Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification. Specific GPA and Key Learning Area requirements apply. A Personal Statement is required.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 16 units (96 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student assists school student in front of a laptop

The UNE Master of Teaching (Primary) is designed to prepare postgraduate students with the knowledge and skills for teaching in contemporary primary school environments. Gain teaching skills informed by the latest research, learn from our internationally regarded staff and hone your skills in a wide variety of practical experiences, both online and in the classroom. By studying with UNE, you will future proof your career with a nationally accredited primary teaching qualification.

2024 Teaching scholarships

Starting one of UNE's Teaching courses in 2024? You can get up to $40,000 toward your studies. For more information about the range of teaching scholarships available, register your interest now.

Why study the Master of Teaching (Primary) with UNE?

If you are a graduate considering a career move which makes a difference, there has never been a better time to study the Master of Teaching (Primary) with UNE. With a growing demand for highly qualified primary teachers, UNE will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to step into a rewarding career path as a specialist teacher, and to play a vital role in children’s development. Combining theoretical study with practical experience, this degree is especially for graduates with a passion for high quality education of children in their formative primary years.

What makes our course different?

The School of Education at UNE offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment, backed by significant research expertise. With a range of opportunities to develop your practical experience, as well as your theoretical knowledge and research skills, you will build your resourcefulness, creativity and expertise as a specialist primary teacher. In this course you will:

  • Benefit from flexible study across three trimesters, making it easier to balance your study with other work and family commitments.
  • Gain core knowledge and practical skills with an introduction to the profession, literacy and numeracy education, ICT across the curriculum, and classroom behaviour management.
  • Explore the latest developments in Aboriginal education; teaching students who have English as an additional language or dialect; and inclusive and special education.
  • Develop your knowledge of research principles and methods by completing a research project.
  • Hone your skills in evaluating ideas and making informed judgements on complex issues in education.
  • Put your knowledge into practice with 60 days of professional experience, which includes an online demonstration school and 50 days of professional experience in primary classrooms, including a partial internship.
  • Graduate with a National Primary Specialisation in English/Literacy.

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy. This course is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

UNE understands how important it is to have flexible pathways to success, with options for full-time and part-time study via face-to-face, online and blended modes of learning. Year after year, our students award us 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

You can apply for this course if you have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7) or a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7) and a postgraduate qualification (AQF Level 8 or 9) or overseas equivalent.

You must also meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • In your relevant studies, you have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 4.0.
  • You possess at least a Band 4 result in a prior HSC mathematics course or have completed at least one unit (0.125 EFTSL) in mathematics/numeracy in your relevant studies.
  • You have completed 1 full-time academic year (or equivalent) in one or more discipline areas relevant to one or more Key Learning Areas (KLAs).*
  • You can satisfy the School of Education of your suitability for teaching by completing a Personal Statement.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Transfer from another UNE course
If you are currently studying another postgraduate qualification at UNE, you can apply to transfer into this course. To be assessed for admission you must:

  • Be eligible for admission to this course as per the above admission rules
  • AND have completed 4 units of study within a single course with a minimum GPA of 4.0.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Please see the Additional Admission Requirements below for further information regarding a mathematics/numeracy unit and Key Learning Areas (KLAs), including how to meet these requirements.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Additional Admission Requirements

Mathematics 

NESA require entrants to the Master of Teaching (Primary) to possess at least a Band 4 result in mathematics in a prior HSC course or have completed at least one unit (0.125 EFTSL) in mathematics/numeracy in prior relevant studies. Statistics and/or engineering units are not considered equivalent for this requirement.

Key Learning Areas (KLAs)
KLAs are subjects or disciplines within the Primary Education field. Primary school teachers are required to have knowledge of all KLAs, and extended knowledge in at least one KLA. The topics of study which can be considered to contribute to each KLA are included below.

  • English KLA: English with a strong component of study of English literature, communications, creative writing, language studies (English), linguistics, literature studies, media studies (i.e. the theoretical study of media or where the product is a literary text).
  • Mathematics KLA: Pure or applied mathematics, statistics (one unit only may be counted provided it was studied as a stand-alone unit), other studies of mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s). Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical content.
  • Science and Technology KLA: Agriculture, architecture (2 units only may be counted), biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computing studies, design – interior, industrial, graphic, fashion, product, landscape (2 units only may be counted), engineering (chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental), design and technology, food technology, geology, Earth and environmental science, materials science, medicine, nursing, biomedical science, physics, psychology, or similar fields which include processes of inquiry, design and production.
  • Human Society and its Environment KLA: Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander studies, Aboriginal languages, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, economics, business studies, cultural studies, sociology, geography, environmental studies, government & citizenship, history, languages, legal studies, political science, studies of religion.
  • Creative Arts KLA: Dance including practical experience in choreography and performance in various dance styles appropriate for primary education, drama including experiential involvement in making and performing drama, music including performing (singing, playing and moving), listening and organising sound (composing) within a range of repertoire, visual arts including art making and art history/theory, fine arts.
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) KLA: Physical education studies, family studies, health studies, health promotion, human movement studies, nutrition education, sports science.

Please note: If you are up to 12 credit points (equivalent to two units) short of meeting the Mathematics or Key Learning Area (KLA) requirement above, you may be permitted to admit to the Master of Teaching (Primary), with the following requirements:

  • In the case of shortfall for mathematics, the unit EDME145 is to be completed prior to or concurrently with the first 48 credit points of the Master of Teaching (Primary).
  • In the case of a shortfall in Key Learning Area (KLA) discipline units, these must be completed prior to graduation.

