Master of Teaching (Primary)
Inspire a new generation.
Domestic
International
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program
Check the Fees & Scholarships tab for details
This degree offers an accelerated path to a career as a primary school teacher. You'll gain the confidence to succeed from your first day in a classroom.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
Award
Master of Teaching (Primary)
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration (Full Time)
1.3 - 1.7 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
UNSW’s Master of Teaching (Primary) is the only degree of its kind in Australia – it’s an innovative postgraduate program that will provide you a fast-track to employment as a primary school teacher. The program is a two-year equivalent teacher degree, that can be completed in 1.3 years full-time (four terms).
Developed in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and local primary school networks, and accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), our program will equip you to teach kindergarten through to year six in diverse learning environments, government and non-government primary schools, and in all states of Australia and overseas.
Throughout the program you will develop the requisite knowledge and skills to enable you to meet the Australian graduate teacher standards. Academic lecturers and local teachers with experience in primary education work together to provide core education courses and discipline-specific curriculum and pedagogy studies within the six key learning areas of the primary curriculum:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- History and Geography
- Creative Arts
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Information pack
Key features
Practical experience
The degree is founded on in-school professional experience and learning in-practice with ongoing support from experienced UNSW School of Education Academics. The theoretical concepts you learn in your courses are applied directly to the classroom in this unique site-based degree.
Your professional journey to becoming a graduate teacher is enriched through the dynamic interaction of practice and theory through site-based experiences during your degree program. The journey begins with your In-School Teacher Education Program (INSTEP) that commences in term one. This is your first opportunity to work with students and learn from experienced primary teachers and is continued throughout the program with further site-based experiences as well as supervised professional experience.
Connect with the education sector
UNSW is a valued partner to industry, community, and government organisations, domestically and internationally. We maintain close links with leading public and private schools in Australia, and we’re the only university to have a formal partnership with the NSW Association of Independent Schools. UNSW School of Education is also a preferred provider of professional development and training for the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Study at a school benchmarked with the highest global rating for Education research (ARC, Excellence in Research for Australia)
- Gain accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
- Access to Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for domestic students
- Be supported by our diverse, collaborative and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2023.
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024)
Program Code
8925
CRICOS Code
099104G
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
910205
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
55
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Entry requirements
To enrol in the Master of Teaching (Primary), you’ll need a recognised three-year bachelor degree with Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60+.
You must have completed a recognised undergraduate degree with a major in one of the six Key Learning Areas (KLAs) below, consisting of at least eight units (courses) of undergraduate study, with no more than two at first year and at least two at third year.
Key Learning Areas include:
- English
English with a strong core 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
Pure or applied mathematics, other studies of mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s). - Science and technology
Agriculture, architecture, biology, bio-technology, chemistry, computing studies, design - interior, industrial, graphics, fashion, product, landscape (2 units only), design and technology, engineering, geology, earth and/or environmental science, materials science, medicine, nursing, physics, psychology. - Human society and its environment
Humanities and social sciences, aboriginal studies/languages, anthropology, archaeology, Asia or Pacific studies, economics/business studies, cultural studies/ sociology, geography/environmental studies, government and citizenship, history, legal studies, political science, studies of religion. - Creative arts
Dance including practical experience in choreography and performance in several dance styles and dance history/theory, drama including experiential involvement in making and performing drama, music including performing (singing, playing and moving), listening and organising sound (composing) within a wide range of repertoire, visual arts including art making and art history/theory. - Personal development, health and physical education
Physical education, family studies, sports science, health studies, human movement, nutrition.
Additional requirements:
When submitting your application you will also need to prepare a personal statement outlining why you will be suitable for primary teaching. Your statement should be no more than 150 words and include your reasons for wanting to be a teacher and why you are well suited for that role.
A personal statement is required for all applications, regardless of whether you apply to UNSW directly or via UAC.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
To enrol in the Master of Teaching (Primary), you’ll need a recognised three-year bachelor degree with Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60+.
You must have completed a recognised undergraduate degree with a major in one of the six Key Learning Areas (KLAs) below, consisting of at least eight units (courses) of undergraduate study, with no more than two at first year and at least two at third year.
Key Learning Areas include:
English
English with a strong core 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
Pure or applied mathematics, other studies of mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s). Science and technology
Agriculture
Architecture, biology, bio-technology, chemistry, computing studies, design - interior, industrial, graphics, fashion, product, landscape (2 units only), design and technology, engineering, geology, earth and/or environmental science, materials science, medicine, nursing, physics, psychology.
Human society and its environment
Humanities and social sciences, aboriginal studies/languages, anthropology, archaeology, Asia or Pacific studies, economics/business studies, cultural studies/ sociology, geography/environmental studies, government and citizenship, history, legal studies, political science, studies of religion.
Creative arts
Dance including practical experience in choreography and performance in several dance styles and dance history/theory, drama including experiential involvement in making and performing drama, music including performing (singing, playing and moving), listening and organising sound (composing) within a wide range of repertoire, visual arts including art making and art history/theory.
Personal development, health and physical education
Physical education, family studies, sports science, health studies, human movement, nutrition.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The Master of Teaching (Primary) is a 1.3 year program consisting of 13 courses and two placements.
The program generally includes:
- 5 Core education courses
- 8 Disciplinary specific and pedagogy courses
- 2 Professional placements, including an internship
Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one elective in a summer term.
The Master of Teaching (Primary) is a two-year equivalent accelerated primary teacher degree that can be completed in four terms full-time (1.3 years), or the part-time equivalent. The program has a fixed timetable and in order to complete the course in 1.3 years, you’ll study four courses each term instead of the usual three.
Below is an example of a standard three-term, full-time study plan:
First term
- 2 Core education courses
- 2 Disciplinary specific/pedagogy courses
Second term
- 1 Core education course
- 2 Disciplinary specific/pedagogy courses
- Professional placement – 4 weeks
Third term
- 2 Core education courses
- Professional placement – 9 weeks
Fourth term (Term 1 of your second year)
- 1 Core education course
- 3 Disciplinary specific/pedagogy courses
You can take an additional course to develop your academic writing skills. It will not count towards the program requirements. The courses are:
- ARTS5503 Academic Writing for the Humanities
- ARTS5505 Personalised English Language Enhancement
You can explore this structure in more detail, or find out what a part-time study load would look like through a sample program. For further information on coursework, course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Future careers
This Master of Teaching (Primary) degree will enhance your career options and professional advancement within the Primary School education sector in all states across Australia, as well as internationally.
The coursework in this degree develops the necessary knowledge and skills to enable you to meet the Australian graduate teacher standards, including disciplinary content beyond the key learning areas of specialisation.
As a result, you’ll qualify as a generalist primary teacher as well as a specialist in at least one key learning area (based on your prior degree).
Accreditation
New South Wales Education Standards Authority
This program is accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) as providing preservice teacher training for graduate students and an advanced initial primary teaching qualification, for both government and non-government schools.
How to apply
Applications for domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Postgraduate.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative CSP First Year Fee
$4,745*
2023 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree
$8,850*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$27,360*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$55,200*
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 1
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
Full Fees are the cost of the degree for students who do not receive a CSP place.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year). Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$44,235*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$82,050*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
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Top 20WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2024.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
"Reflecting on my career change as a mature-aged student, the Master of Primary Teaching at UNSW was fulfilling and rewarding to say the least. It provided me with the opportunity to study at the hands of qualified teachers and experts in the field and directly apply my learnings to the classroom."
