Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary)

Upon graduation and completion of the Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary), you will be able to:

1. Apply an advanced and integrated understanding of teacher professional knowledge, practice and engagement in urban, regional, remote and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school-community environments
2. Analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, data, problems, concepts, theories and recent developments in the fields of teaching and learning in professional practice and research contexts
3. Design, implement and evaluate curriculum, assessment and differentiated learning opportunities, with a view to enhanced learning outcomes for all students, including those from diverse cultural, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds and with specific learning needs
4. Demonstrate professional numeracy and literacy content mastery, the ability to apply strategies for teaching numeracy and literacy in a variety of curricular contexts, and evaluate the success of such application
5. Reflect on current dispositions, skills, knowledge and attitudes to manage their professional learning needs and performance, autonomously and in collaboration with others
6. Critically review regulatory requirements, ethical principles and, where appropriate, cultural frameworks, to work effectively, responsibly and safely in diverse contexts
7. Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, agency, adaptability and responsibility in planning, decision-making, solving complex problems and leading curriculum and community engagement initiatives
8. Communicate knowledge, skills and ideas through engagement with specialist and non-specialist audiences using advanced speaking, reading, writing, listening, numeracy and advocacy skills
9. Apply knowledge of research principles, methods, techniques and tools to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship."

This 2-year full-time (or equivalent part-time) degree equips graduates to meet the diverse learning needs of students and communities in North Queensland, and beyond. Choose from one of six specialisations and complete a capstone internship, with the option to study externally.

Recommended study pattern

16 core subjects

CORE SUBJECTS

- Learning for Diverse Learners in Primary School Contexts

- Language and Literacy Education for Primary Teachers

- Mathematics and Numeracy for Primary Teachers

- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Education in Primary School Settings

- The Arts for Primary Teachers

- Teaching for Learning in Diverse Primary School Contexts

- English Education for Primary Teachers

- Mathematics Education for Primary Teachers

- Digital and Design Technologies for Primary Teachers

- Teachers as Leaders for Learning and Change

- Humanities and Social Science Education for Primary Teachers

- Health and Physical Education for Primary Teachers

- Science and Sustainability Education for Primary Teachers

- Final Graduate Professional Experience

- Teachers as Researchers for Learning and Change

- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms and Communities

Award requirements

Students must complete 16 subjects. Additionally, you must successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) and the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) prior to graduation.

James Cook University is committed to helping you enjoy a student experience that’s truly life-changing. This university prides itself on giving students, like you, the confidence to not only build practical and technical skills, but to be mentored and think differently. With James Cook University you can prepare for tomorrow, today.

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QS Ranking 2023:

25

Times Higher Education Ranking 2023:

27

An appropriate bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution which includes the equivalent of one full year of study in areas appropriate to curriculum demands of a specialisation in primary teaching in Australian schools; that is subjects that link to the national school curriculum (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)) content in either English, or technologies, or mathematics, or science, or humanities and social sciences or health and physical education. At least three of the subjects completed within the full year of study must be subjects appropriate to the demands of a particular specialisation.

If you have previously completed studies at another university or education provider or have work experience relevant to this course you may be able to apply for study credit. For more information please visit: https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/enrolment/study-credit

If you are of a non-English speaking background you must obtain an overall score of 7.5 in Academic IELTS (or equivalent) with sub-scores no less than 8 for Speaking and Listening and no less than 7 for Reading and Writing. The cost of the testing must be met by you. English test results must be no more than two years old at the commencement of the course. Applicants are advised that the Queensland College of Teachers requires graduating teachers to have evidence of English language requirements as stated above to demonstrate their English language proficiency prior to registration. Further information is available on the Queensland College of Teachers website.

Advanced standing of up to 4 subjects (12 credit points) may be granted for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. Credit will be granted only for subjects completed in the 3 years prior to the commencement of this course. 

The course includes a prescribed professional placement in primary schools across the four phases for a total of 80 placement days. 

You are required to obtain a Suitability to Work with Children Card (which involves a criminal history check undertaken by the Queensland Police) before the start of your first placement. You must retain a current Suitability to Work with Children Card for the duration of your course, as failure to do so will result in the termination of your enrolment in the course.