University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This programme combines core studies in primary pedagogy with child development, curriculum design, assessment and inclusive practice, together with a supervised honours research project. Early years focus includes language and literacy, mathematics for primary learners, science and humanities teaching methods, and the use of digital technologies in the classroom. Core themes across the degree include:

• Foundations of learning and child development: cognitive, social and emotional development and implications for teaching practice.
• Curriculum and pedagogy: planning and implementing learning programs across the Australian curriculum for Years F–6 (or equivalent primary years).
• Literacy and numeracy: evidence-based approaches to teaching reading, writing, spelling and mathematics in inclusive primary classrooms.
• Assessment and classroom management: formative and summative assessment, behaviour support and classroom organisation strategies.
• Special and inclusive education: adaptations for diverse learners, working with students with additional needs and applying universal design for learning.
• Indigenous and culturally responsive education: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and local community engagement.
• Professional experience: multiple supervised school practicums of increasing responsibility across metropolitan and regional settings to build classroom competence.
• Research and honours project: research methods in education and an independent honours thesis or major research project in the final year.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on the University of Adelaide's undergraduate entry criteria. Domestic applicants typically apply through the state admission centre and are selected on the basis of their secondary qualifications and any specified selection processes. International applicants must meet the University's academic and English language proficiency requirements. All students must satisfy requirements for school-based placements, which commonly include a working with children check, police clearance and up-to-date immunisations. Specific prerequisite subjects, assumed knowledge and selection ranks can vary, so prospective applicants should consult the University of Adelaide admissions information for the most current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to register and work as primary school teachers in Australia and are prepared for a range of school-based and education-sector roles. Typical career paths include:

• Primary classroom teacher in public or independent schools.
• Subject or curriculum specialist roles (literacy/numeracy coordinator, digital learning specialist).
• Support roles such as special education teacher, learning support officer or intervention specialist.
• Leadership and management positions with further experience and postgraduate study, including year-level coordinator and deputy/leadership roles.
• Educational policy, curriculum development, resource design, and consulting roles in government, non-government organisations and publishers.
• Further research or postgraduate study in education, including honours progression into master's or doctoral research.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers education programs with close links to schools across metropolitan and regional South Australia, providing diverse practicum settings and strong professional partnerships. The School of Education emphasises research-informed teaching, opportunities to engage with contemporary issues such as Indigenous education and inclusive practice, and structured support for student teachers as they build classroom competence. Students benefit from experienced academic staff, dedicated facilities and pathways into postgraduate study and professional accreditation recognised by the state teaching authorities.