Shortfall units are in addition to the program of study in the Master of Teaching and incur an additional cost.

The maximum shortfall to enter the Master of Teaching is 12 credit points across the award.

This course cannot be studied at the same time as, or after completing, the Master of Teaching (Secondary) or equivalent.

Fit for Practice/Informed Consent Information

You should only accept an offer for this course if you meet the following Fit for Practice requirements. You must:

  • abide by UNE policies, such as Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules;
  • abide by School of Education policies, such as the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements;
  • exercise sound judgment, based on cognitive, mental and physical health, and be able to respond appropriately to the demands of teaching situations;
  • show personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations;
  • uphold UNE’s integrity and show duty of care to students/children while completing professional experience;
  • show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students/children;
  • communicate with students/children with clarity and in a manner appropriate to their age/profile;
  • have and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions both inside and outside the classroom;
  • be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/children in various situations and environments; and
  • be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and broader school/early childhood communities.

If you have or develop a disability that could prevent you from meeting these requirements, please contact UNE’s Student Services team to see how we can help you succeed. If you find that you have difficulties meeting the requirements above during your studies, please contact the Office for Professional Learning for assistance.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note the following additional requirements:

  • You can apply for a maximum of 48 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units equivalent to those offered by UNE and approved for this course.
  • There is no maximum amount of Advanced Standing for Education units completed at UNE which have not already been counted towards a completed qualification.
  • Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
    • EDUC540 Classroom Management and Research: Online PrEx 10 days
    • EDUC550 Research Project and Professional Experience: PrEx 20 days
    • EDSP510 Inclusive Teaching: PrEx 30 days

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

  1. To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including 48 credit points at 500-level and 60 days of professional experience.
  2. Candidates must pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students to qualify for the award. The test must be passed before the final professional experience placement.
  3. Candidates must pass the Graduate Teaching Performance Assessment (GTPA) during the final professional experience placement to qualify for the award.

42 credit points

Complete the following units:

54 credit points

Complete the following units:

Candidates are required to pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to commencing their final professional experience placement.

Candidates are also required to successfully complete the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment during their final professional experience placement.

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$23,664*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$4,416*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Your career

Career outcomes

Career opportunities for graduates with a Master of Teaching (Primary) include:

  • primary school teacher in the public or private sector
  • further opportunities for education leadership positions, for example, school principal or education manager.
Professional recognition

On completion of the Master of Teaching (Primary) you will have a qualification accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA), providing graduates with a professional qualification meeting the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for initial teacher education programs, and ensures all graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Career Stage.

Teacher Registration: Students should note that teacher registration requirements vary from state to state. UNE bases its degree structures on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) guidelines, under the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership framework for teacher registration. It is the responsibility of each student to check their eligibility to teach with the relevant state authority (including students who intend to teach in NSW).

Applicants are advised to check with potential employing bodies regarding employment requirements. As of the date of publication, the NSW Department of Education requirements can be found here. Both public and private sector schools can set eligibility requirements relating to academic performance (including GPA requirements) in a student’s degree among other criteria. Requirements to teach internationally can vary from country to country.

Course outcomes

The Master of Teaching (Primary) provides graduates with an accredited professional qualification meeting the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for initial teacher education programs, and ensuring all graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Career Stage.
  1. know students and how they learn. Have a current knowledge and understanding of research into teaching, learning and child development and how to apply such research to the needs of the students in the primary school;
  2. know the content and how to teach it;
  3. plan and implement effective teaching and learning, with a high level of personal autonomy and professional accountability;
  4. assess, provide feedback and report on student learning. Communicate, negotiate, collaborate and advocate effectively and relate well to all the school's community;
  5. engage in professional learning and set personal targets and take responsibility for their own development. Demonstrate a knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of Education, and plan and execute a substantial research-based project and/or piece of scholarship; and
  6. create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments and engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community. Behave with integrity underpinned by moral purpose, model values and ethical perspectives in relation to own and the school's practice and organisation. Promote democratic values including active citizenship and inclusion.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will be able to demonstrate mastery and skills of pedagogy and curriculum methodology relevant to the primary teaching profession and will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the multicultural nature and global perspectives of education in the wider community.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to implement various media and other forms of communication appropriate to primary school classroom levels. They will have acquired the communication skills necessary to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside the classroom.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have the skills necessary to conceptualise problems in their profession and formulate solutions by gathering and analysing information relevant to primary school teaching as a profession.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to acquire, evaluate and use information from a wide range of media forms in primary school teaching.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will be able to appreciate and acknowledge the social and ethical implications of their actions. They will be able to contribute responsibly to the wider community and appreciate the importance of sustainable development.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies. Furthermore, they will demonstrate curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in their workplace and personal development.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to independently apply their knowledge and skills in their professional practice. In addition they will be able to negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others whilst participating in team based activities.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

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Why study with us?

Music teacher and Master of Teaching (Primary) graduate Caleb Gorman playing electric guitar.

Education is an antidote to a lot of the problems remote communities and towns face. I'd like to continue to be a part of the positive changes we are seeing in Central Australia.

Caleb Goman, Music Teacher, Northern Territory Music School

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.