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

Accessibility links

This page was archived on 05 July 2019 and is no longer updated.

Bachelor of Primary Education

Help children learn and grow

In this program, you’ll learn how to plan, teach and assess children, and how to integrate ICT in your teaching.

Study locations
  • Sippy Downs
  • Fraser Coast
  • Caboolture
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
073277M
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2 ^
Program length (full-time)
4 years
Annual tuition fee 2019
A$23,600
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$94,400
Footnotes
  • 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 2024 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.
  • Campus note: The option to study at Gympie is not available to international students on a Student visa.
  • ^Semester 2 intake not available at Gympie.
  • Only the English Discipline courses will be offered at Caboolture and Gympie
Study locations QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 017301
  • Moreton Bay From 2020
  • Caboolture 018621
  • Fraser Coast 019111
  • Gympie 017501
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 15 Rank - 68
UniSC program code
ED304
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2 ^
Duration
4 years full time or equivalent part time
Prerequisites
English (4,SA), Maths A, B or C (4,SA), an Authority science subject (4,SA) 
Recommended prior study
a history subject
Other requirements
Applicants must demonstrate non-academic capabilities as per Personal Statement requirement. 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
Fee type 2019
  • Commonwealth supported places
Total courses
32
Total units
384
Footnotes
  • Campus note: The option to study at Gympie is not available to international students on a Student visa.
  • ^Semester 2 intake not available at Gympie.
  • Only the English Discipline courses will be offered at Caboolture and Gympie

In this program, you’ll learn how to plan, teach and assess children, and how to integrate ICT in your teaching.

You will develop curriculum knowledge in English, mathematics, science, technology, arts, health and physical education, history, and geography. From your first year, you’ll complete 90 days of supervised professional experience in local schools, and rural and remote settings if desired.

You will develop valuable skills and experiences through participation in Wider Field Experiences where you engage with community projects and work with children, families and communities.

In this program you will:

  • Complete 90 days of supervised teaching
  • Complete a subject focus in science or English/literacy
  • Work with children and families in community projects
  • Attend professional development seminars to enhance your knowledge
  • Complete 30 days Wider Field Experience
Prior to commencing, students will need to:
  • Complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate your motivation for teaching
  • Submit a 600-1,000-word personal statement on why you would make a great teacher
  • Obtain a Blue Card before starting supervised professional experience
External requirement, post admission:
  • Complete and pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education prior to graduating
Career opportunities:
  • Primary school teacher
  • Private practice tutor
  • Education consultant
  • Education exhibition organiser
  • Education policy analyst
  • Children’s television presenter
  • Youth support worker
  • Teacher of English overseas
Graduates are eligible to become members of:
  • Queensland College of Teachers

Program structure

Introductory courses (6) 72 units

COR109 Research Project C
EDU101 Research Project F
EDU103 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
EDU104 Independent Study
EDU105 Research in Health Care
EDU106 Research Project A

Developing and Graduate courses (24) 288 units

EDU202 Research Project B
EDU204 Research Project C
EDU205 Research Project F
EDU209 Quantitative Research Methods
EDU212 Communication and Thought
EDU213 Cell Biology
EDU214 Chemistry
EDU216 Science Research Methods
EDU300 Introduction to Mathematics
EDU308 Mathematics Foundations
EDU309 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
EDU316 Human Physiology
EDU317 Human Anatomy
EDU340 Biodiversity and Ecology
EDU349 Physics
EDU400 Foundations of Sustainability
EDU401 Communication and Thought
EDU410 Becoming a Teacher
EDU411 Foundation of English and Mathematics
EDU412 Science Teaching in the Early Years
EDU413 The First Three Years of Life and Learning
EDU415 Professional Experience 1: A Holistic Approach to Learning
EDU421 Early Learning Environments and Curriculum
SCS203 Documenting Children's Learning

Subject Focus courses (2) 24 units

Select Option 1 or Option 2 

Option 1 (English)

CMN116 Professional Learning 2: Early Learning Experiences
EDU361 Language and Literacies in Education

Option 2 (Science)

Select 1 course from:
ENS103 Valuing Children's Play and Inquiry
OES104 Early Childhood Education for Sustainability *
SCI113 Guiding and Supporting Children
PLUS
EDU374 Professional Experience 3: Building on Early Learning

*completion of OES104 requires 5 full days of practical field work

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

Total units: 384

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Complete a minimum of 18 weeks supervised professional experience, completed as full-time blocks
  • Complete 15 days of wider field experience
  • 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.
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
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 Science subject focus courses in Years 2 and 3 of their program
  • Only the English subject focus courses will be offered at Caboolture and Gympie
  • Students completing OES104 will be required to complete 5 full days of practical field work