Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Newcastle
Duration1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 6 years maximum.1.5 years full-time.
Mode of deliveryFace to Face
Start datesTrimester 1 (24 Jan 2022), Trimester 2 (9 May 2022),
FeesCommonwealth supported places are available.
Find information about indicative course and program fees.
Find information about indicative course and program fees.
Program Code40205
Study Primary Teaching
If you are searching for a challenging and rewarding career that will utilise your communication and leadership skills to shape the future of children, then the Master of Teaching (Primary) is for you. Using your existing degree as a foundation, the Master of Teaching (Primary) offers you a highly-regarded advanced teaching program.
Our program, which you will study in three trimesters per year, 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.
Why study with us?
- Graduate within 16 months: producing graduates ready to enter a rewarding career as a primary teacher; this program will have you teaching within 16 months due to our trimester model.
- Be recognised internationally: the University of Newcastle's School of Education is ranked in the world's top 150 for education (QS World University Rankings by subject 2020).
- Graduate work-ready: students undertake 60 days of formal professional placement in schools and 5 days of Work Integrated Learning.
- Become an industry expert: you’ll graduate with high-level communication and leadership skills to enhance learning and shape the futures of primary students.
- Work anywhere in the world: our Master of Teaching (Primary) is recognised nationally and internationally. In an environment where teachers are in demand globally you will stand out at the forefront of the profession. You will be able to immediately seek accreditation to teach in NSW government schools.
- NESA Registration - graduates are eligible for registration with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).
#5 in Australia
?
for overall postgraduate education experience
#6 in Australia
?
for overall postgraduate teaching quality
#7 in Australia
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for overall postgraduate student satisfaction
World top 150
?
for Education
95% Employed
?
within four months of graduating
What you will study
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:
- English;
- Mathematics;
- Creative And Performing Arts;
- Science and Technology;
- Physical Development, Health and Physical Education; and Human Society and its Environment
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 Work Integrated Learning 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.
Program plans
Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.
These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.
Career
Career opportunities
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:
- Classroom Teacher;
- School Executive and Principal;
- Home School Liaison Officer;
- School Counsellor;
- Teacher Librarian; and
- Learning Assistance Support Teacher.
Study with us
Hear from our students
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
How to apply
Applying for Master of Teaching (Primary)
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Newcastle
Before you get started
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
- Review the program fees and costs.
- Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
- If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Other things to consider
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:
- Bachelor Honours Degree; or
- Bachelor Degree.
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 SimTeach screening, a 500 word written piece of work and the Grade Point Average of the completed undergraduate degree. The SimTeach screening is a short, immersive teaching simulation, where you will simply introduce yourself, engage with the student avatars and try to teach them about something of interest to you (for example food, sport, how to apply sunscreen, etc.).
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
Applicants for this program must satisfy a minimum English Language Proficiency Standard equivalent to an IELTS overall minimum of 7.5 with no subtest result below 7.0 for reading and writing subtests, and no subtest result below 8.0 for listening and speaking subtests.
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
Working With Children Check
Child Protection Awareness Training
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
Ok, great, let's go!
Applications for 2022 will open on 03 September 2021 and will close on 05 December (Trimester 1) and 17 April (Trimester 2)
Before submitting your application, take the time to review the details on the SimTeach screening process available at How do I apply for the Master of Teaching programs?
Before submitting your application, please have a look at the Master of Teaching admissions booklet, and take time to review the SimTeach screening process schedule.
Apply to study in Australia
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.
Alternatively you may complete a paper-based application.
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.