CURRENT STUDENTSSTAFFLIBRARYALUMNINEWS & EVENTSDONATE
Discover Avondale University

Master of Teaching (Primary)

Why study with us?

The Master of Teaching (Primary) (MTch (Prim)) is for eligible graduates who already have a bachelor’s degree and desire to transition into a new career teaching primary school students. The course provides the opportunity to:

  • explore and critically analyse a wide range of educational literature and research to examine the application of these findings to professional practice.
  • develop both theoretical and practical skills. It includes 60 days of Professional Experience.

Graduates of the MTch (Prim) are qualified to teach in Christian, independent and state school systems both in Australia and overseas.

This course is offered in a regular program (semester-only) or a fast-tracked program (1.3 years). The fast-tracked program includes intensive study periods allowing students to complete course requirements in a significantly shorter timeframe. Students are able to opt-in as professional or personal circumstances allow. Intensive study periods are offered entirely online.

Key Information

Study Mode:
On campus, Off campus
Location:
Lake Macquarie
Duration:
Full-time: 2 years, Part-time: Equivalent years
Course Code:
2056
CRICOS Code:
083267G
APPLY NOW

Course Details

Upon successful completion of the Master of Teaching (Primary), graduates will be able to:
  • synthesise their personal and professional beliefs into a worldview that enables them to be effective and ethical teachers;
  • create quality learning experiences for all students;
  • demonstrate the acquisition of a body of knowledge and skills specific to the creative and professional practice of chosen discipline areas;
  • use personal competencies to enhance knowledge acquisition, communication, problem solving, creativity and sustainability;
  • design, implement and evaluate curriculum and assessment for diverse learners;
  • create sustainable, safe, respectful, socially just, and supportive learning environments;
  • promote holistic wellbeing practices in personal and professional settings;
  • address educational issues through research to improve teaching knowledge and practice;
  • demonstrate and employ a philosophy of service and servant leadership in professional and personal spheres;
  • reflect critically on professional practice, professional commitment, and ethical and moral responsibilities of the teaching profession.

To qualify for admission, an applicant must have achieved:

  • An Australian Bachelor’s degree (or higher); or
  • an overseas qualification comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher.

An applicant’s Bachelor's degree must meet the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) content requirements, which will be assessed the Course Convenor.

In exceptional circumstances an applicant may be admitted based on qualifications deemed equivalent as assessed by the Course Convenor in consultation with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

In addition, applicants must submit the Personal Statement for Initial Teaching Training (PSITE). The PSITE assesses the applicant’s suitability for becoming a teacher and consists of four questions with a maximum of 250 words per response.

International Students

This course is available to international students who meet the Australian government requirements for a student visa to reside in Australia for the duration of the course. For information regarding visas refer to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by one of the following:

  • achieving a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.5, with a minimum score of 7.0 in reading and writing, and a minimum score of 8.0 in listening and speaking, or
  • one of the other ways outlined in Appendix 2 of the Admission Policy (HE), or
  • documentary evidence of a prior qualification (or at least two years of tertiary study) conducted and assessed in English in a recognised country^ and completed within the last two years.

^Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed prior study may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Applicants should discuss their eligibility for advanced standing with the Admissions Team or the Course Convenor.


The Master of Teaching (Primary) consists of 16 units and requires 96 credit points for completion. Every unit has a 6 credit-point value. Students complete 4 units in each of 4 semesters in a full-time load or a part-time equivalent.

The course is comprised of:

  • 15 Education Units (7 Core Education Units and 8 Curriculum & Pedagogical Studies Units)
  • 1 Professional Experience unit ~ EDPX30001 Professional Experience.

Core Education Units

These units cover a range of current educational topics designed to prepare pre-service teachers to successfully teach young people.

