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Primary Teaching

A career in Primary School teaching

In NSW and other Australian states prospective Primary school teachers usually need to be qualified to teach in a range of Key Learning Areas. If you are interested in a career as a primary school teacher you would normally be required to complete university studies in :

  • at least three of the following 6 broad subject areas: (1) English, (2) Mathematics, (3) Science, (4) Social Sciences, (5) Expressive Arts eg Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education and (6) Psychology, Education, Special Education, a Language, English as a Second Language, Computer studies, Media studies, Library science
  • Education as a social science
  • professional and curriculum studies (teaching methodology)

Prerequisite and recommended studies: School leavers

In NSW those seeking employment as a primary school teacher must have completed Higher School Certificate studies in Mathematics (2 units) and English (2 Units), or the equivalent.

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UAI Entry levels

To view the minimum UAI entry scores in recent years for those courses which lead directly (or indirectly with subsequent postgraduate study) to a teaching qualification in Primary school teaching, click here.

To view information on coursework options for school leavers, see information on the Bachelor of Education (Primary) course

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Prerequisite studies: Graduates

Graduates with a first degree which includes studies appropriate to teaching in a specialist area may be eligible for admission to the Master of Teaching/Bachelor of Teaching program. Entry into the postgraduate MTeach/BTeach course is competitive and will be based upon the following:

Criteria and interview:

  • completion of a major in an appropriate undergraduate degree
  • level of achievement in undergraduate studies (grade average)
  • good communication skills
  • demonstrated commitment to teaching as a profession

Graduates seeking employment in the NSW government system are normally required to have completed four-ninth of their university studies taken from at least three of the following areas:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Sciences including Aboriginal Studies, Accounting/Business Studies, Anthropology, Asian Pacific Studies, Demography, Economic History, Economics, Geography, Government, History, History & Philosophy of Science, Industrial Relations, Legal Studies, Political Science and Sociology
  • Expressive Arts including Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education and Visual Arts
  • Psychology, Education,Special Education, a Language, English as a Second Language, Computer studies, Media studies, Library science

Master of Teaching/Bachelor of Teaching
Information on coursework options for graduates seeking a qualification for Primary school teaching.

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Coursework (degree) options for prospective Primary school teachers

The University of Sydney offers two alternative ways of gaining a qualification as a Primary school teacher:

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