Master of Teaching (Primary)

Year

View in 2021+ Handbook

Course Overview
Further Information
Course Rules & Plans
Course Outcomes

Why study the Master of Teaching (Primary) at UNE?

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is a two-year graduate entry initial teacher education program for pre-service primary teachers. The program is informed by the latest research and contains (i) an introduction to the profession, Aboriginal education, teaching students who have English as an additional language or dialect, teaching and learning, inclusive and special education, classroom behaviour management, literacy education and ICT across the curriculum; (ii) eight curriculum methods units; and (iii) 60 days of professional experience are spread across three units in the course, including an 'online demonstration school' and a professional experience internship. Students are also introduced to research principles and methods and complete a research project as part of their candidature.

Teacher Registration: Students should note that teacher registration requirements vary from state to state. UNE bases its degree structures on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) guidelines, under the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership framework for teacher registration. It is the responsibility of each student to check their eligibility to teach with the relevant state authority (including students who intend to teach in NSW).

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Career Opportunities

Primary Teacher

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

2 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply) or Full Fee

2017 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation

MTeach(Primary)

Course Type

Postgraduate

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 3	Off Campus

Course Duration

2 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

Fees

CSP (quotas apply) or Full Fee

Total Credit Points

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree or an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 8 or 9 postgraduate qualification, with a GPA of at least 3.50 in which they have completed the equivalent of one full academic year or eight units of study in a discipline area or discipline areas relevant to one or more of the following Key Learning Areas KLAs):

English KLA

Communications; creative writing; English with a strong core component of study of English literature; language studies (English); linguistics (may only be counted for one KLA); literature studies; media studies (ie the theoretical study of media or where the product is a literary text).

Mathematics KLA

Pure or applied mathematics; one unit only of statistics may be counted provided it was studied as a stand-alone unit; other studies of Mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s).

Science and Technology KLA

Agriculture; architecture (two units only may be counted); biology; bio-technology; chemistry; computing studies; design - interior, industrial, graphic, fashion, product, landscape (two units only may be counted); engineering (chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental); food technology; geology; materials science; media production; medicine; nursing; physics.

Human Society and Its Environment KLA

Aboriginal studies; anthropology; archaeology; Asian or Pacific studies; business studies; cultural studies; economic history; economics; environmental/land use studies; futures studies; geography; government and citizenship; history; industrial relations; languages including Aboriginal languages; linguistics (may only be counted for one KLA); legal studies; psychology; political science; sociology, studies of religion.

Creative and Practical Arts KLA

Dance including practical experience in choreography and performance in several dance styles and dance history/theory; drama including experiential involvement in making and performing drama; music including performing (singing, playing and moving), listening and organising sound (composing) within a wide range of repertoire; visual arts including art making and art history/theory.

PDHPE KLA

Physical education studies; health studies; family studies; health promotion; human movement studies; nutrition education; sports science.

Applicants who are 12 credit points short of meeting the prerequisite for KLA discipline knowledge may be permitted to enrol in the relevant curriculum units provided they enrol concurrently in the appropriate prerequisite discipline unit or units. All prerequisites must be passed prior to or concurrently with Master of Teaching (Primary) candidature. Such prerequisite discipline units are in addition to the program of study in the master of Teaching.

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

It is expected that candidates entering a pre-service teaching program in Education will:

(a) follow the School of Education Code of Conduct, in particular, the Professional Experience Conduct for professional placement;

(b) exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of classroom situations;

(d) demonstrate satisfactory academic progression prior to professional placement;

(e) safe guard the University's integrity and demonstrate duty of care to students while engaged in professional experience;

(f) show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students;

(g) communicate to students with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to the age of the student profile;

(h) model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader non education settings;

(i) be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of children in a variety of situations and environments; and

(j) 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 School of Education 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 primary 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 primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary 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.

Candidates are required to pass mandatory literacy and numeracy tests prior to commencing their final professional experience placement.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

This course includes 60 days of Professional Experience undertaken in three core units. Candidates are required to pass mandatory literacy and numeracy tests prior to commencing their final professional experience placement.

Advanced Standing

(a) The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 48 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by the University and approved for the course.

(b) There shall be no maximum to credit granted on the basis of education units completed at UNE which have not already counted to a completed qualification.

Academic Colours

Violet (BCC 179)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Master of Teaching (Primary) in 2017.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree or an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 8 or 9 postgraduate qualification, with a GPA of at least 3.50 in which they have completed the equivalent of one full academic year or eight units of study in a discipline area or discipline areas relevant to one or more of the following Key Learning Areas (KLAs):

English KLA
Communications; creative writing; English with a strong core component of study of English literature; language studies (English); linguistics (may only be counted for one KLA); literature studies; media studies (ie the theoretical study of media or where the product is a literary text).

