Master of Teaching (Primary)

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 and numeracy 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 partial internship. Students are also introduced to research principles and methods and complete a research project as part of their candidature. All students complete a Primary Specialisation in Literacy.

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.

This course is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

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

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Online

Official Abbreviation MTeach(Primary)
Course Type Postgraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Online
Course Duration
  • 2 Years Full-time
  • Up to 6 years Part-time
Fees CSP (quotas apply) or Full Fee
Total Credit Points 96
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:

(a) 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

English with a strong core component of study of English literature, language studies (English), linguistics, literature studies, media studies (i.e. 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.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (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.

and

(b) satisfy the School of their suitability for teaching through the satisfactory completion of the Personal Statement for Initial Teacher Education Course Entry; and

(c) 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 a school setting, 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.

Child Protection Awareness Training*

All teacher education students must complete online Child Protection and Awareness Training prior to commencing their first professional experience placement in a school setting.

Anaphylaxis Training*

All initial teacher education students must be trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience in a school setting.

*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/Informed Consent Information

Prospective candidates should only accept an offer of a place in this course if they are able to meet the following Fit for Practice requirements:

(a) abide by relevant UNE Rules and Procedures, for example, Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, and any relevant School of Education Policies, for example, the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements;

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

(c) demonstrate personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations;

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

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

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

(g) communicate to students/children with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to their age/profile;

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

(i) be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/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/early childhood community.

Candidates who have or who develop a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact Student Support to see if reasonable adjustments are practicable.

Candidates who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Office for Professional Learning 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 Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (6 days) of the required primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary schools not using NSW Education Standards Authority 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. Students who are required to undertake professional experience placement must read, understand and adhere to the Professional Experience Policy of the School of Education.

Candidates are required to pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to commencing their final professional experience placement.

International students and Australian citizens residing overseas should take particular note of the advice above re mandatory Australian settings for placements.

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 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) 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
English with a strong core component of study of English literature, communications, creative writing, language studies (English), linguistics, 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 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.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (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; and

(b) satisfy the School of their suitability for teaching through the satisfactory completion of the Personal Statement for Initial Teacher Education Course Entry; and

(c) 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 a school setting, 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.

Child Protection Awareness Training*

All teacher education students must complete online Child Protection and Awareness Training prior to commencing their first professional experience placement in a school setting.

Anaphylaxis Training*

All initial teacher education students must be trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience in a school setting.
*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/Informed Consent Information

Prospective candidates should only accept an offer of a place in this course if they are able to meet the following Fit for Practice requirements:

  • abide by relevant UNE Rules and Procedures, for example, Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, and any relevant School of Education policies, for example, the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements;
  • exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of teaching 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/children while engaged in professional experience;
  • show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students/children;
  • communicate to students/children with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to their age/profile;
  • possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader settings;
  • be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/children in a variety of situations and environments; and
  • be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school/early childhood community.

Candidates who have or who develop a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact Student Support to see if reasonable adjustments are practicable.

Candidates who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Office for Professional Learning 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 Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (6 days) of the required primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary schools not using NSW Education Standards Authority 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. Students who are required to undertake professional experience placement must read, understand and adhere to the Professional Experience Policy of the School of Education.

Candidates are required to pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to commencing their final professional experience placement.

International students and Australian citizens residing overseas should take particular note of the advice above re mandatory Australian settings for placements.

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 passed the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students before their final professional placement may be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be discontinued.

Any candidate unable to pass the Teaching Performance Assessment will be transferred to another (non-teaching) course.

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 must pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students to qualify for the award.
3. Candidates must pass a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) during the final professional experience placement to qualify for the award.

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
National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students 0 cps
Teaching Performance Assessment 0 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.

Appeals

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

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

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

Course Aims

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

(i) an accredited 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 as detailed below; 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:
  1. 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;
  2. know the content and how to teach it;
  3. plan and implement effective teaching and learning, with a high level of personal autonomy and professional accountability;
  4. assess, provide feedback and report on student learning. Communicate, negotiate, collaborate and advocate effectively and relate well to all the school's community;
  5. 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
  6. 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.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

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