Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This blended coursework and professional experience degree combines foundations in child development and pedagogy with subject‑specific curriculum studies and classroom practice. Core topics typically include:

• Child development and learning: theories of cognitive, social and emotional development from birth through the primary years and implications for teaching.
• Curriculum design and assessment: planning curriculum across early childhood and primary contexts, formative and summative assessment, reporting and differentiation.
• Literacy and numeracy pedagogy: evidence‑based strategies for teaching reading, writing, oral language and mathematics in early and primary years.
• Inclusive education: teaching diverse learners, special educational needs, adjustment planning and working with families and allied professionals.
• Professional practice and behaviour management: classroom management, positive behaviour support, child protection and professional responsibilities.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives: embedding cultural competence and local histories into curriculum and practice.
• Digital technologies in teaching: using ICT for learning, assessment and communication with families and communities.

The program is structured around sequential coursework units and multiple supervised professional experience placements in early childhood services and primary schools. Assessment methods include lesson planning and implementation, case studies, reflective journals, curriculum portfolios and practicum performance reviews.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require a recognised bachelor degree in any discipline. Selection may also consider the relevance of prior study, academic performance and suitability for the profession. Additional requirements for all candidates include:

• Clearances and checks: police background check and Working with Children check (or equivalent) and compliance with child safety and vaccination requirements as required by placement providers.
• Professional suitability: evidence of communication skills and interpersonal attributes appropriate for working with children and families; some campuses require a professional interview or referee reports.
• For international applicants: an equivalent undergraduate qualification and demonstrated English language proficiency according to university policy.

Prerequisite tertiary studies in education are not usually required for entry to this initial teacher education master’s program, but undergraduate subject background may be considered in selection and placement planning.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for teacher registration in the relevant Australian state or territory as early childhood and primary teachers, enabling employment in a range of settings:

• Early childhood services and kindergarten programs
• Government, independent and Catholic primary schools
• Curriculum coordination, specialist literacy or numeracy support roles
• Educational leadership and middle‑management positions with experience and further study
• Roles in policy, advocacy, early intervention and community education organisations

Many graduates also pursue further professional development or postgraduate study in areas such as special education, educational leadership, or early childhood research.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU is known for its focused teacher education programs and strong partnerships with schools and early childhood services, providing multiple, supervised professional placements that link theory to classroom practice. The university emphasises ethics, social justice and working with local communities—elements that are embedded across the curriculum. Students benefit from campus‑based academic staff with classroom experience, dedicated placement support teams, and resources for professional development and wellbeing. The course is designed to meet national accreditation requirements for initial teacher education and to equip graduates with the pedagogical and professional skills required for contemporary early childhood and primary teaching.