$85,000 median starting salary.
NSW Government, 2023
Degree overview
Make a difference. Study early childhood and primary education.
Teachers and education professionals have the power to scaffold and shape young minds. Start a rewarding career working with children with the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).
Graduates qualify to work across a wide age range:
- Preschool and early childhood (birth – 5 years): Play a meaningful role in intellectual and social development during the crucial early years.
- Primary school (kinder – year 6): Work across the full scale of children’s intellectual, physical and social development.
Study in our state-of-the-art technologies. SimTeach, SimCave and SimSchool immerse students in virtual reality and hands-on experiences. These technologies prepare students for diverse contexts and diverse students. Our technologies are used to reflect our commitment to equity, excellence and indigenous knowledge, through shared experiences, indigenous storytelling and reflective practice.
World top 175
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for Education
Top 200
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university in the world
Commonwealth Prac Payment available
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to eligible students while completing mandatory placement
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Career opportunities
While most study Education to become teachers, your qualification opens doors to careers in related industries, including leadership and professional roles in research and policy development.
Professional outcomes
On completion of this degree, you’ll be able to work in roles such as:
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Early Childhood Centre Director
- Specialist Teacher in Primary School
- Community Educator
- Education Policy Analyst
- Curriculum Developer or Evaluator.
93.9% employed within four months of graduating.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-2023 - Undergraduate Education
Course overview
You can study a range of courses in:
- psychology of learning and teaching
- children's learning and growth across the span of birth to 12 years
- families and society
- programming and planning for children aged 0-5 years
- language and mathematical learning
- aboriginal education
- policy and issues
- behaviour management
- special education
- ethics and professional codes of conduct.
Student experience
Hear from our teachers 1:20
Career-ready placements
As you move through your degree you will complete at least three professional experience placements. This equates to approximately 90 days supervised professional experience in relevant school settings. Students also benefit from ongoing volunteer placement opportunities, a strong alumni network and an engaging online platform.
Studying at Newcastle campus
Living in Newcastle
Nestled on Australia's spectacular east coast and surrounded by some of the state's most popular destinations, Newcastle is an all-round wonderful choice as a safe and friendly place to live.
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Campus Life
Our campuses are welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative places for students, staff, and the community. Explore our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle.
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Scholarships
Our scholarships recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students. If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
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Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're from across Australia or around the globe, your home on campus is where you'll form lifelong friendships and harness your potential in a supportive and diverse community.
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Studying at Central Coast campus
Living on the Central Coast
The Central Coast offers a relaxed and convenient lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches and national parks. Our campuses have industry-leading facilities all within beautiful bushland.
Read more
Campus Life
Our campuses are welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative places for students, staff, and the community. Explore our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle.
Read more
Scholarships
Our scholarships recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students. If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
Read more
Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're from across Australia or around the globe, your home on campus is where you'll form lifelong friendships and harness your potential in a supportive and diverse community.
Read more
Student showcase
Immersive, state of the art technology in the School of Education 2:10
SimTeach, SimCave and SimSchool immerse students in both virtual reality and hands on experiences. These technologies prepare students for diverse contexts and diverse students. Our technologies are used to reflect our commitment to equity, excellence, indigenous knowledges, through shared experiences, indigenous storytelling and reflective practice. They will transform the next generation of teachers, education leaders and scholars.
School of Education - SimCave 0:53
SimCave is a 360° immersive environment that provides student teachers with the best of immersive learning experiences and the potential to use new digital media for deeper, creative and cultural learning.
How to apply
Apply as a domestic student
You are a domestic student if you are:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A holder of a permanent Australian visa.
Apply as an international student
Entry requirements — Senior secondary school qualification
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
English proficiency requirements
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
- IELTS overall minimum - 7.5
- IELTS section minimum - 7.0 (R,W), 8.0 (L,S)
- About English Language Pathways
Apply to the University via our online application portal.
In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.
If you are applying through an education agent, they can also apply through the application portal. Ensure your agent is contracted to the University to avoid delays with your application.
Once you have started your application you will be provided with a reference number. You or your education agent will be able to track your application as it progresses.
Similar degrees
Bachelor of Education (Primary) (from 2026)
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Bachelor of Nursing
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Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (from 2026)
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1 Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Learn more.
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Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority.
This program is accredited by ACECQA and NESA (formerly BOSTES). Graduates will be eligible to register with these two professional accreditation bodies for early childhood and primary education.
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.