Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary is a course that prepares you to become an early childhood teacher and/or a primary school teacher. This gives you flexible and versatile employment options.
During the course, you explore issues, concepts and practices which are common and specific to both early childhood education (including before school settings) and primary school education.
You will learn about:
- play and learning sciences
- language and literacy
- preparation for teaching
- health and physical education
- science in education
- technology and design for education
- curriculum and programming
- mathematics
- leadership and advocacy in early childhood contexts
- humanities, social science and the environment.
This teacher education course offers two career options for graduates. It is an initial-teacher education qualification that encompasses working with children from birth to age 12 in both early childhood settings and primary schools.
The course is designed to:
- develop professional knowledge and skills for teaching children from birth to 12 years.
- prepare you for new and changing educational roles in early childhood and primary schools.
- develop your skills as a reflective teacher.
- explore the connection between theory and practice in early childhood and primary school education.
- ensure continuing awareness of the environmental and cultural influences on teaching and learning in early childhood and primary schools.
- better understand the needs of learners and communities with diverse linguistic and cultural orientations, including Indigenous learners.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course prepares you to teach in a prior to school setting, primary school or work in associated educational areas such as:
- curriculum development
- educational planning
- educational research
- policy development.
Practical experience
This course includes the completion of a minimum of 100 days supervised practice teaching.
Professional recognition
This course has been accredited through the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory and with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). On graduating, you will be recognised as an Early Childhood Teacher by ACECQA.
On graduating from this course, you will be eligible to register as a teacher across all Australian State and Territory jurisdictions (subject to meeting other eligibility criteria, such as National Literacy and Numeracy test for Initial Teacher Education as per Teacher Registration Requirement, English proficiency and suitability to teach).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $28,576.00. This equates to $ $3,572.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
What will I study?
The Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary is made up of core theory and professional experience units. The course content combines theory-based units and practical placements. During the course, you will complete four professional experience blocks that require full-time commitment.
Course structure
At CDU, you can study a Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary online, on campus or a mix of both. You can also choose to study part-time or full-time. This makes it easier to fit study in with your life and work commitments. All students have access to and are encouraged to make use of online learning materials and interaction.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (33 units) | 320cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 320 credit points as detailed below. ECE101 Human Development and Play Pedagogies |
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (320cp)
- A maximum of 120 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 80 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| ECE101 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | ESC105 Science and Humanities in Early Childhood | CO | ECL200 Early Years Language and Literacy | CO |
| ECL155 Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education | CO | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | ECL123 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | ||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ECL246 Arts, Music, and Movement in Early Childhood | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| EPE230 Preschool and Foundation Professional Experience (available from 2026) | CO/P | ESC220 Science in Education | CO | EPE240 Early Childhood Professional Experience: Planning for Learning (available from 2026) | CO/P |
| EST220 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | ||
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | EPE350 Professional Experience Primary: Assessment and Reporting (available from 2027) | CO/P |
| ECE302 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood | CO | ECE303 Curriculums and Programming in Early Childhood | CO | ||
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 | CO | ||
| ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 | CO | EST221 Health, Environment and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (available from 2027) | CO/P | ||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School | CO | ||||
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary | CO | ||||
| ECE304 Critical Reflection on Early Childhood Theory and Practice (available from 2027) | CO | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ECL123 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | ||
| ECL155 Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education | CO | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| ECE101 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | ESC105 Science and Humanities in Early Childhood | CO | ECL200 Early Years Language and Literacy | CO |
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||||
| EST220 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | EST221 Health, Environment and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education | CO | ||
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ECL246 Arts, Music, and Movement in Early Childhood | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| EPE230 Preschool and Foundation Professional Experience (available from 2026) | CO/P | ESC220 Science in Education | CO | EPE240 Early Childhood Professional Experience: Planning for Learning (available from 2026) | CO/P |
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||||
| ECE302 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | ||
| ECE304 Critical Reflection on Early Childhood Theory and Practice (available from 2027) | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| Year 6 | |||||
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | EPE350 Professional Experience Primary: Assessment and Reporting (available from 2027) | CO/P |
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary | CO | ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 | CO | ||
| Year 7 | |||||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School | CO | ECE303 Curriculums and Programming in Early Childhood | CO | ||
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 | CO | ||
| Year 8 | |||||
| EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (available from 2027) | CO/P | ||||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ||||
| ECL123 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | ||||
| EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | ||||
| ESC105 Science and Humanities in Early Childhood | CO | ||||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||||
| ECE101 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | ECL200 Early Years Language and Literacy | CO |
| ECL155 Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| EST220 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | EST221 Health, Environment and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education | CO | ||
| ECL246 Arts, Music, and Movement in Early Childhood | CO | EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 3 | |||||
| EPE230 Preschool and Foundation Professional Experience (available from 2026) | CO/P | ESC220 Science in Education | CO | EPE240 Early Childhood Professional Experience: Planning for Learning (available from 2026) | CO/P |
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | ECE303 Curriculums and Programming in Early Childhood | CO | ||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 4 | |||||
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | EPE350 Professional Experience Primary: Assessment and Reporting (available from 2027) | CO/P |
| ECE302 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary | CO | EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO | ||
| ECE304 Critical Reflection on Early Childhood Theory and Practice (available from 2027) | CO | ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 5 | |||||
| EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (available from 2027) | CO/P | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ||||
| ECL123 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | ||||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||||
| EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | ECL200 Early Years Language and Literacy | CO |
| ECL155 Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education | CO | ESC105 Science and Humanities in Early Childhood | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| Calendar Year 3 | |||||
| ECE101 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | EST221 Health, Environment and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education | CO | ||
| EPE230 Preschool and Foundation Professional Experience (available from 2026) | CO/P | ECL246 Arts, Music, and Movement in Early Childhood | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 4 | |||||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | EPE240 Early Childhood Professional Experience: Planning for Learning (available from 2026) | CO/P |
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 5 | |||||
| EST220 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | ESC220 Science in Education | CO | ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO |
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 6 | |||||
| ECE302 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood | CO | ECE303 Curriculums and Programming in Early Childhood | CO | EPE350 Professional Experience Primary: Assessment and Reporting (available from 2027) | CO/P |
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 7 | |||||
| ECE304 Critical Reflection on Early Childhood Theory and Practice (available from 2027) | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | ||
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO | ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 8 | |||||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School | CO | ||||
| EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (available from 2027) | CO/P | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Additional admission requirements
Applicants must complete the Teaching Capabilities Statement used to demonstrate suitability for study and work in the teaching profession.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program; and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A and Australian Histories, Institutions and Cultures; and achieved a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B; are eligible to apply subject to satisfactory completion of the teaching capabilities statement and working with children check.
Essential requirements
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Clearance
In some jurisdictions preservice teachers may be required to have a National Police Clearance prior to commencing placement.
Inherent Requirements
Teacher education has Inherent Requirements that are essential components for achieving the core learning outcomes of the course. Students with physical or mental health conditions may not be able to have reasonable adjustments made to this course to enable them to meet these requirements. See the Inherent Requirements for teacher education at Teacher education | Charles Darwin University (cdu.edu.au)
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | Minimum overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Minimum overall score of 185 with no skill below 185 |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | Minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 65 in listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | Minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 23 in speaking, 24 in reading and listening, and 27 in writing |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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