Bachelor of Primary Education | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Primary Education

Learn to plan, teach and assess children in Primary School settings.  Develop curriculum knowledge in English, mathematics, science, technology, arts, health and physical education, history, and geography. Develop valuable skills and experiences engaging with community projects, working with children, families and communities.

In this program you will:

  • Complete 80 days’ supervised teaching in local schools (and rural and remote settings if desired)
  • Complete a discipline specialisation in STEM or English/literacy
  • Work with children and families
  • Attend professional development seminars to enhance your knowledge

Location

CRICOS code

073277M

Entry threshold

68.00 68.00 68.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

4 years 4 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$4,440 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP
A$25,000 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

017301 019111 014901

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Career opportunities

  • Children's television presenter
  • Education consultant
  • Education policy analyst
  • Primary school teacher
  • Private practice tutor
  • Youth support worker

Memberships

Graduates may be eligible to become members of:

  • Queensland College of Teachers

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
32
Total units
384
Duration
4 years 4 years
CRICOS code
073277M
UniSC program code
ED304
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses (6) 72 units

EDU101 Human Development and Learning
EDU103 Teaching with Technology
EDU105 Professional Experience: The role of the teacher
EDU106 Professional Experience: Connecting with Learning and Teaching
EDU118 Foundations of Numeracy
EDU119 English Language and Literacy

Developing courses (9) 108 units

EDU200 Teaching HPE Birth to Year 6
EDU202 Individual Learner Needs
EDU204 Teaching Technologies: Curriculum and Pedagogy
EDU205 Professional Experience: Facilitating the Learning Environment
EDU209 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
EDU212 Teaching Science in the Early Years
EDU213 Teaching English: Curriculum and Pedagogy
EDU214 Teaching Arts in the Early Years
SCS203 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Graduate courses (15) 180 units

EDU300 Assessing Learning
EDU308 Professional Experience: Differentiated Practice
EDU309 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
EDU316 Teaching HASS in Primary School
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing
EDU349 Teaching Arts in Primary School
EDU361 Teaching English: Language, Literature and Literacy
EDU400 Teaching Primary School Mathematics
EDU410 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
EDU411 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
EDU412 Diversity and Inclusion
EDU413 Teaching the Australian Curriculum: Languages
EDU415 Teacher as Researcher
EDU427 Pedagogical and Curriculum Leadership in the Classroom
EDU428 Professional Sustainability

Specialisations 24 units

Select 1 specialisation from:

English
STEM

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Student profile

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Applicant background No. of students % of all students

Notes
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N/A - Students not accepted in this category
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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 68.00
Fraser Coast 68.00
Moreton Bay 68.00

Post admission requirements

Obtain a Blue Card before starting supervised professional experience. To commence field experience placement within this program, students must have a Working with Children Check.

As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), pre-service teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre in which children under 18 years of age are present. It is highly recommended that students be proactive in applying for a card as soon as they are accepted into the program. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that pre-service teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional learning.

  • Student must be able to travel to attend professional experience placements.
  • Complete and pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education prior to graduating.
  • Complete and pass the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment at the conclusion of their final PEx placement.
  • Adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and meet Inherent Academic Requirements.

Additional entry information

Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS score of at least 7.5 with a minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in all other subtests. Refer to English language requirements.

Additional student costs

Students are required to:

  • purchase text books;
  • purchase closed-in footwear for Supervised Professional Experiences (PEx)
  • fund transport costs to and from the site during the PEx;
  • fund other expenses related to participation in the PEx.

There will be a cost payable to the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) for undertaking the compulsory National Literacy and Numeracy Test (LANTITE).

Prerequisites

English (Units 3 and 4, C); General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths (Units 3 and 4, C)

Recommended prior study
A General science subject (Units 3 and 4, C), a History subject
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
Program notes
  • Cross-institutional study is not permitted for the Bachelor of Primary Education 
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • The Study Overseas Program is not available to Primary Education students
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
  • Students can choose between English or STEM specialisation in Years 2 and 3 of their program.
  • EDU382 is a required course in the STEM option.
WIL notes

To commence supervised professional experience (SPE) you must:

  • Obtain a Blue Card (or link your existing Blue Card to USC) prior to commencing supervised professional experience. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the SPE start date. View the Blue Card Fact Sheet for further information.
  • Complete PrePlace and a Student Placement Agreement (further information will be provided by the placement office upon enrolment)
  • Be willing to travel to attend supervised professional experience placements
  • Visit Education - Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) for more information regarding requirements for placements
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Bachelor of Primary Education - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$4,440 - 2024 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$25,000

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 017301
Fraser Coast 019111
Moreton Bay 014901
5 stars for teaching quality Good Universities Guide 2023
Professional Experience opportunities in every year of the degree
#1 in Queensland for teaching, student support and overall experience Good Universities Guide 2023

Student story

“Studying at the Fraser Coast campus will allow me to continue growing in a familiar environment, close to family and surrounded by a supportive and welcoming community.”

Emma Cordie Student
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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