Section Title
advanced search

Career

Area of study


Hide this form

Recommended Study Sequence

Click unit name to reveal description:

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 120 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended sequence

Accelerated Full-time mode (12 months)

Year 1

1H session

Module 1

Becoming a Teacher

The insights, understandings, competencies and practical skills required of teachers are many and complex. This unit examines the theory and practice of teaching to begin each student's preparation for working within the community partnerships that the role requires. It investigates the art and the craft of teaching and the interactions between these personal and professional perspectives. Students will critically examine current teaching and learning practices and develop skills in implementing classroom strategies appropriate to primary school students' curriculum needs. They will use information technologies to personally document evidence of their developing philosophies and proficiencies.

Educational Psychology for Primary Teaching

This unit introduces students to a number of the key theoretical perspectives and issues in relation to Education Psychology for Primary Teaching. These include psychological and sociological theories and the implications for learning and pedagogies for social access. The unit operates as two strands and critically addresses public debates related to equity, inclusion and cultural diversity in the context of global change. The unit examines the social construction of childhood and theories of child development that shape our understandings of teaching. The frameworks developed in this unit will inform critical understandings and practices oriented towards inclusion and professional responsiveness.

Professional Practice I

As the first Professional Experience unit of the Master of Teaching (Primary) course, 'Professional Practice I' is designed to introduce all students to the philosophical, ethical, practical and pedagogical perspectives of becoming a teacher in contemporary educational settings. The unit requires students to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary to begin teaching. As part of this process they will recognise that teaching demands a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness, critical evaluation of one's practice, and the capacity to modify and adjust teaching practice to best meet the needs of all students. This unit aims to facilitate the development of teacher education students as reflective practitioners who possess deeply-held commitments to quality education for students and high order communication competencies. Professional experience is a mandatory component of the Master of Teaching course. The preparation for, and evaluation of, the school-based experiences will be integral to this unit.

Module 2

English and Literacy in the K-6 Years

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts associated with the teaching of the English Key Learning Area in the K-6 years, set in the broader context of contemporary new literacy environments. It will examine the processes involved in the teaching of listening, speaking, reading and writing with a focus on the structure and grammar in a range of factual and literary multimodal texts.

Investigating Primary Mathematics

Mathematics is constructed by a thinking individual with the assistance and support of others. Some of these 'others' are called 'teachers'. In this unit, beginning teachers investigate how they can facilitate and support the learning of mathematics by students in the K-6 school years so that these students can show their full potential as mathematics learners. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Mathematics Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on working mathematically. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigation, exploration, problem solving and the use of technology in the development of mathematical ideas.

Primary Curriculum I: Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology K-6

Primary teachers need understanding of the curriculum that they will be implementing. This unit provides opportunities for gaining familiarity with and developing initial knowledge and skills to implement the NSW K-6 syllabuses in the Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Science and Technology key learning areas. Students will explore the theoretical underpinnings, content, and pedagogies for effective teaching of these key learning areas. Students will also explore the curriculum requirements of the mandatory Aboriginal Education Policy.

2H session

Module 3

Primary Curriculum II: Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology

This unit extends on Primary Curriculum 1 and students' curriculum experiences in schools. Students explore the content and pedagogies of Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Science and Technology key learning areas in more depth. Students explore features of quality teaching and student engagement in each of these areas.

Curriculum in Practice

Primary teachers need in-depth understanding of the curriculum that they will be implementing. This unit provides on-site learning opportunities in which student teachers explore a key learning area in depth. Students work in a collaborative relationship involving an educational community and the university to develop and implement a project that strengthens their understanding of a key learning area and benefits the context in which they worked.

Professional Practice II: Engaging in the Profession

Students need to have a variety of experiences that are set in the context of their future profession. Through these experiences students will be prepared by exploring issues involved in understanding the needs of learners within specific school and classroom contexts, and then supporting them in designing and teaching experiences to cater for these learners in a way that will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This unit also gives students opportunity to reflect on the processes involved, and refine their competencies as beginning teachers. The unit includes a final practicum experience that will show the interrelationship between theory and practice as well as enabling students to construct new knowledge and new ways of practice as part of their transition into the teaching profession.

