The Master of Teaching (Primary) program qualifies graduates with non-education bachelor degrees to teach in primary schools with students in Prep to Year 6. Learn how to inspire young students and apply your existing subject knowledge in the classroom.

• Study core courses that prepare you to teach English, maths, science, technology, arts, history, geography, health and PE
• Learn how to motivate and encourage young students through curriculum design, teaching strategies and behaviour management
• Complete Supervised Professional Experience in three blocks, totalling 60 days of practice teaching, with the opportunity to gain experience in rural and remote areas throughout Queensland
• Enhance your knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development seminars and employment forums, meeting with representatives from major employers, The Queensland College of Teachers, teacher unions and international recruiters

Admission requirements

Research has shown that the most effective teachers are those who have academic capability, literacy and numeracy skills, and personal characteristics (non-academic capabilities). Entry to this program requires that applicants meet academic and non-academic criteria.

Academic qualifications

You must have completed a non-education bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 4.0 from a recognised tertiary institution. In addition, you must satisfy the discipline study requirements of eight units of study across two learning areas of the primary curriculum: the arts; English; geography; health and physical education; history; languages; maths; science; and/or technology.

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

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

During your studies, you must complete a minimum of 60 days of Supervised Professional Experience in a school setting under the supervision of a Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) registered teacher. Find more information on Supervised Professional Experience.

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. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when applying through the School of Education at USC.

You will also need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students (LANTITE). 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 tutor or 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 for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.