Start Date
February
July

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
MHPE

SATAC Code
474091 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 73.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 73.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • This degree is based at the Mount Gambier campus, with the flexibility to also study online (depending on the primary specialism chosen).
  • UniSA’s education degrees offer Honours with a difference.
  • Our Honours degrees allow you to graduate with an achievable and highly sought-after professional qualification in just four years.
  • Tailor your degree to your interests when you select a primary specialism that aligns with the Australian Curriculum.
  • Benefit from a pathway straight into further study.
  • Enhance your employment prospects by graduating with demonstrated research skills through your Honours coursework.
  • Get practical experience with field-based placements in a variety of settings, including metropolitan and rural schools, starting in the first six months.
  • Graduate career ready when you complete 100 days of professional placements throughout your degree.
  • Learn with experienced primary school teachers in collaborative learning classes.
  • UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia1 and World top 150 in Education2.
  • UniSA is ranked No.1 in SA for graduate careers in education3.
  • Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education4.
  • UniSA is No.1 in SA for starting salaries in Teaching5.
  • UniSA is home to SA’s largest offering of tertiary education degrees and the Samsung SMARTSchool – one of the most technologically advanced teacher education facilities in Australia.
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities6, 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.

12022 QS Subject Rankings 
22024 THE Subject Rankings
3ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Teacher Education – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
4Results for Specialist Studies in Education – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
52021 Good Universities Guide – Teacher Education (Undergraduate)
6UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Snapshot

UniSA’s education degrees offer honours with a difference. They focus on you being ready-to-teach, with enhanced career opportunities, with the added benefit of graduating with a professional honours degree. You will graduate skilled, confident and ready to pursue your teaching career in early childhood or primary education (F-6).

The Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) is a four-year professional degree solely 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.

As well as real-world experience, you will be given the opportunity to fine-tune your learning with a primary specialism, focusing on a particular Learning Area aligned with the Australian Curriculum:

  • Arts
  • English
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Languages (Italian only)

The initial teacher education qualification for the Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia's requirements for the purpose of teacher registration in South Australia and the requirements of the national approach to the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.

The Australian Government is providing financial support for initial teacher education (ITE) students commencing full-time teaching degrees from 2024. You could be eligible for up to $40,000. Conditions apply. Find out more.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

The aim of this degree is to provide you with knowledge across a range of contexts. The learning is largely practical and centres heavily on the principles and concepts relating to the primary school curriculum. The four key components of the program include:

  • curriculum studies courses, which examine the specific learning areas of the primary school curriculum
  • professional experience courses, which allow students to develop their knowledge and skills in a practical environment
  • education studies, which include courses that explore what it means to be an educator
  • primary specialism, which includes courses in the following Learning Areas of the Australian Curriculum (you only need to choose one specialism):
    • Arts
    • English
    • Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Languages (Italian)

You will also be expected to participate in professional experience in primary schools from reception to year six. Placements are taken on a continuous full-time basis at designated times during the year, as organised by the University in partnership with the schooling sectors.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Foundations in Learning and Teaching 1: Learning through Play EDUC 1102 4.5 Note(s): 1
Theories of Learning EDUC 1077 4.5 Note(s): 1
Professional Experience 1: Introduction to Educators' Practices EDUC 1081 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 2,3,4
Introduction to Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment EDUC 1113 4.5 Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Foundations in Arts Education EDUC 2054 4.5 Note(s): 3
English Curriculum: Language EDUC 1112 4.5 Note(s): 3
Design and Technology Education EDUC 1018 4.5 Note(s): 3
Primary Specialism 1 4.5 Note(s): 4,7,8
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
English Curriculum: Reading EDUC 2058 4.5 Note(s): 3
Health and Physical Education EDUC 2006 4.5 Note(s): 3
Humanities and Social Sciences Education EDUC 2056 4.5 Note(s): 3
Primary Specialism 2 4.5 Note(s): 4,7,8
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Experience 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy EDUC 2062 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 2,3,4
Mathematics Education 1 EDUC 3073 4.5 Note(s): 3
Teaching and Learning in Aboriginal Education EDUC 2061 4.5 Note(s): 1
Foundations in Learning and Teaching 2: Creating Positive Learning Environments EDUC 2078 4.5 Note(s): 1
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Professional Experience 3: Informed Planning (HP) EDUC 3086 9 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 2,3,4
Primary Mathematics Education 2 EDUC 3093 4.5 Note(s): 3
Science Education EDUC 2030 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Inclusive Education EDUC 3055 4.5 Note(s): 1
English Curriculum: Text Production EDUC 3062 4.5 Note(s): 3
Foundations in Learning and Teaching 3: Educating for Diversity and Inclusion EDUC 3079 4.5 Note(s): 1
Primary Specialism 3 4.5 Note(s): 4,7,8
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1)
Honours Educational Research: Theory, Literature and Policy EDUC 4224 4.5 Note(s): 1,9
First Semester (Study Period 2 or 3)
Honours Research Methodology: Methods and Ethics EDUC 4239 4.5 Note(s): 1,9
Primary Specialism 4 4.5 Note(s): 4,7,8,9
English Curriculum: Programming EDUC 4247 4.5 Note(s): 3,9
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,6,9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Experience 4 (Honours): Inquiry into Practice EDUC 4245 13.5 Note(s): 2,9 Rule(s): 2,3,4,5

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • essays
  • reports
  • examinations
  • research methodologies
  • presentations
  • professional experience placements

Why Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) (Mount Gambier)

Why this Degree

The addition of Honours offers a higher-level qualification, which will set you apart from your competitors and provide increased employment opportunities due to your ability to undertake practitioner inquiry.

Honours is a focused approach to learning and is attainable and achievable by all, including you. It adds no extra time to your degree, and you will develop planning, problem solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for a career as a contemporary educator.

This degree is solely focused on primary education, with specialist courses that will focus on your particular area of interest. Much of the learning in this industry-relevant degree is practical in nature, ensuring you are graduate career ready as a primary educator. The practical component begins in the first six months, giving you an early opportunity to experience exactly what the job is all about. 

Real-world connections

Workplace learning is a major focus of this degree and throughout your studies you will complete 100 days of field-based placements in primary school settings. This practical experience will equip you with the skills and confidence needed after graduation and will also help to develop industry networks and relationships.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Online study

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use discussion forums for team work and communication

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Study at UniSA

Hear more about the benefits of studying either Early Childhood or Primary teaching at UniSA Mount Gambier Campus.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

The Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) program offers a range of diverse employment options beyond teaching-specific roles. You may choose to work for a variety of employers including:

  • business associations
  • the Department for Education
  • Catholic Education South Australia (CESA)
  • the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA)
     

The Honours program will equip you with an additional qualification and specialised skills, which will enhance your employment prospects if you choose to continue into teaching. The primary school teaching field shows promising job prospects Australia-wide, with strong long-term growth*. Careers to consider include:

  • primary teacher: develop lesson plans in line with the Australian curriculum and facilitate classroom learning for children in reception to year six
  • junior primary teacher: develop lesson plans in line with the Australian curriculum and facilitate classroom learning for children aged five to eight

*Joboutlook.gov.au July 2020.

You may also choose to continue onto further research with a Master of Education, PhD, or Education Doctorate.*

*A class 2A Honours grade or higher is required.

The initial teacher education qualification for the Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia's requirements for the purpose of teacher registration in South Australia, and the requirements of the national approach to the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Successful completion of this program provides a recognised academic qualification which will enable graduates to apply for teacher registration in South Australia, interstate and some overseas countries. Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • continue your applicatoin when you are redirected through to the SATAC website
  • address the non-academic entry requirements

-----Additional entry requirements-----

In accordance with national teacher education program standards, please note that as part of your SATAC application, you are also required to meet non-academic entry requirements. 

All applicants who wish to commence study in our Education degrees are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement in addition to your SATAC application. This supports the national priority to ensure those entering the teaching profession have the personal qualities to best support learners and graduate as classroom ready, high quality teachers.

The Teaching Capabilities Statement complies with the national Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) initial teacher education program standard of academic and non-academic entry requirements. Further information can be found on the Entry Requirements page.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I am passionate about supporting our pre-service teachers to be successful teachers by focusing on sound pedagogical practices, which include how to generate inquiry based questions.

Mrs Shaan Gilson

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mrs Shaan Gilson
Portrait image for Mrs Shaan Gilson

Mrs Shaan Gilson

Program Director

Enquire

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.

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