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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
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above
OR Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, applicants must also fulfil non-academic entry requirements. All applicants will be required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application, about their motivation to teach, addressing the topics: 'Explain what you think teaching involves. Outline the personal and academic qualities you possess that will enable you to become an effective teacher. Describe your attitude to learning and provide an example of something you have learned that was meaningful'. Complete information on content, format and submission is available here.
Applicants are advised that a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services is required for all students prior to undertaking any professional experience placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the Teaching and Education Placements web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance is also required for visits to education sites in other courses, eg to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.
Please note: due to the program structure and professional experience placements, students commencing mid-year study will complete their program in 4.5 years instead of 4 years, with the first year undertaken at maximum 0.8 FTE load.
This degree is based at the Whyalla 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.
Benefit from flexible study options, including online study (depending on the primary specialism chosen).
UniSA is home to SA’s largest offerings 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 #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
UniSA’s education degrees offer Honours with a difference. Graduate ready to teach, with enhanced career opportunities, and 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
Health and Physical Education
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 qualification 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
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
Health and Physical Education
Humanities and Social Sciences
Languages (Italian only)
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.
1. Accreditation requirements mandate that pre-service teachers in a four year program undertake supervised professional experience of no less than 80 days in a formal education setting. Preservice teachers are assessed against the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Graduate Standards and are awarded a non-graded pass (NGP). The Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) has 100 days of placement.
2. Preservice teachers are required to take the four Professional Experience courses in sequence. All Professional Experience days and blocks must be taken on a continuous full-time basis regardless of whether a preservice teacher is studying in a part-time or full-time mode.
3. Preservice teachers will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check (WWCC) through the Department of Human Services (DHS). The clearance will be valid for five years. The WWCC must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DHS clearance process. If a preservice teacher fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity that a preservice teacher may require to complete the course of study. If preservice teachers cannot undertake a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity which is a compulsory part of the program, they cannot graduate with an Education Degree from UniSA.
4. Preservice teachers enrolled in programs in UniSA Education Futures and who are completing any in-school or site (ie preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements, must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Abuse and Neglect prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All preservice teachers undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and non-government schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (ie a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website. For more information go to the UniSA Education Futures Pre-requisites and Requirements web page.
5. All preservice teachers must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) to be eligible for program completion and graduation. Preservice teachers will attempt LANTITE as they progress through their program. Preservice teachers will be required to successfully achieve both the literacy and numeracy components of LANTITE as a prerequisite for enrolment in their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of supports for preservice teachers to help them achieve the required standard. Preservice teachers will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any preservice teacher who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will be counselled regarding options.
Notes
1. This course is part of the Education Studies component of the program which comprises 10 courses (45 units).
2. This course is part of the Professional Experience component of the program which comprises 4 courses (31.5 units).
3. This course is part of the Curriculum Studies component of the program which comprises 11 courses (49.5 units).
4. The Primary Specialism component of the program comprises 4 x 4.5 unit courses (a minor of 18 units) chosen from one of the Primary Specialisms listed above.
5. Preservice teachers who have completed Stage 2 SACE language studies or equivalent normally enrol first in the language 2A courses. They are not permitted to enrol in the language 1A courses without language major coordinator approval.
6. In 4th year, preservice teachers must complete one Elective as part of their undergraduate program from the Electives list above.
7. With the exception of Health and Physical Education, Whyalla preservice teachers are required to undertake the specialism in external mode.
8. Primary specialisms offered in external mode: Arts, English, HaSS, Languages (Italian only).
9. This course may be used to calculate the honours grade for the program.
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
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) (Whyalla)
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.
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.
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 qualification 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.
UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree
Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.
go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
continue your application 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:
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.
Explore a range of 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning. With the flexibility to study when and where it suits you, there’s no need to hit pause on work or family commitments.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entry Scores The rules and values that specify the level of attainment required to qualify for consideration for admission to UniSA. Below ATAR-based represents your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors.)
