Education

Master of Teaching (Primary)

Imagine witnessing the moment a child understands a concept for the first time. Feel the satisfaction of seeing a student develop their abilities over the course of a year. These are the unique experiences provided by a career in Primary School Teaching. The Master of Teaching (Primary) is more than just a qualification; it’s your calling to inspire, engage, and elevate young minds from Prep to Year 6. This course equips you with a fully accredited professional teaching qualification, readying you for a rewarding career in primary education.

Course Duration
2 years full time, up to 10 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Placements
Study Locations
Online
Start Dates
Feb (S1), July (S2)
Fees
$2,550 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
16

What is the Master of Teaching (Primary)?

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is designed for aspiring teachers and career changers who already hold a degree. Accredited by TEQSA and NESA, this program prepares you for provisional registration as a generalist teacher for Prep to Year 6. The course covers core pedagogy in each of the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) and includes extensive professional experience. Through independent action research, you will enhance your teaching skills and contribute to the field of education. You will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, along with advanced knowledge in the full range of the primary curriculum.

You can also apply to study in one of our Teaching Model Hub partner schools. This complements our regular practical placements, which you can complete in a range of local or international schools. The hub model is an apprenticeship style of "on the job" learning where a student becomes part of a local school and has a mentor teacher. This is a global first initiative which flips the conventional educational structures and trains students onsite in partner schools.

Who is this for?

Graduates with a Bachelor degree seeking to become primary school teachers.

Professionals transitioning to a teaching role in primary schools.

Educators wanting to specialise in primary education.

Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Teaching (Primary) will be equipped to teach in a variety of educational settings, including faith-based, government, and non-government schools. You will develop expertise in teaching young children, mastering subjects across the primary curriculum. Career progression opportunities include roles such as lead teacher, year coordinator, head of curriculum, and principal. Additionally, graduates may pursue further postgraduate studies, contributing to educational research and leadership.

To me, being a Christian teacher means being able to speak hope and life to the kids in school.

Shaniah Miller

Accreditation

AC’s education awards are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), learn more here. In addition, they are designed to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Graduate Teachers and recognised by AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership). This allows for our graduates to apply to register as teachers across all school sectors in Australia. AC also has partnerships with over 100 Independent schools to train our students, including an embedded teaching model where students learn whilst being placed in a school community with teaching schools.* These partnerships greatly enhance practical learning experiences and career opportunities for our students and graduates. AC offers postgraduate courses for teachers and school leaders in partnership with the National Institute for Christian Education (NICE).

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
14 Subjects
140 Credit Points
120 cp from Education
Postgraduate Research and Writing (optional pre-semester, 0 credit points) EDU405
This unit will give you the tools required to succeed in your postgraduate academic studies. It will examine how you learn, plus challenge you to think deeper, wider and more creatively. It will also encourage you in how to critically evaluate and reflect on information.
Foundations in Christian Learning and Teaching EDU401
Learning and Teaching Mathematics: Part A EDU514
In this unit, students asses the growth and development of mathematical constructs in children through Primary school: Mathematics K-10 syllabus. Discover the socio-cultural and multicultural contexts of mathematics and critique a range of teaching methods and approaches, with a view to developing your own philosophy and teaching method.
Learning and Teaching Mathematics: Part B EDU515
This subject builds on EDU514 Learning and Teaching Mathematics: Part A, with a focus on the classroom and how learners construct Mathematical concepts. It will investigate ways in which programs can be developed to integrate numeracy across the curriculum.
Inclusive Education EDU523

This subject critically analyses inclusive philosophy while exploring the specific learning needs for students ‘at risk’ of exclusion. This includes an understanding of the challenges faced by students experiencing marginalisation due to disability, ethnicity, religion, gender or other forms of diversityDifferentiation strategies, behaviour support models and technologies, assessment and evaluation strategies are examined in the context of learning and teaching strategies for individuals with disabilities. Legislative requirements, for people with disabilities and gifted and talented opportunities, are reviewed and the Teacher Education Students (TES) are given the opportunity to review their own attitudes to diversity and disability in the light of their own faith and professional responsibilities. 

History and Geography EDU502

This subject provides an in-depth exploration of the HSIE Key Learning Areas of History and Geography and opens prospects for integration with other Learning Areas. The study of History and Geography assists in the development of a deeper understanding of the Teacher Education Student’s Christian or alternate worldview. Australia’s multicultural society is celebrated as the Teacher Education Student seeks to inspire the young to care for their country and their world for future generations.  

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education EDU511

This subject provides a comprehensive overview of key researchers in the field of child and adolescent development providing models of instruction and resources in the health and physical education arena. It specifically focuses on physical, cognitive, social and emotional, moral development and the application to health and physical education incorporating a Christian world view enabling each student to flourish. 

Creative Arts EDU521

This subject equips students with pedagogical approaches, teaching methodologies, and practical strategies to effectively teach Creative Arts (Drama, Dance, Media Arts, Music and Visual Arts) in the Primary classroomStudents will develop their own God given creative capacities, and draw on prior learning to explore the specific role of integration, student engagement, and assessment when applied to Creative Arts teaching and learning. 

Science and Technology EDU512

This subject focuses on the Key Learning Area of Science and Technology. Pre-service Teachers will explore relevant science and technology content and strategies to develop in primary students: science and technology knowledge, understandings, skills, attitudes and values. Christian worldview and ethical issues discussed in EDU407 Foundations in Christian Education will be drawn upon when critiquing syllabus content, methodology and teaching resources. 

