Primary education courses

Inspire future generations to love learning with a primary school teacher course

Introduction to Primary education

Do you want to teach young children during their first years at school—and make a lasting impression on their lives?

Open Universities Australia can help you find the pathway into primary school teaching that suits you best, whether you want to start small without entry requirements, or dive straight into an accredited primary education degree. 

Start below to compare online primary teaching courses from leading universities. When you study your course online through us, you get to explore teaching theories from home, while completing essential professional placements at real primary schools. 

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about your study choices. We can also guide you every step of the way through your enrolment, so you don’t have to navigate the complex world of university administration on your own. 

education-primary-education-student-alison-kettle-
Ally studied primary education with Curtin University, through Open Universities Australia

What to study to be a teacher

To become a qualified teacher you need a bachelor or postgraduate degree in education.

So what’s the right option for you?

Bachelor degree

Best suits you if:
You have an ATAR of 70 or higher or have done VET studies

View bachelor degrees

Don’t have the right ATAR? No worries

View pathways

Postgraduate degree

Best suits you if:
You have already completed a bachelor degree in any discipline

Pathways to becoming a teacher

You don't have to put your future on hold if you didn't finish high school, or get the right ATAR.

Start uni with a study pathway today.

No entry requirements

Two options to start

Most popular

Undergraduate certificates

  • Begin your path to becoming a teacher candidate straight away
  • Best for aspiring teachers who are domestic students
  • Flexibly upskill in as little as six months to open up career opportunities
  • Gain a qualification and four subjects to credit toward a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View undergraduate certificates

Single subjects

  • Best for students who want to start small and try out study
  • Flexibly upskill a specific area in as little as 13 weeks
  • Earn credit with each subject to count towards a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View single subjects

Continue to a degree with full credits

Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)

  • 100% online study with a flexibly located placement
  • Graduate directly from the university
  • Become a qualified teacher anywhere in Australia
Find out more

Discover primary education courses

Online primary education certificate

Start with no entry requirements, and gain a certificate qualification on the way to completing your degree.

Curtin University

Work towards your future in early childhood teaching

Study 4 core subjects in teaching children—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Topics include language, literacy, and curriculum. Start thinking about your career as a professional early childhood or primary educator.

100% online

6 months full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Online primary education subjects and short courses

Start small with no entry requirements, and gain entry into a Bachelor of Education.

Curtin University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC140

Exploring and Contesting Curriculum

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC145

The Numerate Educator

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC175

Educators Inquiring About the World

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC135

Child Development for Educators

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC153

Performing Arts for Educators

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Curtin University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Online primary education degrees

Get ready to make a difference in people's lives and become a teacher by studying a bachelor degree.

Curtin University

A student centred approach to teaching and learning

Explore teaching strategies and integrate theory with practice. Study lesson planning, classroom management, special education and digital literacy. Gain practical experience through block teaching plus a whole term internship

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Swinburne University of Technology

UndergraduateSWI-PRI-DEG

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

A qualification to teach in primary schools across Australia

Study online and gain experience in real classrooms. You’ll study the theories of teaching and learning including curriculum and pedagogy. Teach English, science, maths and more. Understand children’s behaviour and support them on their learning journey.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Swinburne University of Technology

Teach children aged between 6 weeks and 12 years old

Study teaching online to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, and primary schools. You’ll explore theories of teaching and learning, and build practical skills in real learning environments. Teach maths, English, art, music, PE and more.

100% online

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Australian Catholic University

Confidence, skills and experience to teach prep to Year 12

Positively influence the lives of young people. You’ll develop as a teacher and a person. Explore curriculum, planning, and pedagogy. Learn to engage your learners and be inclusive. Includes supervised work placements to practice teaching in schools.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Southern Cross University

Double your options to work with young learners

From play to personal development, subjects in this degree prepare you to teach young and school aged children. Study the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy. Delve into science and art. Professional placements help you put theory into practice.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

University of Southern Queensland

UndergraduateUSQ-BEP-DEG

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Southern Cross University

A teaching degree that gives you more options

With the focus on primary teaching, this degree also covers English curriculum in secondary schools. Study the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy. Professional placements in both primary and secondary classrooms help you put theory into practice.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Edith Cowan University

UndergraduateECU-PRI-DEG

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

A nationally accredited teaching course in primary education

Connect teaching theory with real-life practice. This course combines online learning with professional experience. As a pre-service teacher you’ll work in diverse education settings. Specialisations include maths, music, science, and languages.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Southern Cross University

UndergraduateSCU-PRI-DEG

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Transform the classroom with a primary teaching specialisation

Become the teacher young students look up to. Study the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy. Delve into science and creative art. Get comfortable with digital technologies. Professional placements in the classroom help you put theory into practice.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Online primary education graduate diploma

Searching for a more fulfilling career? Switch to teaching in just one year with a full time graduate diploma.

Curtin University

Switch careers to primary teaching – in just one year!

An intensive teaching course that covers theory and hands-on experience in real classrooms. You’ll learn to create positive school environments for years 1 to 6 in Australian primary schools. Become a primary educator. Pave a pathway to your Masters.

Online & on-campus

1 year full time or part time equivalent

Online primary education master degrees

Deepen your understanding of education with postgraduate study.

Australian Catholic University

Bring your love of learning to the classroom

Focus on creating a great environment to support childhood learning. Become a passionate advocate for the rights of children. Explore the ways that you can help children to build knowledge, skills and positive attitudes.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Curtin University

PostgraduateCUR-PRI-MAS

Master of Teaching (Primary Education)

Uncover your teaching talent with an in-demand qualification

Develop advanced critical skills, knowledge and understanding concerning best practice in primary education to meet the needs of today's learners. As a graduate you will be well-placed to enter leadership pathways in your teaching career.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Charles Sturt University

PostgraduateCSU-TCH-MAS

Master of Teaching (Primary)

Cultivate a love of learning in primary school students

Stack this teaching qualification with your degree to become a primary school teacher. You’ll explore curriculum and the classroom practice. Gain practical experience. Become a dynamic educator skilled in teaching English, creative arts, maths, and more.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Griffith University

PostgraduateGRF-PRT-MAS

Master of Primary Teaching

Add to your degree and become a primary teacher

Engage with the theory and practice of teaching primary school-aged children. Explore the social context of education, the characteristics of learners and the curriculum. This program is designed for graduates from a non-education background.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

University of Tasmania

PostgraduateTAS-EDC-MAS

Master of Teaching (Primary)

A recognised teaching qualification in all states and territories

Become an inspiring primary school teacher. Develop your identity as an educator. Build pedagogical knowledge. Get hands-on in placements for 60 days. Start teaching in as little as two years.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Swinburne University of Technology

PostgraduateSWI-MTP-MAS

Master of Teaching (Primary)

Develop a holistic approach to learning

Take your undergraduate study to the next level. Experience real classroom placements and unique development opportunities. With accreditation from the Victorian Institute of Teaching, get ready to make a positive impact on the lives of children.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

University of Southern Queensland

Teach and support children in primary school

Add this approved primary school teacher qualification to your bachelor degree–and become a registered teacher in just 18 months! Discover how to teach children aged 5 to 12. Explore how they learn. Study curriculum and pedagogy. Focus on literacy.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Australian Catholic University

Spread the world of God in the classroom.

Combine your passion for education with a specialisation in teaching religion. Build on your knowledge and skill in teaching children with the basic certification and fundamental knowledge you need to engage children in religious education.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Discover 142 ways to study primary education with leading Australian universities.

Explore primary education courses

Not sure what to study? Take our course matching quiz.

Help me choose a course

Student reviews

We support thousands of students on their study journey every year

Our advisors are here to help with your study goals from enrolment to completion 7 days a week.

Primary education study FAQs

Student stories and study advice

5 inclusive teaching strategies to know

Start practising these strategies in your classroom now, or bookmark them for your learning journey. Inclusive school communities equal inclusive societies, period.

What is inclusive education?

Inclusive education is about students of all abilities, backgrounds and identities learning and growing together. Read more about the positives, negatives and practicalities here. 

Why teaching is a good career choice

Teaching could help you find purpose and make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. Here’s how. 

What makes a good teacher?

The best teachers aren’t just knowledgeable authority figures—they also know how to inspire and motivate their students. Here are the characteristics of a good teacher. 

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

A student leaping from one side of a platform to another, with a blue sky in the background.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 515,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education

As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

Bond University logoThe University of Queensland logo
University of Tasmania logoMurdoch University logo
Australian Catholic University logoSwinburne University logo
James Cook University Australia logoCharles Sturt University logo
University of Southern Queensland logoThe University of Newcastle logo
Australian National University logoFlinders University logo
La Trobe University logoUniversity of the Sunshine Coast logo
Torrens University Australia logoMacquarie University logo
The University of Notre Dame Australia logoCurtin University logo
University of New England logoUniversity of South Australia logo
University of Adelaide logoRMIT University logo
Southern Cross University logoEdith Cowan University logo
Griffith University logo

Keep track of your favourites

Create a free account or sign in to: