Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); and
(a) have a minimum of three Band 5 and/or E3 HSC results, including one in English; or
(b) have completed at least a year (48 credit points) of discipline studies (non-Education units) in a higher education qualification; or
(c) have completed a NESA-approved alternative pathway.

English Language Proficiency

A candidate shall comply with the University's English Language Requirements for Courses in Education Accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Additional Requirements

Prior to undertaking a professional experience placement in New South Wales, there are a number of mandatory requirements which must be fulfilled.

Working with Children Check*

All students intending to enrol in units of study involving a practical experience placement or otherwise requiring interaction with children, will be required to obtain and maintain a NSW Working with Children Check clearance (or equivalent, depending upon relevant State requirements). The student is required to provide the University with appropriate evidence of their clearance, which will be verified at UNE. Relevant Government agencies will advise the University of any bar that may be placed upon a student, and UNE will respond accordingly.

Anaphylaxis Training*

The NSW Department of Education requires that all initial teacher education students are trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience in New South Wales public schools.
*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states).

Fit for Practice

Candidates entering a pre-service teaching program in Education will:

• follow the School of Education Code of Conduct, in particular, the Professional Experience Conduct for professional placement;
• exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of classroom situations;
  
• demonstrate personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations;
• demonstrate satisfactory academic progression prior to professional placement;
• safeguard the University's integrity and demonstrate duty of care to students while engaged in professional experience;
• show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students;
• communicate to students with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to the age of the student profile;
• possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader non-education settings;
• be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of children in a variety of situations and environments; and
• be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school community.

Students who have a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact the Special Needs Office.

Students who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Professional Experience Office to put in place remedial and/or counselling activities through a pro-active approach to improve their teaching practice.

Professional Placements

A requirement of accreditation is that school professional placements must be undertaken in a school using NSW Board of Studies syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (8 days) of the required professional experience (practicum) days in schools not using NSW Board of Studies syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses. Limited placements can occur in non-Australian settings in accordance with the NESA policy regarding overseas placements. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) will be eligible for up to 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their undergraduate studies.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) four years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.

Due to academic qualification requirements this course cannot be completed in less than three years unless the period of candidature has been reduced for advanced standing granted.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points which includes 80 days of embedded professional experience in the designated teaching areas/teaching specialisations and including not more than 60 credit points at 100-level; at least 72 credit points at 300-level and not more than 24 credit points at 400-level.

Candidates must pass literacy and numeracy tests prior to attempting their final professional experience unit.

A candidate shall complete:
(a) 108 credit points from Group 1 - Core Units including 80 days of embedded professional experience; and
(b) 24 credit points from Group 2 - Secondary Curriculum Units; and
(c) 60 credit points from Group 3 - Major Combined Curriculum Areas; or 36 credit points from Group 4 - Major Curriculum Areas and 24 credit points from Group 4 - Minor Curriculum Areas.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching).

Exit Pathways

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Diploma in Educational Studies, on completion of 48 credit points at 100-level or above.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Bachelor of Educational Studies, on completion of 144 credit points including at least 36 credit points at 300-level or above.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University or external accreditation body requirements.

Academic Progress

Any candidate who has not successfully completed the mandatory literacy and numeracy tests before their final professional placement may be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be discontinued and they be transferred to another course.
Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.