Module 4

Communities and Primary Schools

This unit is designed to build on students' sociological understandings of primary schooling. The unit builds on experiential, theoretical and curriculum knowledge developed in the course. Primary schools have a long tradition of working with communities at the 'chalkface' of social change. Such relationships are complex, evolving and spatially/temporally different because of a local/global sense of place and the socio-political context. Possibilities for promoting socially just practices for different communities are therefore contingent upon a range of strategies for inclusion. This unit examines theoretical frameworks that can assist in understanding the complexities of these processes.

Inclusive Teaching for Effective Learning

Effective and inclusive teaching requires knowledge of how students learn as well as proficiency in applying appropriately tailored teaching strategies to cater for individual developmental needs. This unit provides a foundation of knowledge and practice that facilitates development of appropriate and inclusive attitudes and skills for teaching students with special needs in the main stream. In particular the capacity to structure individualised education and behaviour management programs will be developed drawing on practical experiences and a broad familiarity with the field.

New Knowledge, New Learning

This unit aims to directly challenge students to inquire into, reflect upon and subsequently develop classroom pedagogies and assessment practices that work towards socially just learning outcomes in new times and new teaching environments. It introduces students to contemporary theories and practical frameworks that open up opportunities for them to take individual responsibility for translating syllabus documents into teaching and learning experiences that encourage learners of all social and cultural backgrounds to have engaging and productive relationships with education, schools and classrooms.

Full-time (18 Months)

Year 1

1H session

Module 1

Educational Psychology for Primary Teaching

This unit introduces students to a number of the key theoretical perspectives and issues in relation to Education Psychology for Primary Teaching. These include psychological and sociological theories and the implications for learning and pedagogies for social access. The unit operates as two strands and critically addresses public debates related to equity, inclusion and cultural diversity in the context of global change. The unit examines the social construction of childhood and theories of child development that shape our understandings of teaching. The frameworks developed in this unit will inform critical understandings and practices oriented towards inclusion and professional responsiveness.

Module 2

English and Literacy in the K-6 Years

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts associated with the teaching of the English Key Learning Area in the K-6 years, set in the broader context of contemporary new literacy environments. It will examine the processes involved in the teaching of listening, speaking, reading and writing with a focus on the structure and grammar in a range of factual and literary multimodal texts.

Investigating Primary Mathematics

Mathematics is constructed by a thinking individual with the assistance and support of others. Some of these 'others' are called 'teachers'. In this unit, beginning teachers investigate how they can facilitate and support the learning of mathematics by students in the K-6 school years so that these students can show their full potential as mathematics learners. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Mathematics Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on working mathematically. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigation, exploration, problem solving and the use of technology in the development of mathematical ideas.

Primary Curriculum I: Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology K-6

Primary teachers need understanding of the curriculum that they will be implementing. This unit provides opportunities for gaining familiarity with and developing initial knowledge and skills to implement the NSW K-6 syllabuses in the Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Science and Technology key learning areas. Students will explore the theoretical underpinnings, content, and pedagogies for effective teaching of these key learning areas. Students will also explore the curriculum requirements of the mandatory Aboriginal Education Policy.

2H session

Module 1

Professional Practice I

As the first Professional Experience unit of the Master of Teaching (Primary) course, 'Professional Practice I' is designed to introduce all students to the philosophical, ethical, practical and pedagogical perspectives of becoming a teacher in contemporary educational settings. The unit requires students to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary to begin teaching. As part of this process they will recognise that teaching demands a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness, critical evaluation of one's practice, and the capacity to modify and adjust teaching practice to best meet the needs of all students. This unit aims to facilitate the development of teacher education students as reflective practitioners who possess deeply-held commitments to quality education for students and high order communication competencies. Professional experience is a mandatory component of the Master of Teaching course. The preparation for, and evaluation of, the school-based experiences will be integral to this unit.

