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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
Speak to enrolment advisorDownload Course Guide

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). 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.
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Foundations in Christian Learning and Teaching EDU401
 
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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.
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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.
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Inclusive Education EDU523
Explore ways to critially analyse the developmental stages of the child to adolescence as they impact ‘at risk’ factors’ influence in inclusive education. Students will develop assessment and evaluation practices to intergrate in the classroom context, in light of learning and teaching strategies for individuals with disabilities.
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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.  
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Personal Development, Health and Physical Education EDU511
In this unit, students build on the foundation of current theories and skills, to unpack strategies to support diverse learners needs. Using informed research, students will explore PDHPE subjects such as problem solving, preventative health, population health, behaviour change and personal development.
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Creative Arts EDU521
Dive in to the creative arts from drama, dance, media arts, music and visual arts. Students will be equipped with varios approaches to teaching methodologies and practical strategies to effectively teach. Students will also learn to develop their own creative capacities, as well as assessment tools appropriate to children in the primary school age group.
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Science and Technology EDU512
Discover key learning areas 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.
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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.
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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.
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Professional Experience
2 Subjects
20 Credit Points
Professional Experience (Minor) (Part A & Part B) EDU591
Gain practical experience in real-life school settings with full-time mentors. Students will focus on planning, networking, and building on analytical skills within professional teams. Observing professional teachers, they will learn effective behavior management and understand how personal worldviews influence their education practices.
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Professional Experience EDU599

Study in professional settings with full-time mentors, who are experts in the field. As they observe teachers' performance and begin learning effective behavior management, and understanding how personal worldview influences education practices students will work towards teaching a class.

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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

  • My experience at Alphacrucis was very dynamic as the assessments were enjoyable and the placements allowed me to build relationships within the school community.

    Andrew Eisenhower

    Master of Teaching

  • A unique aspect of AC was the Hub school experience, where I got to intern and be mentored in teaching. The link between my faith and how it's outworked in the classroom was really important to me.

    Ben Moore

    Master of Teaching (Secondary)

  • The hub model at Alphacrucis was a great experience with practical experiences from day one, support from phenomenal mentors, and engaging study with peers. Interacting with young people and staff of all ages highlighted the relational aspect of teaching, which is both challenging and beautiful. It's a joy to nurture young people and grow with peers in the profession, continually learning and seeking professional development together for the glory of God.

    Elena Petschack

    Masters of Teaching (Primary)

    • 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