Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Primary Education
Award abbreviation: BPrimaryEd
QTAC code: 017301
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-13 / Rank-74
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only (Semester 2 from 2012—only as a part-time option)
Prerequisite: English (4,SA)
Recommended prior study: Maths A, B or C; Science; History
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: ED304
CRICOS code: 073277M. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Highlights
- Pre-service experience starts in the first semester
- Mentoring from school-based teachers starts in second semester
- Graduates are in demand throughout Queensland
The Bachelor of Primary Education focuses on effective teaching strategies in science, literacy and numeracy in primary education.
This program brings together the theory and practice of teaching in primary school settings (Prep–Year 7). You develop global perspectives on curriculum and an understanding of the characteristics of diverse learners in today's classrooms. Curriculum knowledge is developed in English, mathematics, science and technology, the arts, health, physical education, and studies of society and environment. You undertake one school placement each year, and two placements in the final year.
Additional admission requirement
This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University.
Refer to the English language requirements for more information.
Post-admission requirements
You must complete a minimum of 25 weeks of supervised field experience, completed as full-time blocks. You are also required to complete 70 days of wider field experience.
A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.
Career opportunities
Teacher in primary context, training context other than schools.
Professional recognition
Graduates may register with the Queensland College of Teachers. Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools.
Study Plan
This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.
For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:
- Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
- Select the program in which you are enrolled.
- Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 31 courses†, including 28 required courses and 3 electives.
- Complete no more than 12 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Complete a minimum of 25 weeks supervised field experience, completed as full-time blocks.
- Complete 70 days of wider field experience.
† EDU405 is equivalent to 2 courses and is scheduled in your final semester of study.
To commence field experience you must:
- Travel to attend field experience placements.
- A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Electives can be used to increase curriculum knowledge in a Key Learning Area.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Program structure
Year 1
Core courses: (1)
Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
---|---|---|---|
COR109 Online Journalism |
Required courses: (6)
Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
---|---|---|---|
EDU101 Communication and Thought | |||
EDU102 Learning about Learning | |||
EDU103 The Primary Teacher | |||
EDU104 Engaging 21st Century Learners | |||
EDU105 Foundation of English and Mathematics | |||
EDU106 Building Community Connections |
Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from:
Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
---|---|---|---|
EDU107 Workplace Learning: Connecting with Teacher Standards | |||
COR111 Science and Sustainability in Primary Schools |
Please note: COR109 must be studied in Semester 2.
Year 2
Required courses (7):
Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
---|---|---|---|
EDU203 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
EDU204 Pedagogy, Play and Assessment | |||
EDU205 Pedagogy of the Arts and Technology | |||
EDU340 Workplace Learning: Micro Skills for Effectiveness | |||
EDU341 Teaching Reading and Writing | |||
EDU342 Teaching Mathematics | |||
EDU652 Curriculum A Primary Years P-7 |
Elective course: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).
Please note: Elective and EDU342 must be studied in Semester 1, EDU205 and EDU652 must be studied in Semester 2.
Year 3
Required courses: (7)
Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
---|---|---|---|
EDU221 Curriculum B Primary Years P-7 | |||
EDU305 Curriculum B Middle Years 4-10: Assessment for Learning | |||
EDU308 Human Development and Early Learning | |||
EDU309 Workplace Learning: Developing a Personal Pedagogy * | |||
EDU316 Teaching Science in Primary Schools | |||
EDU317 Australian History and Geography in SOSE (Studies of Society and Environment) * | |||
EDU343 Pedagogy of the Arts and HPE (Health and Physical Education) in Primary Schools * |
Elective course: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any Faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).
Please note: Elective and EDU221 must be studied in Semester 1.
* not available until 2012
Year 4
Required courses: (7)
Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
---|---|---|---|
EDU318 The Diverse Learner across Early Childhood Contexts | |||
EDU400 The Inquiring Teacher * | |||
EDU401 Teaching Primary School Mathematics * | |||
EDU402 The Global Teacher* | |||
EDU403 Diversity and the Exceptional Child * | |||
EDU404 Literacy and Literature within the Primary Curriculum * | |||
EDU405 Sustainable Teaching Practices * |
Please note: EDU402 must be studied in Semester 1, EDU405 must be studied in Semester 2.
* not available until 2013.
TOTAL UNITS 384
Requirements for placements
As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice 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 where children under 18 years of age are present. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.
To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building). Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Program adviser
Tel: +61 7 5459 4644
Email: Education@usc.edu.au
* Course outlines subject to University approval.