Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

This bachelor degree prepares you to teach children from birth to around twelve years old, combining early childhood and primary teaching into one qualification. You will study child development, curriculum planning, literacy and numeracy teaching, and how to work with families and communities. The course includes supervised professional experience placements in early learning centres and primary schools, so you spend time in real classrooms before you graduate. Because it is a teaching qualification, the English requirement is higher than for many other bachelor degrees, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common for undergraduate study, but teaching courses typically ask for 7.0–7.5. Check the official course page for the exact score and accepted equivalents like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each with a credit point value. You need to complete a set number of credit points to graduate. This course runs for two years, which is shorter than the standard three-year bachelor degree because it is an accelerated or graduate-entry style programme, confirm the entry requirements on the official page. Study is usually organised into semesters or trimesters, with full-time and part-time options. You will take core education units in areas like child development, curriculum and instruction, assessment, and inclusive education, plus professional experience units where you go on placement. The final part of the degree often includes a capstone or research project that pulls together what you have learned.

What you will actually study

Early childhood and primary teaching means you learn to work with very young children as well as school-aged kids. You will study how children learn to read, write and do maths, how to plan lessons across the curriculum, and how to manage a classroom. There is a strong focus on play-based learning for the early years and on the Australian Curriculum for primary years. You will also learn about working with children who have additional needs, and about the legal and ethical responsibilities of teachers. Placement is a big part of the course, you will spend time in early learning settings and primary schools, supervised by experienced teachers. That practical experience is what employers look for when hiring graduates.

Who this course suits

This degree suits people who want to teach young children and are looking for a qualification that covers both early childhood and primary schooling. It is a good fit if you already have some experience working with children, or if you are changing careers into teaching. The two-year duration makes it attractive if you want to get into the classroom sooner. You will need to meet the English language requirements, which are higher for teaching than for many other fields. You should also be prepared for the placement component, which involves working in schools and early learning centres. Graduates often go on to register as teachers with the relevant state or territory authority, which is required to work in Australian schools. Confirm registration requirements and course details on the official CRICOS page and the institution's website.

• Early childhood teacher in long day care, preschools and kindergartens
• Primary school teacher in government, Catholic and independent schools
• Early years coordinator or educational leader in early learning services
• Curriculum support officer or resource developer for education providers
• Family day care educator or playgroup facilitator
• Education officer in museums, zoos or community organisations
• Private tutor or learning support assistant
• Pathways into educational leadership, special education, or literacy and numeracy coaching with further study

Australian industries that hire these graduates include early childhood education and care services, primary schools across all sectors, community health and family support organisations, and government education departments. Many graduates also work in not-for-profit organisations focused on children and families. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. While studying, your visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight. Always check current visa conditions and teacher registration requirements with the relevant authorities.