Our program is designed to qualify you to work as a primary school classroom teacher (Prep-Year 6). You’ll learn how children learn, how to plan, teach and assess, and 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 a curriculum focus in either Science or English/Literacy through undertaking elective courses in this field and completing specialised assessments. Current education priorities focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and English/Literacy capabilities. As a teacher with a focus in Science or English/Literacy you will bring specialised knowledge for teaching and engaging children in these two priority courses into the primary school.

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. During your studies, you can attend professional development seminars to enhance your knowledge and skills in areas such as classroom management and preparation for a successful first year of teaching.

You also have the opportunity to take a 6-day trip to rural and remote areas, experiencing different school settings and a wide range of learners and allowing you to make more informed decisions about your career.

With such solid grounding, USC Primary Education graduates are in demand and experience a high level of employment. According to QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching), 85.7% of USC teacher education graduates are full-time employed – one of the highest rankings of all Australian public universities. Our program has been developed in partnership with leading educational bodies, and as you graduate you’ll be eligible to register with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT).

If your heart is set on a career as a primary teacher but you don’t satisfy the new Science prerequisite for entry into the program, you can study a science course over one semester through our Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP).

If you’ve already completed a non-education Bachelor’s degree, consider our Master of Teaching (Primary).

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

Students must complete 90 days of Supervised Professional Experience (SPE), completed as full-time blocks as program approved. Students must also complete 75 hours of Wider Field Experience. Students must obtain a Blue Card (or link their 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.

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.

Career opportunities

Primary school teacher, private practice tutor, education consultant, community education centre leader, College/University 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 to apply for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.