Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The Master of Teaching (Primary) provides a blend of curriculum studies, professional practice and pedagogical theory tailored to the primary years. Core study areas typically include:

• Foundations of education and child development — child and adolescent development, learning theories and inclusive pedagogy.
• Curriculum and pedagogy for primary learners — planning and programming for the primary curriculum, classroom management, differentiated instruction and assessment for learning.
• Literacy and numeracy — evidence-based approaches to teaching reading, writing and mathematics in the primary years, including diagnostic teaching strategies.
• Specialist learning areas — health and physical education, science, creative arts and technologies as they apply to primary classrooms.
• Digital pedagogies and ICT — integrating educational technologies to support teaching and learning and developing digital literacy for students.
• Inclusive and special education — strategies for supporting students with diverse learning needs, adjustment planning and collaborative practice.
• Indigenous perspectives and community engagement — embedding culturally responsive practices and working with families and communities.
• Professional experience placements — multiple supervised school placements across a range of settings (urban, regional and remote) that give sustained, hands-on classroom experience and assessment against professional teaching standards.

The program typically progresses from initial coursework and campus or online study into more intensive professional practice blocks. Assessment methods include lesson planning and delivery, case studies, reflective journals, assignments and formal evaluations during school placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants generally need a completed undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised institution. Additional entry requirements commonly include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory performance at undergraduate level.
• Meeting English language proficiency requirements if your prior study was not in English.
• Completion of a police check and a working with children or equivalent clearances required for school placement.
• Up-to-date immunisation status as required by placement providers.
• Some applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide references and a statement of intent addressing motivation for teaching.

Specific entry criteria can differ by applicant background and by state registration requirements, so applicants should consult Charles Sturt University admissions guidance and the relevant teacher registration authority for registration prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher registration and employment as primary classroom teachers in government, Catholic and independent schools. Career pathways commonly include:

• Classroom teacher across early childhood and primary year levels.
• Curriculum coordinator, literacy or numeracy specialist.
• Learning support or special education teacher roles.
• School leadership positions over time (e.g. assistant principal, principal) with additional experience and qualifications.
• Roles in education policy, curriculum development, teacher training, or community education and consultancy.

The emphasis on professional placements and regional school partnerships also supports opportunities to work in rural and remote communities where there is sustained demand for qualified primary teachers.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University has a strong reputation for teacher education with a practical, practice-led approach. Studying this program at Charles Sturt offers:

• Extensive professional experience — structured school placements across a range of contexts, giving real classroom experience and strong links with schools and education systems.
• Flexible delivery — a mix of online and campus-based learning that supports students who live in regional areas or are balancing work and study.
• Support for regional and rural teaching — a focus on preparing teachers to work effectively in regional, rural and remote communities, including partnerships with local schools.
• Accreditation and registration focus — coursework and assessment designed to meet professional teaching standards and to support graduates toward teacher registration with state and territory authorities.
• Student support and resources — access to academic support, professional placement coordination, and specialised learning resources, including Indigenous education initiatives and digital teaching tools.

Together these elements make the Master of Teaching (Primary) at Charles Sturt suitable for graduates seeking an accredited route into the teaching profession with strong practical preparation for contemporary primary classrooms.