Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) develops knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate learning programs for children across the primary school years. Study areas typically include: curriculum studies (English/literacy, mathematics/numeracy, science, humanities and social sciences, health and physical education, the arts), child and adolescent development, assessment and reporting, classroom management, differentiated instruction and inclusive education.

Course structure combines on-campus study of theoretical and evidence-based approaches to teaching with progressive professional experience placements in partner schools. Core topics you can expect to encounter are:

• Foundations of education: history, philosophy and ethics of schooling, including the Catholic tradition and contemporary policy context.
• Curriculum and pedagogy: designing learning programs, curriculum alignment, literacy and numeracy pedagogy, and use of assessment for learning.
• Inclusive practice: supporting diverse learners, special educational needs, differentiation and strategies for equity.
• Professional practice: structured supervised school placements across a range of primary settings, with reflective practice and mentoring.
• Digital and contemporary literacies: integrating information and communication technologies and digital pedagogies responsibly into teaching and learning.
• Community and cultural responsiveness: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, working with families and communities and culturally responsive practice.

There may also be opportunities for elective units, professional development workshops and capstone projects that consolidate classroom practice and professional identity.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have completed secondary education (or an equivalent qualification) and to meet the university's admission standards for undergraduate coursework. ACU offers alternative entry pathways, including recognition of prior learning and special consideration for mature-age applicants. International applicants must meet ACU's English language requirements and provide certified academic transcripts.

Entry to the professional program commonly includes suitability checks required for school placements such as a national police check, working with children check or state equivalent, and compliance with vaccination or health requirements for placement. Some cohorts or campuses may include additional selection components such as interviews, referee reports or declarations of professional suitability.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to apply for teacher registration in Australian states and territories (subject to meeting local teacher registration requirements) and typically work as primary classroom teachers in government, Catholic and independent schools. Career pathways include:

• Classroom teacher in early or upper primary years
• Learning support or special needs teacher roles
• Curriculum coordinator, literacy or numeracy specialist
• Student wellbeing and pastoral care positions
• Leadership roles (with further study and experience), curriculum development, educational policy or teacher education

Graduates may also pursue further study such as postgraduate qualifications in educational leadership, special education or curriculum and pedagogy to extend specialist skills and career options.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University has a long-standing focus on teacher education and maintains strong partnerships with schools to provide progressive, supervised professional placements. The program emphasises a student-centred, values-driven approach to teaching, with attention to inclusive practice, cultural responsiveness and community engagement.

ACU offers small cohort sizes, academic support services, and campus facilities tailored to education students, including professional learning centres and digital teaching resources. The university also provides pathways for practical experience across diverse school contexts and mentorship opportunities designed to support the transition from student to qualified teacher.