Primary Teaching

Primary teaching at UQ

As a primary school teacher, you will encourage children’s curiosity and inspire their inquisitive minds. Choose from either the Bachelor of Education (Primary) or the Master of Education (Primary), with both programs providing you with the high-level academic knowledge and professional skills necessary to foster children’s learning and development from Prep (the first year of school) through to Year 6.

These programs draw on the latest educational research in combining university study with practical school-based learning, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a teaching career.

Blue Card required

To do any kind of work with children in Queensland you need a current Blue Card issued by the Queensland Government. To be allowed to go on prac (be placed in a school) therefore, you need a current card issued via or linked to the UQ School of Education. If you are not eligible for a Blue Card or are unwilling to submit to the vetting process you cannot complete the requirements of these programs. Find out more about Blue Cards here.

I DO NOT have a university degree and I would like to teach in primary schools.

Apply via QTAC or online for entry into the Bachelor of Education (Primary).

This is a four year undergraduate degree during which time you will complete 64 units. To develop wider expertise in a particular area/discipline you will select one minor, comprised of at least 3, but up to 4 courses in one subject area to form part of your primary specialisation (English and Literacy, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Numeracy, or Science), and an additional one or two elective courses. Throughout this program you will complete 14 weeks professional experience.

Completion of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) will qualify you to teach in all areas of the primary curriculum, including:

Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business)
English
Mathematics
Science
The Arts (Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts)
Health and Physical Education
Technology
Languages other than English

If you are an international student wanting to study Primary Education but have not met the English language requirements the 3+ 2 Education Pathway may be for you.

3 + 2 Education Pathway

This is a five year degree pathway where students undertake 3 years at the undergraduate level (Bachelor degree e.g. Bachelor of Arts) followed by 2 years at the postgraduate level (Master of Teaching -Primary).

During undergraduate studies students must complete at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) study relevant to at least one learning area (from the list below) of the primary school curriculum in Australian schools.

English
Mathematics
Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business)
Science Technologies
The Arts (Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts)
Health and Physical Education
Languages other than English

On successful completion of their bachelor degree students can progress to the Master of Teaching Primary program if they meet the required GPA of 4.5/7 and other requirements at time of entry. 3+2 Education pathway students will be given a CoE of 5 years’ duration, which is comprised of 3 years for the undergraduate program and 2 years for the postgraduate Masters, conditional on meeting the progression requirements.

Students who have studied a 3 year bachelor degree in Australia will be deemed as meeting the higher IELTS requirements as per the UQ’s English Language Proficiency requirements: https://my.uq.edu.au/files/5678/PPL34014d1-Table1.pdf

More information on the MTeaching (Primary) program can be found here.

I DO have a university degree and I would like to teach in primary schools.

Check that you meet these prerequisites:

Hold a completed Bachelor degree from an approved institution in a field other than education with a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 4.5
Have at least one year of full time equivalent study in the completed degree relevant to one or more study area/s in the primary school curriculum (see below list)
Applicants from a non-English speaking background are required to have completed an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination with an overall score of 7.5 with minimums of 8.0 in Speaking and Listening and 7.0 in Reading and Writing

If you meet these prerequisites apply via QTAC for entry into the Master of Teaching (Primary).

For further information on Entry Requirements please refer to the MTeach Minimum Entry Requirements guide.

This is a 24 month program completed over four semesters. This program draws on the latest educational research in combining University study with practical school-based learning, ensuring graduates are well equipped to meet the challenges of a teaching career. Completion of the Master of Teaching (Primary) will qualify you to teach in all areas of the primary curriculum, including:

Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business)
English
Mathematics
Science
The Arts (Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts)
Health and Physical Education
Technology
Languages other than English

Student testimonials

Jaime Davison

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

“I wanted to become a teacher to help future generations comfortably and confidently navigate the ever-changing world. Meeting and networking with the fantastic School of Education staff was extremely helpful in completing my degree and starting my career. A big draw card for me choosing UQ to study at was the campus culture. I made the best friends who have become like family".

Fiona Chen

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

"I love that my program is very practical. It’s not just about theory, but rather, applying the theory in practical situations. I love that we get to experience going to practicum/placement and being in a classroom in our first year of university – it’s a good opportunity to be exposed to your future job environment and see if it is right for you."

Tim Mullaly

Master of Teaching (Primary)

“As a new teacher I felt well prepared thanks to the excellent tutors and lecturers at UQ. The Master of Teaching program provided me with a comprehensive overview of the skill-set required by a primary school teacher. Whether I was teaching fractions or functional grammar or implementing a digital technologies program, I would find myself drawing on the experience and advice of my lecturers.”