EDUC50102

Understanding Students with Special Education Needs

EDUC50113

Exploring Indigenous Education

EDUC50114

Exploring Educational Research & Diversity

EDUC52102

Introduction to Learning & Teaching

EDUC52103

Managing the Primary Classroom

EDUC52104

Preparation for the Christian Teaching Workplace

EDUC52106

Planning and Assessment for Teaching English

Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies Units

EDUC14102

Curriculum Studies - Teaching English I

EDUC14104

Curriculum Studies - Teaching Initial English

EDUC14105

Curriculum Studies - Teaching Mathematics I

EDUC24106

Curriculum Studies - Teaching Mathematics II

EDUC24107

Curriculum Studies - Teaching Science & Technology

EDUC34109

Curriculum Studies - Teaching Health & Physical Education

EDUC54102

Curriculum Studies - Primary Creative Arts

EDUC54106

Curriculum Studies - Historical Inquiry, Religion & Geographical Investigation in the Primary School

Professional Experience

There are two professional experience blocks in this course. The second block is completed as part of the unit EDPX30001 Professional Experience.

  1. Professional Experience 1 – July-August, 20 consecutive days
  2. Professional Experience 2 – Either:
    1. June-August, 40 consecutive days in the middle of Year 2 in a regular program, or
    2. Feb-March, 40 consecutive days at the end of the fast-tracked program.

Programs of Study

This course can be achieved using a regular or fast-tracked program.

  • Regular study program = 2 years full time or part time equivalent, enrolling in full semesters only with the choice of in person and online unit options.
  • Fast-tracked program = 1.3 years full time using a combination of semesters and intensives with intensives only available online.

Regular Study Program

Year 1 Semester 1

EDUC14105

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Mathematics I

EDUC50113

Exploring Indigenous Education

EDUC52102

Introduction to Learning & Teaching

EDUC52103

Managing the Primary Classroom

Professional Experience 1 (July-August, 20 consecutive days)

Year 1 Semester 2

EDUC14104

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Initial English

EDUC24106

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Mathematics II

EDUC14102

Curriculum Studies-Teaching English I

EDUC52106

Planning and Assessment for Teaching English

Year 2 Semester 1

EDUC54102

Curriculum Studies-Primary Creative Arts

EDUC54106

Curriculum Studies-Historical Inquiry, Religion & Geographical Investigation in the Primary School

EDUC34109

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Health & Physical Education

EDUC52104

Preparation for the Christian Teaching Workplace

Professional Experience - June-August, 40 consecutive days (Aligned to unit EDPX30001 Professional Experience)

Year 2 Semester 2

EDUC24107

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Science & Technology

EDUC50102

Understanding Students with Special Education Needs

EDPX30001

Professional Experiences (June/July - 8 weeks)

EDUC50114

Exploring Educational Research & Diversity

Fast-Tracked Study Program

Intensive-1

EDUC50102

Understanding Students with Special Education Needs

EDUC50113

Exploring Indigenous Education

Semester 1

EDUC14105

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Mathematics I

EDUC34109

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Health & Physical Education

EDUC52102

Introduction to Learning & Teaching

EDUC52103

Managing the Primary Classroom

Intensive-2

EDUC52104

Preparation for the Christian Teaching Workplace

EDUC54102

Curriculum Studies-Primary Creative Arts

Professional Experience 1 - July-August, 20 consecutive days

Semester 2

EDUC14104

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Initial English

EDUC24106

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Mathematics II

EDUC14102

Curriculum Studies-Teaching English I

EDUC52106

Planning and Assessment for Teaching English

Intensive-3

EDUC50114

Exploring Educational Research & Diversity

EDUC24107

Curriculum Studies-Teaching Science & Technology

Intensive-1 (4)

EDUC54106

Curriculum Studies - Historical Inquiry, Religion & Geographical Investigation in the Primary School

EDPX30001

Professional Experience

Professional Experience - Feb-March, 40 consecutive days (Aligned to unit EDPX30001 Professional Experience)

Timing of Study Periods

INT-1

SEM 1

INT-2

SEM 2

INT-3

Early January – Mid February

Late February – Mid June

Early June – Mid July

Early August – Mid November

Mid November – Mid December

Approx 6 weeks

Approx 13 weeks

Approx 6 weeks

Approx 13 weeks

Approx 6 weeks

To view unit information, note the unit code and search for the unit in  Unit Outlines.

Students have regular opportunities to practice their developing teaching skills in the classroom through two Professional Experience Placements; one of 20 days and one of 40 days. These provide opportunities to develop essential mastery of the Graduate Teaching Standards, required by the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) prior to graduation.

It is important that teacher education students:

  • Be available during regularly scheduled Professional Experience Placements, refraining from booking other events during this time
  • Be willing to experience a variety of school contexts
  • Take responsibility for any transport or accommodation costs associated with their Professional Experience Placement.

