Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education)
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 7 locations
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200110561
- ATAR
- 70.00 for Ballarat
- Fees (first year)*
$4624 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025Applications open August 2024Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised
Overview
Prepare to be a primary teacher who is a specialist in special education, so you can nurture the development of those with a disability or learning and behavioural difficulties. By studying this course, you will also gain the practical skills to manage social, cultural and developmental diversity within the classroom.
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
Students will undertake 110 days (with minimum 30 days in a special education setting) of embedded professional experience.
Year 2: 15 days, 15 days. Year 3: 15 days, 30 days. Year 4: 35 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 110 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 or special education 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 or special education teacher in all states and territories.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- primary school education
- special needs primary school education
- community centre education
- private colleges
- inclusive education settings
- advocacy
- policy development.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education), a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
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.
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 (excluding QLD) 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:
- the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| ACT | Prerequisites: Nil Assumed Knowledge: Studies in English (T); Studies in Mathematics (T) |
| NSW | 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. |
| QLD | Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C). |
| VIC | 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 and 2 – two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics or 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:
- minimum of three years’ work experience; or
- completion of year 12 or equivalent; or
- demonstrated relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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
$4624 CSP
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
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.
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.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
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 John Saunders
Lecturer, School of Education QLD - Brisbane
Dr John Nicholas Saunders, BCI (Drama), BEd (Secondary), MEd (Research), PhD, is a Lecturer in Education at the National School of Education at Australian Catholic University (Brisbane Campus). He has extensive experience in Drama, Arts, Pedagogy, and Literacy Education, and has taught across primary, secondary, tertiary, and juvenile justice contexts. In schools, John has served as a teacher, Head of Department, and Assistant Dean of Learning. He also spent several years at the Sydney Theatre Company as the Director of Education and Community Partnerships, where he was responsible for a range of learning programs.
John’s research focuses on the impact of drama combined with quality literature on teacher professional learning, as well as on learners’ academic and non-academic outcomes. He is the President of the Australian Alliance of Associations in Education (AAAE), Chair of National Advocates for Arts Education (NAAE), a Board Director of Drama Australia, and an Honorary Associate of the University of Sydney.
Dr Sarah Taouk
Lecturer, School of Education NSW/ACT - Strathfield
Dr Sarah Taouk is a lecturer and researcher in the School of Education at the Australian Catholic University. Specialising in science and STEM education. Sarah's research experience begins in medical research where she spent over 10 years researching Respiratory Disorders such as Asthma and Lymphangiolyomyomatosis (LAM). Moving into education as a tertiary science educator, her research focus includes looking at Asynchronous online learning and addressing teacher confidence when teaching science. Current project collaborations include: investigating engagement and connectedness of students in online Asynchronous platforms in ITE, and research in changing the way ITE students feel about teaching science.