Master of Teaching (Primary)

What you’ll learn:  

1. Education Foundations: Build a deep understanding of teaching, learning, and child development in primary education.
2. Research Methods: Develop a range of research methods that can be used to improve educational outcomes for students.
3. Classroom Practice and Management: Develop practical teaching and classroom management skills through professional placements before you graduate. 
4. Inclusive Teaching Practices: Understand equity, diversity and inclusion to support all learners.
5. Curriculum Development: Build knowledge of curriculum learning areas, including their content, structure and delivery.

What is the Master of Teaching Primary?

Swinburne Online’s Master of Teaching (Primary) is designed for those who have an undergraduate degree and would like to move into teaching.

Led by experienced education professionals with recent or current teaching practice, this course combines online learning with teaching placements in real classroom settings.

You’ll build on your prior study, develop effective teaching techniques, and, upon completion, be qualified to teach in primary schools across Australia. 

This course runs across four Teaching Periods to align with school terms, giving you the flexibility to schedule placements when they suit you.

Who is this course for? 

• Career changers: Graduates who already hold an undergraduate degree and want a clear, supported pathway into primary teaching. 
• Non‑teaching professionals: Those from non‑education backgrounds who want to apply their skills in a primary school setting and gain a recognised teaching qualification. 

How you’ll study

• The program runs across four Teaching Periods per year.
• Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week, per unit.
• Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.  
• You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.  
• Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.  

This course is not available to international students.

Recommended study pattern

To be awarded the Master of Teaching (Primary), you must complete 16 units: 

• 12 Core Units 
• 6 Placement Units*

*Placements embedded into specific theory units will set you on a strong path to put theory into practice as you develop your teaching skills. 

Your units are led by experienced education professionals with recent or current teaching experience and focus on arming you with the practical skills you can take straight into the classroom. You will also undertake supervised practicum units that give you the opportunity to work and learn in an Australian school. 

Primary specialisation

All pre-service teachers in a primary or early childhood primary initial teacher education course must complete a primary specialisation component. It is an AITSL requirement for all Primary ITE course accreditation. 

This will result in Graduates who are generalist Primary Teachers with a specialisation. This is distinct from teachers who fulfil specialist roles in schools such as a health/physical education teacher. 

These requirements will become more explicit once you are enrolled in the relevant unit. 

Core units

Curriculum Development, Assessment and Responsive Pedagogy (EDU60043)

Understanding Theories of Teaching, Learning and Development (EDU60017)

Arts and Design Technology in Primary School (EDU70006)

Health and Physical Education in Primary School (EDU70008)

Humanities in Primary School (EDU70009)

Mathematics in Primary School (EDU70010)

Science in Primary School (EDU70011)

Understanding Indigenous Education & Perspectives (EDU80012)

Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (EDU80014)

Numeracy Across the Curriculum (EDU80017)

Supporting Students with English as an Additional Language (EDU80047)

Building and Sustaining Positive Relationships (EDU80048 )

Placement 1

English in Primary School (EDU70007)

Supervised Professional Experience 1 (EDU60044)

Placement 2

Literacy Across the Curriculum (EDU80016)

Supervised Professional Experience 2 (EDU70016)

Placement 3

Primary Specialisation (EDU80052)

Supervised Professional Experience 3 (Ready to Teach) (EDU80015)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Master of Teaching (Primary), students must complete 200 credit points comprising of:

• Two (2) Educational Foundation units (25 credit points)
• Six (6) Educational Discipline units (75 credit points)
• Seven (7) Advanced Educational units (87.5 credit points)
• One (1) Supervised Professional Experience units (12.5 credit points)
• Two (2) (non-credited units)Supervised Professional Experience units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $52,896

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Study on your own terms with this forward-thinking university.

It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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15

To enter the course, you’ll need:   

• Successful completion of a recognised bachelor's degree relevant in one or more areas of the Primary curriculum that meet the English language requirements. 
• The CASPer Suitability Tool: Completion of the CASPer test as part of your application. This is an online situational judgement assessment of non-academic personal and professional attributes, required by AITSL and government Initial Teacher Education (ITE) standards.  
• Meet the English language requirements: If your Bachelor’s degree was completed in a non-English speaking country, you may need to complete an approved English Language Proficiency test, in line with Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) requirements. 
• Missed the last CASPer test date? If you miss the last CASPer test date you can still gain entry via the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies.

Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies

Pathway to the Master of Teaching (Primary)

Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies (GCES) is a supported, non‑accredited pathway into the Master of Teaching (Primary). It is designed for students who miss the final CASPer suitability test deadline and want to commence study in the upcoming intake without delaying their pathway into teaching. 

Why choose this pathway?

• Start without delay – commence your studies even if you miss the final CASPer test date for the Master of Teaching (Primary). 
• No initial CASPer required – the GCES is a supported pathway into the Master of Teaching (Primary). It is designed for students who want to begin their studies immediately while preparing for the CASPer suitability test. 

How the pathway works

• You’ll study the same units as students enrolled in the Master of Teaching (Primary). 
• All successfully completed units are credited towards the Master of Teaching (Primary). 
• Once you successfully pass your GCES and a CASPer test, you are eligible to directly transition into the Master’s degree. 

Study duration and learning outcomes

Up to 6 months full‑time, or part‑time equivalent 

Build skills in: 

• educational theory 
• education systems and professional practice 
• contemporary issues in education 

You will also develop broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts impacting primary Education in Australian and global contexts.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.

How do professional placements work?

Professional experience placements are a core part of the Master of Teaching (Primary) and are completed alongside your online study. 

• You’ll complete three professional experience placement units (1 credited, and 2 not-for-credit). 
• Placements are completed in primary school settings under the guidance of an approved Supervising Teacher. 
• You’ll source your own placements, but you can ask for guidance from your dedicated learning advisors.