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Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)

Bachelors Double Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Some units are only delivered online. Online students may also be required to attend on-campus workshops.

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BA/BEd(Prim&EC)

  • Course code

    3207313

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

This combined degree equips students to work with children throughout their formative years. Designed to improve career opportunities, graduates qualify to become early childhood educators and primary school teachers. Graduates are qualified to work with and teach children from six-weeks-old through to primary school (12-years-old).

In their first year, students study essential foundational content for teaching in primary schools and early childhood settings. Starting in their second year, and continuing throughout the remainder of their degree, students study curriculum, pedagogy and effective teaching strategies. They also begin significant blocks of professional teaching experience in primary schools and early childhood settings.

With a child-centred philosophy, supported by up-to-date evidence on best practice, this combined degree focuses on the values, disposition, knowledge and practical teaching skills required to provide a high quality education for children. The course includes study in inclusive education, the development and learning of children, and the importance of life-long learning.

Entry into our teaching degrees is based on an indicative ATAR of 70 or OP of 13. Additionally, applicants for initial teaching courses must submit a 1,000-word personal statement outlining their non-academic capabilities. See education non-academic requirements for further information. These entry requirements will ensure that our courses produce teachers with high levels of academic capability, literacy and numeracy skills and the personal characteristics required by contemporary teachers.

Our education degrees are combined with a Bachelor of Arts to ensure a comprehensive foundation for our education students in relevant discipline areas like mathematics, English and science.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate analytical thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills which show broad understanding and depth relevant to the education profession.

Creativity

Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence.

Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to challenges in an educational setting.

Ethical practice

Demonstrate knowledge of ethical, legal and human rights principles in education settings.

Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the education profession.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the relevant curriculum frameworks.

Demonstrate a solid knowledge of the pedagogy of effective educational practice.

Lifelong learning

Demonstrate the capacity for self-reflective learning and critical thinking with responsibility and accountability in professional practice.

Demonstrate skills in maintaining or advancing information and literacy skills to keep currency with pedagogical practice and professional development.

Communication and social skills

Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with exposition of knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms.

Demonstrate teamwork skills and leadership in professional and learning community settings.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self identify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement.

Students complete a program of in-school professional teaching experiences during the course, culminating in an extended in-school development experience, to demonstrate their capabilities as primary school and early childhood teachers. This course provides students with teaching experiences across the age range from six-weeks to 12 years.

Students complete a Primary and an Early Childhood major.

The Primary major equips students for a career teaching in primary schools and includes studies in areas of teaching and learning, behaviour management, childhood development, and curriculum studies across English; mathematics; human society and its environment; science and technology; creative arts; and personal development, health and physical education.

The Early Childhood major includes studies in early childhood development; teaching principles and practices; play and pedagogies; and units that target early childhood professional development such as leadership, advocacy and issues in early childhood education. 

Please note: Some units in this course are only delivered online.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1 , Session 2 330151 050651
Gold Coast Session 1 , Session 2 330161 050661
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 330111 050611
Online Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The course is accredited by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). Courses have national accreditation through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

The course has accreditation with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority(ACECQA).

Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, but students need to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding accreditation requirements.

The Australian Government introduced a Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE), effective from July 2016. All Initial Teacher Education students across Australia will need to successfully complete the national literacy and numeracy test (LANTITE) prior to completing their course. In line with accreditation requirements, at Southern Cross University the test needs to be successfully completed prior to undertaking the final professional experience placement.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

  1. Applicants for admission to candidature at a New South Wales campus of Southern Cross University must have satisfied requirements specified by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for admission to an initial teacher education course that is approved for the purposes of enabling graduates to apply for registration as a teacher in New South Wales, including: i) satisfactory completion of the UAC or QTAC non-academic entry requirement test.
  2. Applicants for admission to candidature at a Queensland campus of Southern Cross University must have satisfied requirements specified by the Queensland College of Teachers for admission to an initial teacher education course that is approved for the purposes of enabling graduates to apply for registration as a teacher in Queensland, including: i) satisfactory completion of the UAC or QTAC non-academic entry requirement test.
  3. To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:
    1. have completed senior secondary study to the equivalent of the Australian year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
      1. the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Schedule A of the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2; and
      2. the language of instruction was English; or
    2. achieved a minimum test score, within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
      1. International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 7.5, including a minimum result of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules and 7.0 in reading and writing; or
      2. International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
    3. successfully completed SCU’s Preparing for Success Program.
    For the purposes of satisfying English Language Proficiency requirements for admission, applicants will only be considered on the above criteria and will not be considered on the basis of other criteria established by the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 1 – English Language Proficiency Subsection.

Credit for prior learning

  1. Candidates who have completed an accredited Primary School teaching qualification may be granted advanced standing for up to twenty-four (24) units.
  2. Candidates may only be granted advanced standing for one (1) Early Childhood Professional Experience unit.
  3. Applicants to this award cannot be granted advanced standing for a Certificate I, Certificate II or Certificate III.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood) a candidate shall successfully complete:
    1. not less than thirty-two (32) units comprising:
      1. all eleven (11) units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units; and
      2. all thirteen (13) units listed in Part B of the Schedule of Units; and
      3. all eight (8) units listed in Part C of the Schedule of Units.
    2. Both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Federal Government.
  2. A candidate who while enrolled for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood) has completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Educational Studies may elect to be awarded the Bachelor of Educational Studies following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood).
  3. Permission to undertake a professional experience placement will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of School.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
ENG10010 -  Language & Literacy Introductory
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
MAT10002 -  Mathematics and Numeracy Introductory
CAR10003 -  Foundations: Creative Arts Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
ENG10004 -  Foundations: English Introductory
HUM10001 -  Foundations: Human Society and its Environments Introductory
HEA10003 -  Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Introductory
SCI10003 -  Foundations: Science and Technology Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
EDU20007 -  English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU20009 -  Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10128 -  Introduction to Teaching Introductory
TCH10515 -  Play and Pedagogies in the Early Years Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
TCH10014 -  Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher Introductory
EDU10514 -  Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
EDU20001 -  Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology Intermediate
TCH10517 -  Early Childhood Principles and Practice Introductory
Year 3, Session 1
EDU20008 -  Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
TCH20003 -  Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Intermediate
TCH10521 -  Education and Care I: Preschoolers Introductory
EDU30006 -  Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
EDU30004 -  English Education: Issues Advanced
EDU20006 -  Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
TCH20002 -  Children, Families and Communities Intermediate
TCH20001 -  Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching Intermediate
Year 4, Session 1
EDU10712 -  Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities Intermediate
EDU20010 -  Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
TCH10518 -  Early Childhood Matters Advanced
TCH30002 -  Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession Advanced
Year 4, Session 2
EDU83003 -  Inclusive Teaching Advanced
TCH10519 -  Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Advanced
TCH10522 -  Education and Care II: Infants and Toddlers Advanced
EDU30005 -  Mathematics Education: Issues Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
ENG10004 -  Foundations: English Introductory
HUM10001 -  Foundations: Human Society and its Environments Introductory
HEA10003 -  Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Introductory
SCI10003 -  Foundations: Science and Technology Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
ENG10010 -  Language & Literacy Introductory
MAT10002 -  Mathematics and Numeracy Introductory
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
CAR10003 -  Foundations: Creative Arts Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
EDU10128 -  Introduction to Teaching Introductory
EDU10514 -  Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
EDU20006 -  Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
TCH10517 -  Early Childhood Principles and Practice Introductory
Year 3, Session 1
EDU20009 -  Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU20007 -  English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
TCH10515 -  Play and Pedagogies in the Early Years Introductory
TCH10014 -  Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher Introductory Note 1
Year 3, Session 2
EDU30004 -  English Education: Issues Advanced
EDU20001 -  Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology Intermediate
TCH20002 -  Children, Families and Communities Intermediate
TCH20001 -  Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching Intermediate Note 1
Year 4, Session 1
TCH20003 -  Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Intermediate
EDU10712 -  Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities Intermediate
EDU20008 -  Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
TCH10521 -  Education and Care I: Preschoolers Introductory Note 1
Year 4, Session 2
EDU83003 -  Inclusive Teaching Advanced
TCH10519 -  Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Advanced
EDU30005 -  Mathematics Education: Issues Advanced
TCH10522 -  Education and Care II: Infants and Toddlers Advanced Note 1
Year 5, Session 1
EDU30006 -  Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Advanced
EDU20010 -  Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
TCH10518 -  Early Childhood Matters Advanced
TCH30002 -  Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession Advanced Note 1

Note 1:

This unit involves a practicum.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

PART A

EDU10128 Introduction to Teaching Introductory
EDU10712 Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities Intermediate
EDU20001 Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology Intermediate
EDU83003 Inclusive Teaching Advanced
ENG10010 Foundations: Language & Literacy Introductory
MAT10002 Foundations: Mathematics and Numeracy Introductory
EDU10514 Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
TCH10014 Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher Introductory
TCH20001 Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching Intermediate
TCH30002 Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession Advanced
CUL00210 Australia, Asia and the World Introductory

PART B Primary Major

ENG10004 Foundations: English Introductory
EDU20007 English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU30004 English Education: Issues Advanced
EDU20009 Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU30005 Mathematics Education: Issues Advanced
HUM10001 Foundations: Human Society and its Environments Introductory
EDU20008 Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
SCI10003 Foundations: Science and Technology Introductory
EDU30006 Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Advanced
CAR10003 Foundations: The Arts Introductory
EDU20006 Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
HEA10003 Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Introductory
EDU20010 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate

PART C Early Childhood Major

TCH10515 Play and Pedagogies in the Early Years Introductory
TCH10517 Early Childhood Principles and Practice Introductory
TCH20002 Children, Families and Communities Intermediate
TCH20003 Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Intermediate
TCH10518 Early Childhood Matters Advanced
TCH10519 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Advanced
TCH10521 Education and Care I: Preschoolers Introductory
TCH10522 Education and Care II: Infants and Toddlers Advanced