Bachelor of Primary Education

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Primary Education
Award abbreviation: BPrimaryEd
QTAC code: 017301
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Prerequisite: English (4,SA)
Recommended prior study: Maths A, B or C; Science; History
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: ED304
CRICOS code: 073277M. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

The Bachelor of Primary Education focuses on effective teaching strategies in science, literacy and numeracy in primary education.

This program brings together the theory and practice of teaching in a primary school setting (Prep–Year 7). You develop global perspectives on curriculum and an understanding of the characteristics of diverse learners in today's classrooms. Curriculum knowledge is developed in English, mathematics, science and technology, the arts, health, physical education, and studies of society and environment. You undertake one school placement each year, and two placements in the final year.

Additional admission requirement

This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University. Refer to the English language requirements for more information.

Post-admission requirements

You must complete 25 weeks of Supervised Professional Experience, completed as full-time blocks. You are also required to complete 25 days of Wider Field Experience. You must obtain a Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG) before your first workplace experience—refer to Requirements for placements.

Career opportunities

Teacher in primary education context, training context other than schools.

Registration

Graduates may register with the Queensland College of Teachers. Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools. 

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 31 courses†, including 28 required courses and 3 electives.
• Complete no more than 12 introductory level courses, including core courses.
• Complete a minimum of 25 weeks Supervised Professional Experience, completed as full-time blocks.
• Complete 25 days of Wider Field Experience.

† EDU405 is equivalent to 2 courses and is scheduled in your final semester of study.

To commence Supervised Professional Experience you must:

• Travel to attend Supervised Professional Experience placements.
• A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Electives can be used to increase curriculum knowledge in a Key Learning Area.
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core course

1 required course:
COR109 Communication and Thought

Introductory required courses

6 required courses:
EDU101 Learning about Learning
EDU102 The Primary Teacher
EDU103 Engaging 21st Century Learners
EDU104 Foundation of English and Mathematics
EDU105 Building Community Connections
EDU106 Professional Learning: Connecting with Teacher Standards

plus select 1 courses from:
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
EDU107 Science and Sustainability in Primary Schools

21 required courses:
EDU203 Pedagogy, Play and Assessment
EDU204 Pedagogy of the Arts and Technology
EDU205 Professional Learning: Micro Skills for Effectiveness
EDU221 Curriculum B Middle Years 4-10: Assessment for Learning
EDU305 Human Development and Early Learning
EDU308 Professional Learning: Developing a Personal Pedagogy
EDU309 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
EDU316 Australian History and Geography in SOSE
EDU317 Pedagogy of the Arts and HPE in Primary Schools
EDU318 The Inquiring Teacher *
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing
EDU341 Teaching Mathematics
EDU342 Curriculum A Primary Years P-7
EDU343 The Diverse Learner across Early Childhood Contexts
EDU400 Teaching Primary School Mathematics *
EDU401 The Global Teacher*
EDU402 Diversity and the Exceptional Child *
EDU403 Literacy and Literature within the Primary Curriculum *
EDU404 Sustainable Teaching Practices *
EDU405 Workplace Learning: Refining the Craft of Teaching *
EDU652 Curriculum B Primary Years P-7

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Requirements for placements

As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre where children under 18 years of age are present. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.

To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building). Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.

Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.

* Course outlines subject to University approval.

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Primary Education Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• One (1) core course:
  COR109 must be studied in Semester 2
• Six (6) required courses
• One (1) elective course:
  Choose between COR111 or EDU107 in Semester 1

Core course (1)

Required courses (6)

Elective courses (1)

Select 1 elective course from:

Year 2

• Seven (7) required courses:
  EDU342 must be studied in Semester 1
  EDU205 and EDU652 must be studied in Semester 2
• One (1) elective course:
  Elective course must be studied in Semester 1

Required courses (7)

Elective course (1)

Select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3

• Seven (7) required courses:
  EDU221 must be studied in Semester 1
• One (1) elective course:
  Elective course must be studied in Semester 1

Required courses (7)

Elective course (1)

Select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 4

• Seven (7) required courses:
  EDU402 must be studied in Semester 1
  EDU405 must be studied in Semester 2

Required courses: (7)

* not available until 2013

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering