in our rural, regional, remote, or metropolitan placements. You will have the opportunity to learn within a diverse range of communities in Australia, or learn about intercultural education when you travel overseas – all while gaining credit towards your 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 Education (Primary)
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314271 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514271 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400714271 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- E359
- CRICOS code?
- 015204J Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
- 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 Education (Primary), students must complete 32 credit points of study as follows:
- 26 core units;
- 4 credit points of primary subject specialisation
- 2 credit points of electives
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- No more than 10 credit points of units at level 1
- A minimum of 10 credit points of units at level 3 or above
Students are also required to complete two zero (0) credit point units ELN010 and ELN011 as part of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to graduate from their course.
Students are expected to attempt the tests within the first year of their course. Students who do not attempt the tests within their first year may be unable to progress with their studies until an attempt has been made.
* Students who do not pass the DTPA must seek advice from the course director.
26
Core units
2
Elective units
4
Specialisation units
32
Total units
Core Units
Year 1
Year 2
Plus:
- 2 credit points of specialisation units from the table below;
Year 3
Plus:
- 2 x 1 credit point elective units (Inclusive Education pathway students take specific elective units)
- 1 credit point specialisation unit from the table below;
Year 4
Plus:
- 1 credit point specialisation unit:
Electives
In your course you have two electives. These can be made up by completing the Inclusive Education option OR a combination of two units from the recommended electives listed below.
You will be able to deepen your studies in your chosen specialisation or develop breadth through pursuing studies in other area(s) of interest. However you are not limited to this list for your electives.
Inclusive Education Elective Sequence
If you would like to complete the Inclusive Education sequence, you will need to successfully complete
- two elective units:
- You will be supported to focus on inclusive education practices during your Year 3 Professional Experience placements
Recommended Electives
These recommended electives have been clustered in discipline areas but you may select from two different disciplines.
Health and Physical Education
Humanities
EEG302 Place, Culture and Teaching in a Global Context [No longer available]
EEG402 Teaching in a Global World [No longer available]
Indigenous Knowledges
Languages
Concurrent enrolment in a Diploma of Languages with up to two credit points given for two electives on evidence of completion.
Language and Literacy
ALC104 Media Genres: Negotiating Textual forms and Pleasures [No longer available]
Mathematics and Numeracy
Science
EES301 Digital Technologies: Programming and Robotics [No longer available]
Special Education Needs
Visual Arts
Specialisations
Primary Specialisation - Health and Physical Education (SP-E359007)
Specialisation Unit 1
OR
OR
Specialisation Unit 2
Specialisation Unit 3
Specialisation Unit 4
Primary Specialisation - Languages (SP-E359008) (Unavailable in Accelerated E359 course offering)
Specialisation Unit 1
Diploma of Languages units^
Specialisation Unit 2
Diploma of Languages units^
Specialisation Unit 3
Specialisation Unit 4
Primary Specialisation - Language and Literacy (SP-E359002)
Specialisation Unit 1
Specialisation Unit 2
OR
Specialisation Unit 3
Specialisation Unit 4
Primary Specialisation - Mathematics and Numeracy (SP-E359001)
Specialisation Unit 1
Choose two Specialisation units from:
Specialisation Unit 2
Specialisation Unit 3
Primary Specialisations - Science (SP-E359003)
Specialisation Unit 1
OR
OR
Specialisation Unit 2
Specialisation Unit 3
Specialisation Unit 4
^ 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 up to 4 credit points of RPL are given upon the completion. Completion of 3 units from any of A221 or A222 or A223 or A224 and enrolment in one further unit of A221, A222, A223 or A224 or equivalent are prerequisite 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)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
* An optional accelerated course structure is available in this course, allowing students to complete the course in 3 years duration by enrolling into 8 consecutive trimesters. Students undertaking the accelerated course structure are required to enrol in Trimester 3 of the first and second year of the course. All students are advised to seek course advice prior to attempting the accelerated course structure from Student Central. Students have until the start of Trimester 2 of Year 1 to decide whether to enrol into the accelerated course structure. The Languages specialisation and Inclusive Education Elective Sequence are unavailable in the accelerated course structure.
International students on a student visa who complete the course earlier than the registered 4 year course duration will have their early completions reported to the Department of Home Affairs, resulting in their CoEs updating to ‘Finished’ status. International students who complete the course early are required to either enrol into another CRICOS registered course that is of the same AQF level as their visa was granted for or depart Australia within 28 days from the date of their early completion reporting. International students are advised to seek visa advice by contacting a Registered Migration Agent on the MARA website.
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.
Contact Hours
For each unit of study, you are expected to participate in at least three hours of formal contact each week of trimester. A minimum of 6-hours of study time in addition to the formal contact is also expected for each unit each week.
You will complete a minimum of 80-days supervised school experience over the duration of the course, providing hands-on experience in a primary school setting.
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
Successful Applicants are required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional experience placements in education settings, 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.
The Working with Children Check (Check) and a Police Check are different checks. Under the Working with Children Act 2005 (the Act) if you are doing child-related work and are not exempt, you must have a Check even if you already have a Police Check. The Police Check is not an assessment by a government agency. https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/organisations/victorian-teacher-information
Workload
Typically 150-hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point (as per AQF Explanation).
Participation requirements
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.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is undertaken under the banner of Professional Experience Placements; however, it is important to note the other activities that have been undertaken throughout the review period that contribute to WIL outcomes. Students in ECL410 and EES440 complete these units through an embedded school-based delivery model to support the application of knowledge in practice and with the support of classroom-based teachers.
Students will satisfactorily complete 80-days of professional experience placement in primary education settings, as outlined below:
Year 1: 5-days days in primary school settings
Year 2: 10 days in primary school settings
Year 3: 10 and 15 days (25 days in total) in primary school settings
Year 4: 2x20 days (40 days in total) in primary school settings
The School of Education Professional Experience Office makes all arrangements for preservice teacher placements. The number of professional experience days align with requirements of external regulatory authorities (Victorian Institute of Teaching VIT).
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:
- partial or full completion of a VIT-approved Pathway Program with a minimum WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of 60% over a minimum of one year of study
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 greater than 35 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
- IELTS 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.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) 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
In particular for applicants interested in studying at the Warrnambool campus, the Deakin Warrnambool residential scholarship may be of interest.
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.
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 Education (Primary) with our pathways finder.
Don’t quite meet the entry requirements for this course? The Associate Degree of Education (E200) can be used as a guaranteed entry pathway into the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and counts as credit towards your first year of study*. You’ll gain a solid foundation of relevant knowledge and be ready to transition seamlessly into your goal degree.
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) provides an approved pathway from the Associate Degree of Education (E200)*. On successful completion of the Associate Degree of Education students are eligible to articulate (or pathway) into the Bachelor of Education (Primary) into the second year of the course.
Applicants who have completed the Advanced Diploma of Rudolph Steiner Education may articulate into the Bachelor of Education (Primary). Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty (details above) for course advice and credit arrangements.
All Applicants into E359 Bachelor of Education (Primary) must complete 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.
* Specific units of study must be completed within E200 for full credit to be granted. You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system. We recommend speaking with one of our student advisers before selecting your units. Students are also required to successfully complete the Casper test – an online, video scenario-based test that lets you demonstrate your suitability for a teaching career – as part of the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Primary).
Further study options
Students who successfully complete the course will be eligible to apply for entry to the Master of Education courses.
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
Deakin’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) will equip you with the practical skills, classroom experience and networks needed to begin a successful career in education. You’ll graduate ready to teach in primary schools setting in the public, Catholic or independent education sectors. Graduates may also find work across a diverse range of fields including in:
- community services
- government agencies
- not-for-profit organisations.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
Deakin’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) is accredited with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as a nationally accredited course. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to register with VIT as a registered educator.
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 | Acquire broad and coherent theoretical knowledge and understanding of education and the application of this knowledge and skills in teaching and learning, particularly for primary school contexts |
| Communication | Engage in appropriately diverse effective interpersonal, oral, written, digital and non-verbal communication with students, their parents or caregivers, colleagues and other stakeholders to demonstrate empathy, develop rapport and build professional teacher/ student/ parent/ caregiver relationships with trust for quality learning and teaching. |
| Digital literacy | Select, collect, use and create a range of digital teaching and learning resources and technologies to support student engagement and learning. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate and synthesise contemporary research and theoretical perspectives relating to teaching, student learning, and using diverse assessment data to make judgements about the use of appropriate teaching, learning and assessment strategies. |
| Problem solving | Critically reflect on professional practice to generate creative, innovative and authentic solutions to a range of real-world problems encountered in the learning and teaching contexts and professional learning communities. |
| Self-management | Actively work and learn independently with responsibility taken for professional actions and judgements |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals, families and members of the wider community who share responsibility for student learning and their wellbeing. |
| Global citizenship | Engage in professional, intercultural and ethical approaches that addresses social justice, equity, diversity, and sustainability issues. |
Approved by Faculty Board
Footnotes
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
^ARWU Rankings 2022