Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This programme develops professional knowledge, practice and professional engagement across the primary years. You study curriculum and assessment for the Australian primary classroom, child and adolescent development, classroom management, and strategies for teaching literacy and numeracy. Core topics typically include:

• Curriculum and Pedagogy: planning and programming for the primary years, inquiry‑based learning and integrating cross‑curriculum priorities.
• Literacy Education: phonics, reading comprehension, writing development and assessment practices for diverse learners.
• Numeracy Education: number sense, problem solving, use of manipulatives and digital tools to teach mathematics.
• Inclusive and Special Education: differentiating instruction, supporting students with additional needs and working with support services.
• Assessment and Data Use: formative and summative assessment, use of evidence to inform planning and report writing.
• Professional Practice and Ethics: teacher professionalism, classroom behaviour strategies, child protection, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of teachers.
• Educational Technologies: effective use of digital resources, e‑learning tools and ICT integration across the curriculum.
• Extensive Professional Experience: multiple school placements across primary year levels, culminating in extended supervised teaching practice in partnership schools.

The course blends seminars, workshops, campus‑based simulation and supervised in‑school placements. Depending on prior study, some students may complete additional bridging units to strengthen subject knowledge or teaching methods.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline. Selection typically considers academic performance in the undergraduate degree and may take into account relevant work or volunteer experience with children. Additional entry components commonly include a personal statement or written statement of suitability and, where required, an interview. Candidates must meet professional suitability checks, which usually include a working with children check (or equivalent), national police check and up‑to‑date immunisation documentation.

Some applicants with limited prior exposure to classroom contexts may be asked to complete background study or bridging units; international applicants must meet ACU's English language requirements and any visa conditions. Successful completion of the programme enables graduates to seek initial teacher registration with the relevant state or territory regulatory authority, subject to meeting that authority's requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for classroom teaching roles in primary schools across the primary age range. Typical graduate destinations include:

• Early career primary classroom teacher in public, independent or Catholic schools
• Specialist classroom roles such as literacy or numeracy intervention teacher
• Curriculum coordinator, phase leader or student wellbeing roles after gaining classroom experience
• Education support roles in curriculum development, assessment or teacher education
• Further study pathways into educational leadership, special education, counselling or research

Graduates often move into leadership and specialist positions with experience, additional postgraduate study or professional accreditation.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU has a longstanding focus on teacher education with programs designed around practical classroom skills and strong school partnerships. The University emphasises professional experience, offering multiple supervised placements in a diverse range of primary school settings to build classroom readiness. ACU’s values‑based approach supports ethical and inclusive practice while welcoming students of all backgrounds.

Students benefit from experienced academic staff who are former teachers and active researchers in education, access to campus learning and simulation facilities, and established relationships with local schools that assist with placement coordination. The Master of Teaching (Primary) is structured to meet national professional standards for graduate teachers, preparing graduates to apply for teacher registration in Australian states and territories subject to local authority requirements.