Bachelor of Primary Education

Overview

The Bachelor of Primary Education aims to develop reflective, professional teachers who can work effectively in a variety of educational settings especially primary schools in both the public and private sectors. Core subjects are drawn from a number of different areas including: Professional Development, Education Foundation Studies, Teaching and Learning with Technology, Studies in the Key Learning Areas, and Elective Studies. Elective choices are available from both within the Faculty and from the schedules of subjects offered by other faculties. Students intending to attempt the degree part-time should consult with the Course Convener at the time of enrolment for advice on progression and timetabling.

Professional Experience is a compulsory component of this course and usually occurs in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Southern Sydney schools. There are also opportunities for students to apply for ‘out-of-area’ (e.g. in rural NSW) Professional Experience and overseas teaching experiences in countries such as Thailand, Fiji, China and Malaysia.

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first three years of the degree may complete the fourth year at Honours level. More information can be found here.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Primary Education will demonstrate:

1. A developing understanding of the complex multi-faceted role of the teacher and the learning environment.
2. Emerging skills in regards to problem solving, technology and planning for all learners; differentiation of pedagogical strategies and reflection on practice.
3. An understanding of the theory-practice nexus its role and theirs as the teacher as researcher.
4. A holistic understanding of the equity/inequity balance and social justice issues in Australian society.
5. The ability to manipulate mandatory documents that relate to pedagogy and policy.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Primary Education requires the following:

1. The successful completion of 192 credit points comprising:
   1. 26 core subjects (168cp);
   2. 4 elective subjects (24cp), of which a maximum of 2 can be at 100 level;
   3. No more than 60 credit points will be at 100 level; and
   4. Only 2 elective subjects (12 cp) with the prefix EDTR will count towards the degree.
2. The successful completion of the Professional Experience components embedded in the course.

Summer Electives 

Minors

Students in the Bachelor of Primary Education can undertake a minor study from the Education minors listed below, or from another Faculty. A minor consists of an approved combination of subjects which have a minimum value of 24 credit points offered by one or more academic units, of which 12 credit points should be at least 200 level or higher. The cross-counting of subjects towards majors, minors and core degree requirements is limited to one subject.

Students should check that there is room within their degree structure to accommodate a minor study and still meet their degree requirements. If in doubt, students should seek academic advice before undertaking a minor study.

Students should also note that some subjects listed for minor studies may require other subjects as pre/co-requisites and that due to demand or space limitations, some subjects may have quotas. Students are advised to check for specific subject information in the online subject database before selecting subjects.

The minor shall be recorded on the official academic transcript, with approval from the delegated authority.

Below is a list of minors which can be undertaken as part of the Bachelor of Education.

A list of approved minor studies from other Faculties can be found listed in Appendix 3 – Schedule of Minor Studies in the General Course Rules policy.

Quality Mathematics Teaching 

Information and Communication Technology 

K-6 Literacy Teaching and Learning 

Environmental Education in Primary Schools 

The Arts 

Special Education 

English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) 

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available. More information can be found here.

Honours

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first three years of the degree may complete the fourth year at Honours level. More information can be found here.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

This degree is accredited with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards and is recognised as a professional teaching qualification in other jurisdictions nationally and internationally. Students seeking work outside Australia are advised to check with potential employers and other teacher registration authorities for local requirements.

Students seeking accreditation with the Catholic Education Office are required to successfully complete all four EDRT subjects ( EDTR201, EDTR202, EDTR203 and EDTR204), however, only 12cp will count towards this degree. To finalise CEO accreditation, students will need to complete two additional CEO approved theology subjects within the first five years of teaching. Students need to liaise with the CEO in regards to CEO accreditation.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au