Mathematics KLA
Pure or applied mathematics; one unit only of statistics may be counted provided it was studied as a stand-alone unit; other studies of mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s).

Science and Technology KLA
Agriculture; architecture (2 units only may be counted); biology; bio-technology; chemistry; computing studies; design - interior, industrial, graphic, fashion, product, landscape (2 units only may be counted); engineering (chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental); food technology; geology; materials science; media production; medicine; nursing; physics.

Human Society and Its Environment KLA
Aboriginal studies; anthropology; archaeology; Asian or Pacific studies; business studies; cultural studies; economic history; economics; environmental/land use studies; futures studies; geography; government and citizenship; history; industrial relations; languages including Aboriginal languages; linguistics (may only be counted for one KLA); legal studies; psychology; political science; sociology; studies of religion.

Creative and Practical Arts KLA
Dance including practical experience in choreography and performance in several dance styles and dance history/theory; drama including experiential involvement in making and performing drama; music including performing (singing, playing and moving), listening and organising sound (composing) within a wide range of repertoire; visual arts including art making and art history/theory.

PDHPE KLA
Physical education studies; health studies; family studies; health promotion; human movement studies; nutrition education; sports science.

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*

Anaphylaxis Training*

The New South Wales Department of Education and Communities requires and Communities 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;
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 primary school professional placements must be undertaken in a school using New South Wales 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 primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary 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.

Candidates are required to pass mandatory literacy and numeracy tests prior to commencing their final professional experience placement.

Advanced Standing

(a) The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 48 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by the University and approved for the course.
(b) There shall be no maximum to credit granted on the basis of education units completed at UNE which have not already counted to a completed qualification.

Progress and Conduct

Any candidate who has not successfully completed the mandatory literacy and numeracy tests before their final professsional placement may be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be discontinued.

Period of Candidature

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

Course Requirements

1. To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including 48 credit points at 500-level and 60 days of professional experience.
2. Candidates are required to pass literacy and numeracy tests prior to commencing their final professional experience placement.

Program of Study

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

Course Structure	Credit Points
Core Units (including 60 days of Professional Experience)	48 cps
Curriculum Units	48 cps
Total	96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Teaching (Primary).

Exit Pathways

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies, on completion of 48 credit points at 300-level or above.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies will be subject to current course requirements of the Master of Teaching (Primary). 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.

Course Aims

The Master of Teaching (Primary) aims to provide candidates with:

(i) a professional qualification meeting the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for initial teacher education programs, and ensuring all graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Career Stage; and

(ii) UNE Graduate Attributes:

- knowledge of discipline (includes a global perspective);

- communication skills;

- problem solving;

- information literacy;

- ethical conduct and social responsibility;

- lifelong learning; and

- independence and collaboration; and

(iii) a knowledge of research methods and the skills to apply these in the context of education.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

know students and how they learn. Have a current knowledge and understanding of research into teaching, learning and child development and how to apply such research to the needs of the students in the primary school;
know the content and how to teach it;
plan and implement effective teaching and learning, with a high level of personal autonomy and professional accountability;
assess, provide feedback and report on student learning. Communicate, negotiate, collaborate and advocate effectively and relate well to all the school's community;
engage in professional learning and set personal targets and take responsibility for their own development. Demonstrate a knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of Education, and plan and execute a substantial research-based project and/or piece of scholarship; and
create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments and engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community. Behave with integrity underpinned by moral purpose, model values and ethical perspectives in relation to own and the school's practice and organisation. Promote democratic values including active citizenship and inclusion.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will be able to demonstrate mastery and skills of pedagogy and curriculum methodology relevant to the primary teaching profession and will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the multicultural nature and global perspectives of education in the wider community.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to implement various media and other forms of communication appropriate to primary school classroom levels. They will have acquired the communication skills necessary to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside the classroom.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have the skills necessary to conceptualise problems in their profession and formulate solutions by gathering and analysing information relevant to primary school teaching as a profession.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to acquire, evaluate and use information from a wide range of media forms in primary school teaching.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will be able to appreciate and acknowledge the social and ethical implications of their actions. They will be able to contribute responsibly to the wider community and appreciate the importance of sustainable development.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies. Furthermore, they will demonstrate curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in their workplace and personal development.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to independently apply their knowledge and skills in their professional practice. In addition they will be able to negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others whilst participating in team based activities.