Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
This degree is part of the programs offering government subsidised places
If you are searching for a challenging and rewarding career that will utilise your communication and leadership skills to help shape our children’s future, then the Master of Teaching (Primary) is for you. Using your existing Bachelor degree as a foundation, the Master of Teaching (Primary) offers you a highly regarded fully accredited teaching program.
Our program, which you will study over four trimesters in total, incorporates Quality Teaching, the NSW model of pedagogy which was developed and refined by researchers at the University of Newcastle. The courses you will study will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions you will need for a successful career in teaching.
For more information about this program, check out our Master of Teaching (Primary) admissions booklet (PDF, 711.81 KB).
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The University of Newcastle’s Master of Teaching (Primary) will see you complete 150 units of core courses and 10 units of electives. The core courses place focus on the following key learning areas:
The program will also see you study Aboriginal education, how to teach children with special needs, and educational psychology and sociology, using and undertaking research in your classroom. In support of your theoretical learning, you will also complete 60 days of formal professional experience in the classroom, and 5 days of career-ready placement in educational settings. You will have the opportunity to build relationships with schools integrated within the program.
This degree requires students to participate in placements in NSW Department of Education or other NSW schools, service, or relevant education facility. During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility. Students must meet all the Education Placement Requirements, including a NSW Working with Children clearance.
At the completion of your Master of Teaching (Primary) you will be equipped with the appropriate theoretical and practical skills and knowledge to flourish as a successful primary school teacher. You will enter the education system as a capable and professional individual with a well-developed sense of professional ethics. You will be eligible to apply for registration with the NSW Education Standards Authority*, essential for employment as a teacher in NSW. Your postgraduate qualification will also support registration as a teacher in other jurisdictions both nationally and internationally.
*The Master of Teaching (Primary) program is accredited with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
You will be prepared to begin your career teaching students from Kindergarten to Year 6 and have the opportunity to embark on some of the following career pathways:
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
Applications for 2024 are open and will close on 14 January 2024 (Trimester 1) and 28 April (Trimester 2) 2024.
Before submitting your application, please review the Master of Teaching (Primary) Admissions Information Pack for detailed admission and program information.
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
This program is available for domestic students only.
The Master of Teaching (Primary) is a 160-unit postgraduate qualification, with assessment for admission available for applicants who have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
For admission, the applicants’ qualification must satisfy the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements for accreditation.
Admission to the program is based on a 500 word written piece of work and the Grade Point Average of the completed undergraduate degree.
This degree requires students to participate in placements in NSW Department of Education or other NSW school or service providers via the completion of 35 hours teacher observations and small group participation, and 60 days of professional experience across two placements.
Placements may extend beyond normal trimester times and students must meet their own associated travel and accommodation costs, where applicable.
During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility.
Students must meet all the Education Placement Requirements, including a NSW Working with Children clearance.
Students must check the Professional Experience Website for all placement information.
Anaphylaxis Training
Students must complete the ASCIA Anaphylaxis e-training Course.
Child Protection Awareness Training
Students must complete Child Protection Awareness Training and annual Child Protection Update training.
Working With Children Check
Working With Children Check
In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.
EDUC6762 - Managing the K-6 Learning Environment
EDUC6918 - The Global Primary Professional
EDUC6785 - Educational Foundations
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.