Bachelor of Primary Education

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Overview

The Bachelor of Primary Education is a 4 year accredited qualification preparing graduates for the rewarding role of being a primary school educator. The degree aims to develop reflective, professional teachers who can work effectively in an increasingly diverse classroom environment.

In addition to studying the subjects in the Australian curriculum, students will focus on areas such as Professional Studies, Teaching Gifted Learners, Aboriginal Education, Learners with Exceptional Needs, Educational Research, and Teaching Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students.  There is also an opportunity for students to undertake an education Minor in Quality Mathematics Teaching, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Literacy and Teaching, Environmental Education, The Arts, Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESL) or Health and Physical Education.

Professional Experience is a compulsory component of this course and usually occurs in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Southern Sydney schools. Students can also apply for ‘out-of-area’ (rural NSW) or overseas professional experiences.

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 levels 

Students who intend to study part-time should consult with the Director of Academic Studies at the time of enrolment for advice on progression and timetabling.

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 (12cp) 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 Primary Education.

Quality Mathematics Teaching 

Information and Communication Technology 

K-6 Literacy Teaching and Learning 

Environmental Education in Primary Schools 

The Arts 

Special Education 

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) 

Health and Physical Education 

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available for high achieving students. For further information refer to the Bachelor of Primary Education (Dean's Scholar).

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. For further information refer to the Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours).

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 (BOSTES) and is recognised as a professional teaching qualification in other jurisdictions nationally and internationally.  Students seeking work outside NSW are advised to check with potential employers and other teacher registration authorities for any additional requirements.

From 2016, future teachers will need to meet the BOSTES increased academic standards. As a part of the increased standards, all students will be required to pass a national literacy and numeracy test before commencing the final professional experience placement.

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