Master of Teaching (Primary)

About

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is an innovative site-based accelerated postgraduate initial teacher education program developed in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and local primary school networks. The program consists of core education courses, discipline-specific curriculum and pedagogic studies in the six key learning areas of the primary curriculum, and a minimum of 65 days of supervised professional experience, including a moderated standardised graduate teacher performance assessment, and an additional 60 days of practical in-class experience and up to 30 additional days of practical in-class experience.

The program is a two-year equivalent accelerated primary teacher degree that can be completed in four terms full-time (1.3 years). While the program is fixed (students will overload and complete four courses each term), part-time study is also possible.

Accredited by NESA, the program enables graduates to teach in both government and non-government primary schools K–6 in all states of Australia and overseas.

Special requirements and policies apply to this course.

Note: Due to UNSW's quota system for Commonwealth-supported and fee-paying courses, students should apply as soon as possible. The quota system ensures enrolment is maintained at a level which maximises the quality of the UNSW teaching and learning experience.

Applications received after UAC's main closing date will be considered, however the university cannot guarantee that they'll be processed in time for the start of your preferred term. Offers to courses may close if a faculty's offer quota is reached. Applicants will be considered for preferences in future offer rounds in the 2023–24 UAC admissions period or can reapply in the following admissions period.

Program structure

• 30 units of credit in core educational areas.
• 48 units of credit in disciplinary-specific curriculum and pedagogic courses.
• 18 units of credit in a professional experience placement.

Applicant suitability

Before continuing with this application, it is recommended that you review the Master of Teaching (Primary) degree page where you can find an information pack to assess whether this program is suitable for you.

Teaching specialisation

The program develops the requisite knowledge and skills to enable students to meet the Australian graduate teacher standards, including disciplinary content knowledge beyond the areas of specialisation, qualifying them as a generalist primary teacher. Key learning areas include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Human Society and its Environment
• Creative Arts
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.

Professional experience

In the first year, students spend one day a week in a primary school community in UNSW terms 1 and 3.  In term 2 of the first year, students will undertake a 20-day supervised professional experience placement. The majority of classes are held on site, with teachers from partner schools actively involved in co-teaching on the program. In the second-year students move to a different school to undertake a 45-day supervised professional experience placement, including an internship, complemented by two online courses to complete the program.

Students must be available for five days per week for the full school day (approximately 8.30am–4.00pm) during their first and final school placement. Part-time students are also required to complete both school placements on a full-time basis.

Applicants are required to have completed the following prior to the first week of the program: Working with Children Check, Anaphylaxis Training, Child Protection Awareness Training and COVID-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate.

The successful completion of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) is required prior to the FINAL school placement. Visit the school of education website for further information about professional experience. The LANTITE tests can be completed prior to applying for / commencing the UNSW Master of Teaching (Primary).

Admission criteria

Recognised bachelor degree at a competitive standard from a recognised university or higher education institute with a major relevant to one ore more of the six key learning areas, consisting of at least eight units of undergraduate study, with no more than two at first-year (level 1) and at least two at third-year (level 3).

For more detailed information on the key learning areas, visit the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) website.

Personal statement

You must submit a personal statement which outlines your suitability 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 best suited for that role.

Upload your personal statement as a PDF within the UAC application.

Your application cannot be considered without this information. 

English language proficiency requirements

Either of the following:

• HSC minimum Band 5 in Standard English, English as an Additional Language or Dialect or English Advanced or equivalent
• IELTS (Academic) – 7.5 overall with a minimum of 8.0 in Speaking and Listening and a minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing (or equivalent).

If your prior study was undertaken in a non-English speaking country, you may be asked to provide evidence of meeting the English language proficiency requirements, with an accepted English test.  Refer to UNSW English Language Requirements for more details.

Please note you must comply with the NESA English Language Proficiency Requirements and provide the necessary evidence when you apply for provisional and conditional accreditation.

Fees and charges

^ Indicative annual course fees for 2023. Visit UNSW's website for further information.

Australian Government financial assistance

UNSW Sydney scholarships and financial assistance

Equity Scholarships through UAC

Further information

Read the full course details on the UNSW Sydney website.

Chat online with a UNSW Future Student Adviser or call (+61 2) 9385 1844

UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture is centred around a mission to use creativity, collaboration and inclusion to seek and solve problems to improve life on earth.

Our School of Education is a research-intensive school and a key player in the professional preparation and development of teachers and other educational professionals in Australia and internationally.

Visit the School of Education website.