What is a Bachelor of Education (Primary)?
A Bachelor of education is an undergraduate degree that you’re required to complete before being able to work as a teacher. You can choose a specialisation in either primary or secondary education, or in both. Education students are expected to complete a number of core units, as well as some elective units, and be able to complete competency tests in maths and English language proficiency.
All students also need to complete a professional experience placement, where they’ll work on-campus within a school to gain primary education work experience, as well as attaining a working with children check, issued by the Australian government.
During a Primary School Bachelor of education, you’ll learn and be tested on a number of areas, with coursework including:
- Initial teacher education
- Commonwealth requirements for teachers
- How to teach special education as a primary teacher
- How to create different learning environments
- How to complete a professional placement
- Guides on completing proficiency requirements
- Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Working with domestic students vs. international students or those with English language requirements
- Ways to inspire student contribution in class
- Improving selection rank results
Teachers are expected to keep up with the newest teaching technologies and studies, so you may want to continue with teacher education courses even after you’ve completed your bachelor.
Teachers are required to complete work experience in a commonwealth supported place.
What you’ll learn
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) will teach you everything there is to know about educating primary school students and will ensure that you are set up for success. Among many other things, you’ll learn how to get the best out of students and ensure that they reach their optimum level of performance.
Entry requirements for a Bachelor of Education (Primary):
Admission requirements differ depending on the school of education you attend. The simplest way to enrol in tertiary study is to complete high school and get the required atar for the current year, and enter directly into a bachelor’s or associate degree. You will likely still be required to be able to prove your English proficiency, basic maths understanding and other pre-education studies, although many high school graduates would complete these easily.
Alternatively, you can complete a university pathway through TAFE or another registered training organisation. This may mean completing a Certificate or Diploma in primary teaching first and then move onto university. This may also require you to complete a STAT (Special tertiary admissions test).
How to study:
There is a range of ways to study a Bachelor of Education (Primary). Many courses, either university or a TAFE course, offer both part-time and full-time study options, so that future students can choose a pace that suits them best. If you study at an Australian institute, you benefit from advanced technology, initial teacher education students
Some schools also offer recognition of prior learning, so if you’ve completed previous studies with transferable information, you may be able to use those credit points towards your bachelor of education. Equally, if you’ve previously worked in a school or in childcare, the academic requirements or course structure may be able to be altered in recognition of that.
If you’re an international student (including from New Zealand) you need to check with CRICOS to find out about student visas, CRICOS codes, study load options, and IELTS requirements.
Career outcomes
A Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduate can find employment as a:
- Primary School Teacher
- Primary School Principal
- Education Administrator
- Policy Development Officer
For more information about tuition fees, career opportunities, early childhood education, first-year and second-year units, the AQF, start dates and more, enquire about a specific course listed above!