Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary)

Primary and Special and Inclusive Education Teacher.

It is the responsibility of each student to check their eligibility to teach with the relevant state authority (including students who intend to teach in NSW).

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Open enrolment subjects

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) you need to complete the following four subjects and achieve a minimum GPA of 4.0:

• EDEE100 English Language in Use
• EDSP101 Gifted and Talented Education: An Introduction
• EDIT102 Assistive Technologies
• EDME145 Primary Mathematics 1: Numeracy

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements:

The 4.0 GPA requirement equates to a minimum of a Pass in all four subjects.

Be aware that if you fail a subject it is included in your GPA calculation and means you will need to achieve higher grades to obtain admission to the degree.

For this reason, we recommend students consider their study load and academic skills before attempting a subject.

Personal Statement and Initial Teacher Education Degree Entry:

Initial teacher education students must also satisfy the UNE School of Education of their suitability for teaching through the satisfactory completion of a non-academic capability assessment.

Fit for Practice/Informed Consent Information:

Prospective candidates should only accept an offer of a place in this course if they are able to meet the following "Fit for Practice" requirements:

(a) abide by relevant UNE Rules and Procedures, for example, Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, and any relevant School of Education Policies, for example, the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements;

(b) exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of teaching situations;

(c) demonstrate personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations;

(d) demonstrate satisfactory academic progression prior to professional placement;

(e) safeguard the University's integrity and demonstrate duty of care to students/children while engaged in professional experience;

(f) show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students/children;

(g) communicate to students/children with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to their age/profile;

(h) possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions within the classroom and broader settings;

(i) be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/children in a variety of situations and environments; and

(j) be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school/early childhood community.

Candidates who have or who develop a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact Student Support to see if reasonable adjustments are practicable.

Candidates who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Office for Professional Learning to put in place remedial and/or counselling activities through a pro-active approach to improve their teaching practice.

Higher education

Students who have already successfully completed at least four units of study within an AQF Level 7 qualification of a recognised Australian University or tertiary institution; and who have achieved a minimum grade point average 4.0 and are of good standing with the institution, may apply for direct entry into the UNE Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) degree provided they have satisfied other eligibility criteria.

Secondary education

ATAR Score 77.10

English Proficiency Requirements

At least one of the following criteria must be met:

1. English is the applicant's first language; or
2. Where the applicant is applying for an undergraduate course, satisfactory completion, no more than five years prior to the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least four years of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland, in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
3. Where the applicant is applying for a graduate entry course, satisfactory completion, no more than five years prior to the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least three years of full-time or equivalent full-time study at tertiary level in English in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland, in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by NOOSR; or
4. An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 7.5 including a minimum result of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules and 7.0 in reading and writing; or
5. An International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR) score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

More detailed information regarding these requirements can be viewed here:
English Language Requirements Higher than the University Minimum Requirement Annex

Special requirements

Prior to undertaking a professional experience placement in New South Wales, there are a number of mandatory requirements which must be fulfilled.

Working with Children Check*

All students intending to undertake a professional experience placement whose work is categorised as 'practical training as part of an educational or vocational course'; in schools or other educational institutions (eg pre-schools, kindergartens and child care centres) must complete a Working with Children Check application.

Child Protection Awareness Training*

All teacher education students must complete online Child Protection and Awareness Training prior to the commencement of their first professional experience placement.

Anaphylaxis Training*

All initial teacher education students must be trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience in a school setting.

*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states).

On campus requirements

Depending on subject choice intensive school attendance may be required.

Practicum placement

There are six professional experience placements (100 days total), developmentally sequenced from the initial 10 days online professional experience through to the culminating placement of 35 days, which includes the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA).

Professional Placements

A requirement of accreditation is that primary school professional placements must be undertaken in a school using NSW Board of Studies syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (8 days) of the required primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary schools not using NSW Board of Studies syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses. Limited placements can occur in non-Australian settings in accordance with the NESA policy regarding overseas placements. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information. Students who are required to undertake professional experience placement must read, understand and adhere to the Professional Experience Policy of the School of Education.

Students admitted to the degree with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this degree may be eligible for advanced standing. For more information on Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning, please visit: UNE Advanced Standing

Teaching is a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy being part of children's development. The professional skills learned will be valued by the community and will bring teachers into contact with people of all ages. Teachers are members of one of the largest professions of our society. The degree will give students the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become a successful primary teacher, with a primary teaching specialisation as mandated by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), in Literacy in the Inclusive Classroom. Students are encouraged to be independent learners who are able to adapt efficiently and constructively to meet the changes which occur in the teaching profession.

Teacher Registration: Students should note that teacher registration requirements vary from state to state. UNE bases its degree structures on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) guidelines, under the AITSL framework for teacher registration. It is the responsibility of each student to check their eligibility to teach with the relevant state authority (including students who intend to teach in NSW).

This degree is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Recommended Study Pattern

The Program of Study and Course Plans can be accessed using the link below:

Students commencing in 2021

Award Requirements

1. To qualify for the award a candidate must pass subjects to the value of 192 credit points with not more than 18 credit points at 400-level including 100 days of embedded professional experience.
2. During the final professional experience placement, candidates must complete a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). Candidates must pass the TPA in order to graduate.
3. Candidates must pass both components (Literacy and Numeracy) of the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students to qualify for the award. The test must be passed before the final professional experience placement.

Exit Points

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the degree may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Diploma in Educational Studies, on completion of 48 credit points at 100-level or above.

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the degree may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Bachelor of Educational Studies, on completion of 144 credit points including at least 36 credit points at 300-level or above.

Students must contact UNE with their intent to graduate. 
UNE Graduation