Learning and Teaching English EDU513
Develop skills for teaching language, literature and literacy.This subject introduces pre-service teachers to the social construction view of language and how this can be integrated with a biblical worldview.
10 cp from Christian Studies

No subjects found in this category.

10 cp from Research
Action Research RES502
Participants in this subject are expected to study independently under supervision, developing an action research proposal to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within their own classroom or educational setting. The students will then implement appropriate research methods, analyse the findings, reflect upon the findings in relation to their own role, and write the study up as a dissertation that concludes with practical recommendations for improved Christian pedagogy.
Professional Experience
2 Subjects
20 Credit Points
Professional Experience (Part A & Part B) EDU591

This subject affords the Teacher Education Student a wide range of opportunities to practice their developing skills and techniques in controlled real-life settings under the support of full-time school mentors. The students develop their planning, relational and evaluation skills within the setting of professional teams of communities of practice. Above all, they learn effective behaviour management techniques while observing the performance of professional teachers in their own contexts and they experience how their personal worldview impacts every aspect of their life and work in education. 

Alphacrucis University requires all initial Teacher Education Students to attempt the National Literacy and Numeracy Test LANTITE in their first semester of study and pass LANTITE before their final placement. It is a national requirement that students cannot graduate from an ITE program if they have not passed LANTITE. 

Professional Experience EDU599

This subject affords the Teacher Education Student a wide range of opportunities to practice their developing skills and techniques in controlled real-life settings under the support of full-time school mentors. The students develop their planning, relational and evaluation skills within the setting of professional teams of communities of practice. Above all, they learn effective behaviour management techniques while observing the performance of professional teachers in their own contexts and they experience how their personal worldview impacts every aspect of their life and work in education. 

Alphacrucis University requires all initial Teacher Education Students to attempt the National Literacy and Numeracy Test LANTITE in their first semester of study and pass LANTITE  before their final placement. It is a national requirement that students cannot graduate from an ITE program if they have not passed LANTITE. 

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • Advanced and integrated understanding of key issues and practices within the discipline area of primary teaching.
    • Knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the KLA’s pertaining to primary teaching, including, where appropriate, across disciplines.
    • Understanding of general research principles and methods, and advanced knowledge of specific research approaches used in the discipline area of primary teaching.
    • Advanced and integrated understanding regarding the planning, implementation, assessment and reporting of pedagogically sound learning activities consistent with a Christian worldview and appropriate to the demands of the teaching context.

    Skills

    • Evaluate, synthesise and critically engage the theoretical knowledge regarding the stages of development in physical, cognitive, social/emotional and spiritual growth in children and apply it to diagnosis and strategies for progression.
    • Analyse and synthesise various pedagogical approaches with differing ideologies and develop skills and strategies (including technologies) to enhance the quality of learning for all students, including those from marginalised communities.
    • Design and execute a research project which examines a complex problem or issue using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area.
    • Communicate effectively complex ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts.
    • Identify and critically evaluate new developments of research and scholarship in the discipline area of primary teaching.

    Ability

    • Articulate new questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the discipline area of primary teaching to develop appropriate solutions.
    • Comply with professional codes of ethics and regulations which impact on the ability to work with children and keep abreast of changes in the legislation and practice applicable to the specific teaching context.
    • Work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in the discipline area of primary teaching.
    • Design and implement a major research project in the discipline area of primary teaching to advance personal and professional development, in order to thrive in educational contexts.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline by an authorised institution.

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline by an authorised institution.

    Students must meet the necessary requirements for accreditation through NESA, including at least 1 full year (8 units) for study in one or more learning areas of the primary school curriculum (English/Literacy, Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), Mathematics/Numeracy, Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Science and Technology). For more information check the NESA website here.

    Additionally, as of 2024, all graduate entry Primary teaching applicants will need to possess at least a Band 4 result in a prior HSC mathematics course, or have undertaken at least 1 unit of mathematics/numeracy in a prior bachelor degree, or will be required to pass a mathematics/numeracy bridging unit (in addition to the program’s regular units) before or during the first year of study in the Master of Teaching (Primary).

    Working With Children Check (WWCC)

    All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check (or state equivalent) online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects.

    Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’ in Education.

    Literacy and Numeracy Test

    AC students are required to sit for and pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to enrolling in their final Professional Experience Placement.

    Anaphylaxis e-Training

    Training is provided free online by the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). On completion of the online module participants receive a certificate of completion which must be included with your application. The training is required to be successfully undertaken every two years. This is the only training for anaphylaxis management in schools that New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) will accept.

    NSW Department of Education Child Protection Awareness Training

    All students are required to complete the NSW Department of Education Child Protection Awareness Training before enrolling into a work integrated learning subject and undertaking Professional Experience. Students who have met the academic and essential entry requirements can progress into the course prior to completing this training.

    First Aid Training

    All students completing EDU511/CRS311 Personal Development, Physical & Health Education are required to complete a recognised First Aid Course. This course deals with the cause and prevention of accidents, the acquisition of sufficient knowledge to determine the nature and extent of injury, and sufficient skill to administer proper first aid.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 7.5 (with no score below 7.0 in any of the four skills areas).

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November