Education (Primary)

Prep to Year 7

Focusing on the Primary years (from Prep to Year 7), this degree offers you the opportunity to gain the unique knowledge and expertise needed to educate young learners.

Not sure if you want to study online or on campus? Flexible study options enable you to choose how and when you study, depending on your needs, online, on-campus or a combination of both.

You can choose to complete your professional experience at any Australian school and have the opportunity to experience working as an educator in a variety of locations including rural placements and with students who study via the School of Distance Education. Completing one of your professional experiences overseas in Thailand, USA or Denmark is also an option.  These experiences will help to make you a well rounded and highly employable graduate.

Program structure

Courses to be studiedUnits

Core courses10

Plus 10 x Shared courses 10

Plus 5 x Specialisation Courses5

Plus 7 x Electives7

Plus 100 days of professional experience

Total    32

Course codeCourse name

Core Courses:  

CMS1000Communication and Scholarship

EDC1100Lifespan Development and Learning 

EDC1300Perspectives in Education

EDC1400Foundations of Curriculum and Pedagogy 

EDC2100Managing Supportive Learning Environments

EDC2200Indigenous Perspectives 

EDC2300Assessment and Reporting

EDC2400Diversity and Pedagogy

EDC3100ICT and Pedagogy

EDC4000Professional Placement and Portfolio

Shared Courses:

EDX1170Foundations of Language and Literacies

EDX1250The Arts Curriculum and Pedagogy

EDX1280Foundations of Numeracy 

EDX1450HPE Curriculum and Pedagogy

EDX2170English Curriculum and Pedagogy

EDX2190Australian History and Geography: Curriculum and Pedagogy

EDX2260Teaching Science for Understanding

EDX3160Science Curriculum and Pedagogy 

EDX3270Literacies Education

EDX3280Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy

Primary Specialisation Courses: 

EDP2111The Middle Years 

EDP2222Pedagogy and Curriculum 2

EDP3333Pedagogy and Curriculum 3

EDP4130Technology Curriculum and Pedagogy 

EDP4140Second Language Learning and Pedagogy

Electives:Choose from a wide range of electives.

Entry requirements

• Year 12 English (4 SA) or equivalent
• From 2016 students will also need:
  • Year 12 maths A, B or C (4 SA) or equivalent
  • Year 12 science subject (4 SA) or equivalent
• Special entry pathways may be available. Please contact USQ. 

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

OP/Rank

The 2015 OP/Rank for this program is: 15/67

International entry requirements

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Pre-requisites

Year 12 Senior Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution. Find your country's level of qualificationand minimum entry requirements for this program.

• Year 12 English (4 SA) or equivalent
• From 2016 students will also need:
  • Year 12 maths A, B or C (4 SA) or equivalent
  • Year 12 science subject (4 SA) or equivalent
• Special entry pathways may be available. Please contact USQ. 

The University of Southern Queensland offers a range of financing options to support students enrolled in their primary education programs. For domestic students, the university provides various scholarships and financial aid opportunities, including merit-based scholarships, equity scholarships, and work-study arrangements. These scholarships are designed to assist students in covering tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. International students are also eligible for scholarships, although these are often competitive and have specific eligibility criteria. Additionally, the university has partnerships with government loan programs such as VET Student Loans, which help eligible students finance their studies by providing income-driven repayment options.

Private funding sources, including loans from financial institutions, may also be utilized by students to cover costs associated with their education. The university’s financial services department offers detailed guidance and counseling to help students choose the most suitable funding options according to their financial circumstances. Payment plans are typically available, allowing students to pay tuition fees in installments over the semester or year, thereby alleviating immediate financial burdens.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government grants and community organization support. The university actively promotes awareness of financial literacy and planning, ensuring students are well-informed about managing education expenses. The availability and specifics of financial support can vary depending on the program, student status (domestic or international), and eligibility, so students are advised to consult the university’s official website or contact the admissions office for the most current information. Overall, University of Southern Queensland aims to make education accessible by providing comprehensive financing options to support student success in primary education studies.

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) program at the University of Southern Queensland is designed to prepare students for a career in primary education, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to become effective teachers in early childhood and primary school settings. This undergraduate degree typically focuses on a comprehensive curriculum that covers core subjects such as literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, health and physical education, and the arts, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded educators capable of fostering learning and development across diverse student populations.

The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, providing students with opportunities for supervised teaching placements in real classroom environments. These placements are integral to the curriculum, allowing students to apply their learning in authentic settings, develop classroom management skills, and gain first-hand experience working with children from various backgrounds. The program also incorporates contemporary educational practices, including inclusive education, technology integration in the classroom, and strategies for supporting students with special needs.

Students in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) program benefit from access to the university's state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, computer labs, and teaching resources that simulate real-world teaching environments. The curriculum is designed in collaboration with educational experts and practitioners to ensure relevance to current educational standards and policies. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in research projects, workshops, and professional development activities that enhance their pedagogical skills and industry knowledge.

The program typically spans three to four years of full-time study, with flexible options for part-time study for certain cohorts. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for teacher registration and can pursue careers as primary school teachers across Australia and internationally. The program also serves as a foundation for further postgraduate study or specialization in areas such as curriculum development, educational leadership, or special education.

The University of Southern Queensland is committed to providing supportive learning environments, with dedicated academic staff, mentoring programs, and a strong focus on student success. The Bachelor of Education (Primary) program aims not only to develop skilled educators but also to foster reflective practitioners who are committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement in their teaching practices. Graduates are prepared to make positive contributions to their communities through education and are equipped to adapt to the evolving landscape of primary education, including the integration of new technologies and inclusive practices that support diverse learner needs.