Make an impact in young people’s lives.
The Master of Teaching (Primary) program qualifies graduates with non-education bachelor degrees to teach in primary schools with students in Prep to Year 6. Learn how to inspire young students and apply your existing subject knowledge in the classroom.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
The Master of Teaching (Primary) program qualifies graduates with non-education bachelor degrees to teach in primary schools with students in Prep to Year 6. Learn how to inspire young students and apply your existing subject knowledge in the classroom.
- Study core courses that prepare you to teach English, maths, science, technology, arts, history, geography, health and PE
- Learn how to motivate and encourage young students through curriculum design, teaching strategies and behaviour management
- Complete Supervised Professional Experience in three blocks, totalling 60 days of practice teaching, with the opportunity to gain experience in rural and remote areas throughout Queensland
- Enhance your knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development seminars and employment forums, meeting with representatives from major employers, The Queensland College of Teachers, teacher unions and international recruiters
This program replaces the Graduate Entry (Primary) program from Semester 1, 2018.
Admission requirements
Research has shown that the most effective teachers are those who have academic capability, literacy and numeracy skills, and personal characteristics (non-academic capabilities). Entry to this program requires that applicants meet academic and non-academic criteria.
Academic qualifications
You must have completed a non-education bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 4.0 from a recognised tertiary institution. In addition, you must satisfy the discipline study requirements of eight units of study across two learning areas of the primary curriculum: the arts; English; geography; health and physical education; history; languages; maths; science; and/or technology.
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
Personal statement requirement
As part of your application, you are required to complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate your motivation for, and understanding of, the program and profession. In the questionnaire, you will be asked to rank a series of statements in order of what you think is most to least important. You will also need to write a 600-1000 word personal statement on why you think you would make a great teacher, and why influencing the future appeals to you.
After you have submitted an application for this program, you will be contacted with further information about the written statement and how to complete your application.
More information is on the QTAC website.
Post-admission requirements
During your studies, you must complete a minimum of 60 days of Supervised Professional Experience in a school setting under the supervision of a Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) registered teacher. Find more information on Supervised Professional Experience.
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. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when applying through the School of Education at USC.
You will also need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students (LANTITE). For more information on this Government initiative please visit the Students First website. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website.
Career opportunities
Primary school teacher, private practice tutor, education consultant, community education centre leader, College / University tutor or lecturer, zoo education officer, education exhibition organiser, Education Policy Analyst, children’s television presenter, youth support worker, teacher of English overseas, children’s advocate leader.
Registration
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.
Program structure
Discipline specific courses (9) 96 units
EDU767 Teaching Primary School English: Curriculum and Pedagogy
EDU768 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
EDU769 Teaching Science in Primary School
EDU774 Teaching Primary School Mathematics
EDU776 Teaching Reading and Writing
EDU777 Teaching Arts in Primary School
EDU778 Teaching HASS in Primary School
EDU779 Teaching HPE in Primary School(6 units) Δ
EDU780 Teaching Technologies: Curriculum and Pedagogy(6 units)
Professional courses (8) 96 units
EDU712 Diversity and Inclusion
EDU716 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Teaching and Learning
EDU717 Using Data for Learning
EDU718 Teacher as Researcher
EDU720 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
EDU764 Quality Teaching and Learning
EDU765 Professional Experience: Orientation to the Profession
EDU792 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Δ refer to program notes
Total units: 192
Program requirements and notes
Program Requirements
In order to graduate you must:
Successfully complete 192 units as outlined in the Program Structure:
Discipline specific courses (96 units):
- 2 x English methods courses (24.00 units)
- 2 x Maths methods courses (24.00 units)
- 3 x methods courses in Science, Arts, Social Sciences (36.00 units)
- 2 x 6 unit methods courses in HPE and Technologies (12.00 units)
Professional courses (96 units):
- 8 x specific professional courses (72.00 units)
- 60 days of supervised professional experience in primary schools during the program of study (36.00 units)
Students will also need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. For more information on this Government initiative please visit the Students First website. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website.
Program notes
- 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
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Δ Classes in EDU779 are offered as an intensive in Week 11 (20 hours of face-to-face contact hours spread over five days). The online component of the course still commences in Week 1.