University of South Australia

Education and Teaching

Interested in Education and Teaching?

With UniSA you can step into the classroom as an early childhood, primary or secondary teacher.

As SA’s No. 1 ranked university for graduate careers in Education1, we offer a range of education degrees that will set you up for a meaningful and rewarding career as an early childhood, primary or secondary teacher.

Our education degrees are industry-relevant and prepare you, from day one, for the practical nature of your role as an educator. 

Specialist courses will focus your studies on your particular areas of interest, and the practical component of your degree begins in the first six months. This means you will get to experience exactly what the job is about from early in your studies.

Our education degrees in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary offer Honours with a difference. They focus on you being ready-to-teach, with enhanced career opportunities, with the added benefit of graduating with an Honours. You will graduate skilled, confident and ready to pursue your teaching career.

Graduate with a competitive edge, study Education with UniSA.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Teacher Education – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Key features

  • Study with SA's No.1 university for graduate careers in Education1.
  • UniSA is World top 150 in Education2.
  • Gain practical experience with field-based placements in a variety of settings, including metropolitan and rural schools, starting in the first six months.
  • Study a curriculum that is informed by our above world-class research3.
  • Benefit from the future-focused, high-tech Samsung SMARTSchool located at the Magill campus.
  • A range of study options to pursue a career as a secondary teacher. 
  • Gain specialist skills to thrive in a career as an educator.
  • Depending on your degree, study at Magill, Mawson Lakes, Mount Gambier, Whyalla or online.
  • Pathways and packages to further study such as educational leadership, inclusive education, digital technologies, and more.



1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Teacher Education - Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 
22024 THE Subject Rankings.

3Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Why UniSA?

UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

Building your career is our business, and you will graduate from UniSA with a highly sought-after qualification. Our education degrees are ranked number one in South Australiaand our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research3.

You’ll be taught by industry professionals. Our academics have a very practical approach to learning, and you’ll work in real teaching environments and get real experience. We’ve invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you’ll use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces.

We partner with local icons and international industry professionals to focus on real-world projects.

1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
22022 QS Subject Rankings.
32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 

UniSA offers the following Education and Teaching degrees

Choose your level of study

Postgraduate Education Programs

Take your career further in 2025 with our postgrad Education programs designed for education professionals.

Explore

Government scholarships available

Did you know the Australian Government is providing financial support for initial teacher education (ITE) domestic students commencing full-time teaching degrees from 2024? You could be eligible for up to $40,000. Conditions apply.

Find out more

World-class partners for a world-class university

We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

Your career

The demand for teachers is high and UniSA education degrees are ranked number one in the state for graduate employment1. Graduates find work in:

  • childcare centres
  • kindergartens
  • preschools
  • schools

QILT: Graduate Destinations Survey 2015 and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-17 – Full-time Employment Indicator. Public SA-founded universities only.

Your Career

Global networks

We are a globally connected university and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. Our students have had placements and internships with organisations like:

  • Department for Education and Child Development (DECD)
  • Catholic Education South Australia (CESA)
  • Independent Schools Association schools (AISSA)

Samsung and the University of South Australia have worked in partnership to develop the SMARTSchool. The SMARTSchool supports teachers to master six essential attributes of effective modern teaching against a backdrop of innovative STEM teaching and learning opportunities for school age children.

Industry facts

job-listings

By 2020, employment for primary school teachers in Australia is projected to increase by 16,000 (or 10.8 per cent).1

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

chart-people

Employment in secondary school teaching in Australia is projected to increase by 10,500 (7.8 per cent) by November 2020.1

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015 

column-chart-growth

Employment for early childhood teachers in Australia is projected to increase by 9,800 (27.9 per cent) by November 2020.1

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

UniSA's Samsung SMARTSchool

The Samsung SMARTSchool is an experimental, digitally connected learning environment that allows teachers at all career stages to explore the transformative potential of digital technologies to support new, innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning.

Learn more

MOD.

MOD. is like no other museum experience in Australia. We sit at the intersection of art and science and we bring together researchers, industries, and students to challenge, learn, and be inspired.

Visit MOD. today

Museum of Discovery

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

The TESOL specialisation at the University of South Australia is one of the best degrees of its kind in an English speaking country. I had a great experience learning in a cooperative classroom atmosphere, meeting smart and friendly people, studying in sophisticated facilities, and being mentored by very experienced staff with the latest teaching methods.

Nurul Fadillah

Master of Education (TESOL)

Nuruh Fadillah.jpg

Nurul Fadillah

Master of Education (TESOL)

I currently teach health and physical education (HPE) from reception to Year 7 at Flinders Park Primary, and as the leader of HPE at my school I work with staff to ensure we deliver the best fitness program possible. Studying at UniSA gave me a great understanding of how to produce engaging lesson content that helps students develop fundamental life skills.

John Katavatis

Bachelor of Education (Primary and Middle)

John Katavatis

John Katavatis

Bachelor of Education (Primary and Middle)

What I like most about my degree is the opportunity to engage with creative and engaging educators who stretch the boundaries of my mindset and challenge me to think critically about my teaching practice.

Joanna Loi

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

Joanna Loi

Joanna Loi

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

I chose UniSA because I felt it was a great program which provides practical experience, particularly in the initial stages of the degree. These practical experiences have been the highlight of my education degree and have enabled me to build relationships and implement authentic experiences for students in the classroom.

Sandra Tweed

Master of Teaching (Primary)

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Sandra Tweed

Master of Teaching (Primary)

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings