How do I become a teacher?

Teachers and educators play a crucial role in the lives of children, young people and adults.

As SA’s No. 1 ranked university for graduate careers in Education1, UniSA offers the largest range of education degrees in South Australia, giving you the opportunity to follow a career as an early childhood, primary or secondary teacher.

We offer practical experience with field-based placements in a variety of settings, including metropolitan and rural schools, starting in your first six months.

Study one of our degrees in early childhood, primary or secondary education and graduate with the skills and confidence to enter the classroom ready to teach.

Or, if you already have an undergraduate degree, take your career to the next level and develop your knowledge further with a Master degree in early childhood, primary or secondary education.

Read through the information below to find the best option for you to enter this highly satisfying and rewarding profession.

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

What age group do you want to teach?

  • Early Childhood minus-thick plus-thick

    Our early childhood education options prepare you for a career working in early childhood settings as an early childhood teacher.

    To become an early childhood teacher , choose from one of the following options: 

    OPTION 1

    A bachelor’s degree:

    • Bachelor of Early Childhood (B-5 years) available at MagillMawson LakesWhyalla and Mount Gambier campuses.
      Choose this three-year degree if you wish to teach children from birth to five years of age in preschool/kindergarten, and/or childcare and community services settings.  

    OR 

    • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) available at MagillMawson LakesMount Gambier or Whyalla campuses.
      Choose this four-year degree if you wish to teach children from birth to eight years of age in junior primary, preschool/kindergarten and/or childcare and community services settings. 

    If you have completed the TAFE Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you are guaranteed entry tothe Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) and the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (B-5 years) and could receive 4-8 courses (18 -32 units) credit. 

    OPTION 2

    A master’s degree:

    See the Detailed entry requirements page for more information on learning area eligibility. 

  • Primary minus-thick plus-thick

    Our primary education options are focused on teaching that will equip you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to thrive as a contemporary educator in junior primary and primary settings (reception to year seven).

    To become a primary educator, choose from one of the following options:

    OPTION 1

    If you have completed a TAFE Diploma you will have guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours).

    OPTION 2

    The Master of Teaching is a two year full-time program, with the Primary specialisation currently taught at the Magill campus. 

    * Applicants for the Master of Teaching (Primary) specialisation require a three-year degree from a recognised tertiary institution that relates to the Australian curriculum.

    See the Detailed entry requirements page for more information on learning area eligibility

  • Secondary minus-thick plus-thick

    Our secondary education options prepare you to teach adolescent students from years 7 to 12, in the learning area/s of your choice.

    To become a secondary educator, choose from one of the following options:

    OPTION 1

    • Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) available at Mawson LakesMount Gambier or Whyalla campuses.
      Take a direct path into secondary education with a four-year undergraduate degree.

    OPTION 2

    The Master of Teaching is a two year full-time program, with the Secondary specialisation currently taught at the Mawson Lakes campus. 

    Learning areas for secondary teaching

    Your previous study may determine your eligibility for our secondary teaching programs and your learning area/s. For more detail please see How do I become a secondary teacher?

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