Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary)

Course information for - 2025 entry

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
ACU code
1220003661
ATAR
70.00 for ACU Online
Fees (first year)*

$4624 CSP

Start dates
ACU Term 1, ACU Term 3

Overview

If you want the flexibility of multiple career options to teach in primary or secondary schools, the Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) is the perfect degree for you. As both a primary and secondary teacher you will be able to inspire, nurture and engage young people in a positive learning journey. This degree will equip you with deep knowledge of critical ideas and pedagogical approaches to meet the diverse learning needs of students.

With this dual-sector qualification, you will develop a breadth of skills in primary curriculum and one specialist secondary teaching area. You will gain a solid foundation in primary English and literacies, mathematics, humanities and social science, digital technologies, health and physical education and the arts. You will then shape your professional identity with a secondary specialisation.

With a Bachelor of Education degree from ACU, you will graduate classroom ready with real-world practical experience through 80 days of professional experience in schools and education settings under direct supervision and guidance.


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

You will be required to complete 80 days. Year 1: Community engagement in an educational setting, minimum of 35 hours. Year 2: 10 days, 15 days. Year 3: 20 days. Year 4: 5 days, 30 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 and/or secondary 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 and secondary school teacher in all states and territories. 

Online students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to apply for teacher registration in Victoria. Those seeking registration in other states/territories can apply for registration under mutual recognition.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • primary school education
  • secondary school education
  • community centre education
  • private colleges
  • inclusive education settings
  • policy development

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing ACU Term 1 - Full-time

  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100Understanding Learning and Teaching10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES101Educational Thought10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE110Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic0 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEducation Studies UnitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities 10 cp
  • Primary Curriculum and Discipline StudiesEDEN100Foundations of Literacy10 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 two LANTITE tests.

    0 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES103Understanding Learners and Their Contexts10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES105Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures10 cp
  • Secondary Discipline Studies Units Secondary Discipline Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Primary Curriculum and Discipline StudiesEDEN102Children's Literature for Early Reading10 cp

Commencing ACU Term 1 - Part-time

Commencing ACU Term 3 - Full-time

Commencing ACU Term 3 - Part-time

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.

  1. Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies
  2. Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  3. Bachelor of Educational Studies
  4. Diploma in Liberal Arts
  5. 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.

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:

a. the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:

  1. English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English;
  2. Mathematics: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion of two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics OR Units 3 and 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 2025 Admission.

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

You will 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, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

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 Skills for 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

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver? 

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the  Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.

  • Work experience – A selection rank can be calculated based on your work experience – you need to document all of your experience and provide supporting documentation

Explore the pathways to your future 

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 administrators, researchers, policy makers, career counsellors, psychologists, members of the defence forces, youth ministers and family/parish educators.

Master of Educational Leadership/Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership:

Participants explore theories of educational leadership, management and administration, and learn to apply them appropriately to their own contexts including Catholic and faith-based educational organisations defined as those organisations affiliated with a religious group or established Church.

Graduate Certificate in Religious Education:

For primary and secondary school teachers who want to teach religion.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$4624 CSP

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

Apply for this course

ACU Online Applicants

Apply now

For Victorian applicants: From 2019, students seeking to enter an undergraduate ITE program on the basis of their ATAR will have an ATAR of 70 or equivalent following access and equity considerations.

Deferment

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

Staff Profile

Dr Matthew White

Lecturer (Inclusive Education), School of Education NSW/ACT - Strathfield

Dr. Matthew White is a lecturer in Inclusive Education and the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Primary and Secondary (ACU Online) in the National School of Education. He is an experienced secondary teacher and school system leader, guiding inclusive education. Matthew’s research focuses on the connection between school wellbeing and inclusion, emphasising the importance of multi-tiered systems of support for all students. He is passionate about implementation science and embedding effective practices across educational settings to foster inclusive and supportive school environments.

 

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