Students must provide evidence of compliance on arrival at each school for their Professional Experience Placements. Evidence includes:

  • Working With Children’s Check
  • Child Protection Awareness Training and annual updates
  • ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training
  • NSW Department of Education Code of Conduct

If a student becomes ineligible to visit schools for Professional Experience Placements or is barred from attending a school for any reason, the student will not be able to complete this degree.

Fitness for Teaching

Students need to demonstrate their fitness for teaching to complete a Professional Experience Placement. This means being able to:

  • Maintain satisfactory academic progression before Professional Experience Placement
  • Act in a way that demonstrates sound cognitive, mental, emotional and physical health, and be able to cope with the varying demands of classroom situations
  • Demonstrate the ability to cope effectively with stressful situations
  • Demonstrate the ability to maintain a duty of care while on Professional Experience Placement
  • Relate to students in an age-appropriate and professional manner
  • Model appropriate literacy and numeracy skills in the classroom and beyond.

Conflicts of Interest

Teacher education students should seek Professional Experience Placements in schools where no relatives or friends are working or attending. This is to avoid a conflict of interest in mentoring and assessing teacher education students. Otherwise, any relationship must be disclosed, with Avondale reserving the right to make a decision regarding the Professional Experience Placement. Failure to disclose this information may mean that the grade for the Professional Experience Placement is subject to revision or annulment. Students cannot complete a placement at a school where they are a present or past employee.

Post Admission Requirements

Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Students will need to obtain a New South Wales Working with Children Check, as well as the equivalent Working with Children Check in any state or territory in which they intend to complete a Professional Experience Placement. Students enrolled in a Master of Teaching degree will need to obtain a New South Wales WWCC before starting their first semester of study.

Students need to apply for a Working with Children Check online through the Office of the Children's Guardian. After the application is complete, the application number and the expiry date must be emailed to the Professional Experience Placement Officer.
E: [email protected]

Child Protection Awareness Training

Students are required to complete the Child Protection Awareness Training within the first two weeks of the semester, before the first Professional Experience Placement. The training is a self-paced online e-learning course available through the NSW Department of Education. Students should save their evidence of completion as a PDF file and email it to the Professional Experience Placement Officer.
E: [email protected]

Child Protection Update

When a student has completed the Child Protection Awareness training, they must register for MyPL, and then complete Child Protection Updates annually.

The specific focus of the annual Child Protection Update varies each year, depending on current needs as identified by the NSW Department of Education. The aim of the course is to provide a general refresher on recognising and responding to suspected risk of harm across a range of categories. It reminds those working in an education context of the actions to take when identifying and responding to students at risk of harm.

ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training

The NSW Department of Education mandates that students receive anaphylaxis management training before commencing their first Professional Experience Placement. Students are required to complete ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training for Australian schools.

Once completed, please print, scan, and email the certificate(s) to the Professional Experience Placement Officer.
E: [email protected].

National Literacy and Numeracy Test (LANTITE)

Government requirements stipulate that students must pass the Government Literacy and Numeracy Test (LANTITE) in order to commence their final Professional Experience Placement. It is advised that students sit this test in the first year of their course. The booking of and the payment for these tests is the responsibility of each student, being separate to tuition fees.

The Placement Officer is available to assist students with all post admission requirements and can be contacted at:
E: [email protected]
T: 02 4980 2180

Accreditation

The MTch (Prim) course is accredited by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Professional Registration

At the completion of the course, students must register with the state professional teaching body before they are eligible to teach in a school. In New South Wales this accrediting body is the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Career Opportunities

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is designed to successfully prepare the student with critical thinking skills for the classroom, and adaptability for the evolving education system. Graduates are qualified to teach from Kindergarten to Year 6 and the potential to gain employment as a:

  • Primary School Teacher
  • Primary School Administrator
  • Primary School Specialist Teacher (Creative Arts, Health and Physical Education, Science, Humanities & Social Sciences, English and Mathematics)
  • Tutor

Graduates are qualified to teach in independent and state school systems in both Australia and overseas. In addition to education-related careers, teachers find careers in corporate and government roles where organisational and relationship skills are valued by employers.


apartmentpencillicensebookmarkchevron-downcheckmark-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram