Bachelor of Educational Studies

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 7 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200110371
ATAR
58.50 for Ballarat
Fees (first year)*

$4624 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised

Overview

The Bachelor of Educational Studies allows students to take their first step towards teaching or other education-related fields. 

This course is a pathway for students who are passionate about becoming teachers but do not meet the admission rank for their desired pre-service teacher degree. Students not meeting subject prerequisite requirements in QLD and/or VIC should undertake the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) as their pathway. Eligible students who successfully complete their first year of study (subject to meeting certain progression and non-academic requirements) may apply for transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Education suite.

This degree allows students to gain the necessary knowledge to pursue a career in corporate training, educational consultancy, online learning, vocational and community education, curriculum writing, youth services or adult learning. 

This course will not lead to early childhood, primary or secondary teacher registration in Australia, and no practicum is undertaken by graduates who complete the three-year course.

Community engagement

Students complete 35 hours of community engagement in EDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • early childhood education
  • primary and secondary education
  • special education
  • adult learning
  • corporate training
  • curriculum development
  • educational design
  • education consulting
  • vocational education

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Academic Support unitDPED100Academic Literacy in Education

    When studying DPED100, a concurrent enrolment in LNTE110 is strongly advised.

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education unitsUnit 1*EDLA111 Introductory English OR**EDEN100 Foundations of Literacy ORAny other unit from the schedule of unit offerings if prerequisite was met.

    *Students in Queensland or Victoria who wish to study an Initial Teacher Education course but have not met

    the prerequisite requirements in English, MUST complete EDLA111.


    **Students in New South Wales seeking to enrol into Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) or Bachelor of Education(Primary and Secondary) courses and have not met the prerequisite of HSC Band 5 English result MUST complete EDEN100.              

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education unitsUnit 2*EDMA111 Introductory Mathematics OR**EDMA163 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy ORAny other unit from the schedule of unit offerings if prerequisite was met.

    *Students in Queensland or Victoria who wish to study an Initial Teacher Education course but have not met

    the prerequisite requirements in Mathematics, MUST complete EDMA111.


    **Students in New South Wales seeking to enrol into the Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of

    Education (Early Childhood and Primary) or Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) courses and have not met the prerequisite of a HSC Band 4 Mathematics result MUST complete EDMA163. 

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 310 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE110 Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic

    Recommended for students progressing to teaching courses.

    10 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education unitsUnit 410 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 510 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 610 cp
  • Foundation and Core Education units Unit 710 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE100 LANTITE - Literacy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students ANDLNTE101 LANTITE - Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students

    Recommended for students progressing to teaching courses.

    Students must register with ACER to undertake the 2 LANTITE tests.

    0 cp

Commencing Semester 2

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 completed 40 credit points from units prescribed for the Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies may exit with that award.

A student who has completed 80 credit points from the units prescribed in the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) may exit with that award.

Note that none of these qualifications qualifies a student to teach in Australia.

Overseas study available

You’ll have the option of studying Core Curriculum units overseas.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission into the course, an applicant must have completed:

a. Year 12 with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Bachelor Programs;

b. Entry via Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) or Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) (Away From Base) with course co-ordinator approval; or

c. Entry via an alternative pathway as approved for ACU.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Program Policy.

Additional Approvals

Requirements for working with children: All students enrolled must have the appropriate approvals before they may enter any context in which they will have contact with children. These are: Blue Card (Qld) or Working with Children Check (ACT, NSW and Vic). International students must bring police check documentation from their own countries. To meet the requirements for working in settings other than schools, a National Police check may be required. All students who have lived in another country for 12 months or more must provide a police check from that country for that period.

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.  

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. 

Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study. 

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll 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, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process. 

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. 

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

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. 

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

Graduates may be eligible to progress to a range of postgraduate coursework programs, e.g. graduate certificate and graduate diploma and, through them and/or with relevant work experience, to master degree programs.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$4624 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester; 
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and 
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

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

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Ballarat

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200110371

Deferment

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

Staff Profile

Dr Lily-claire Deenmamode

National Course Coordinator Pathway programs, School of Education

Originally from Mauritius, Dr Lily-claire Deenmamode joined the Australian Catholic University in 2012 as a doctoral student in Education. She is currently a lecturer in the School of Education teaching Indigenous Knowledges' and Sociology of Education and is the National Course Coordinator for the Pathway programs. Her research interests include the promotion of cultural identity and the enhancement of social justice in & through education. Dr Deenmamode continues to explore how inclusive education reframed within a social justice perspective has the potential to challenge marginalisation, disadvantage and non-recognition. 

 

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