Becoming a Teacher

The insights, understandings, competencies and practical skills required of teachers are many and complex. This unit examines the theory and practice of teaching to begin each student's preparation for working within the community partnerships that the role requires. It investigates the art and the craft of teaching and the interactions between these personal and professional perspectives. Students will critically examine current teaching and learning practices and develop skills in implementing classroom strategies appropriate to primary school students' curriculum needs. They will use information technologies to personally document evidence of their developing philosophies and proficiencies.

Module 3

Primary Curriculum II: Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology

This unit extends on Primary Curriculum 1 and students' curriculum experiences in schools. Students explore the content and pedagogies of Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Science and Technology key learning areas in more depth. Students explore features of quality teaching and student engagement in each of these areas.

Curriculum in Practice

Primary teachers need in-depth understanding of the curriculum that they will be implementing. This unit provides on-site learning opportunities in which student teachers explore a key learning area in depth. Students work in a collaborative relationship involving an educational community and the university to develop and implement a project that strengthens their understanding of a key learning area and benefits the context in which they worked.

Year 2

1H session

Module 3

Professional Practice II: Engaging in the Profession

Students need to have a variety of experiences that are set in the context of their future profession. Through these experiences students will be prepared by exploring issues involved in understanding the needs of learners within specific school and classroom contexts, and then supporting them in designing and teaching experiences to cater for these learners in a way that will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This unit also gives students opportunity to reflect on the processes involved, and refine their competencies as beginning teachers. The unit includes a final practicum experience that will show the interrelationship between theory and practice as well as enabling students to construct new knowledge and new ways of practice as part of their transition into the teaching profession.

Module 4

Communities and Primary Schools

This unit is designed to build on students' sociological understandings of primary schooling. The unit builds on experiential, theoretical and curriculum knowledge developed in the course. Primary schools have a long tradition of working with communities at the 'chalkface' of social change. Such relationships are complex, evolving and spatially/temporally different because of a local/global sense of place and the socio-political context. Possibilities for promoting socially just practices for different communities are therefore contingent upon a range of strategies for inclusion. This unit examines theoretical frameworks that can assist in understanding the complexities of these processes.

Inclusive Teaching for Effective Learning

Effective and inclusive teaching requires knowledge of how students learn as well as proficiency in applying appropriately tailored teaching strategies to cater for individual developmental needs. This unit provides a foundation of knowledge and practice that facilitates development of appropriate and inclusive attitudes and skills for teaching students with special needs in the main stream. In particular the capacity to structure individualised education and behaviour management programs will be developed drawing on practical experiences and a broad familiarity with the field.

New Knowledge, New Learning

This unit aims to directly challenge students to inquire into, reflect upon and subsequently develop classroom pedagogies and assessment practices that work towards socially just learning outcomes in new times and new teaching environments. It introduces students to contemporary theories and practical frameworks that open up opportunities for them to take individual responsibility for translating syllabus documents into teaching and learning experiences that encourage learners of all social and cultural backgrounds to have engaging and productive relationships with education, schools and classrooms.

Part-time (24 months)

Year 1

1H session

Module 2

English and Literacy in the K-6 Years

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts associated with the teaching of the English Key Learning Area in the K-6 years, set in the broader context of contemporary new literacy environments. It will examine the processes involved in the teaching of listening, speaking, reading and writing with a focus on the structure and grammar in a range of factual and literary multimodal texts.

Investigating Primary Mathematics

Mathematics is constructed by a thinking individual with the assistance and support of others. Some of these 'others' are called 'teachers'. In this unit, beginning teachers investigate how they can facilitate and support the learning of mathematics by students in the K-6 school years so that these students can show their full potential as mathematics learners. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Mathematics Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on working mathematically. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigation, exploration, problem solving and the use of technology in the development of mathematical ideas.

Primary Curriculum I: Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology K-6

Primary teachers need understanding of the curriculum that they will be implementing. This unit provides opportunities for gaining familiarity with and developing initial knowledge and skills to implement the NSW K-6 syllabuses in the Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Science and Technology key learning areas. Students will explore the theoretical underpinnings, content, and pedagogies for effective teaching of these key learning areas. Students will also explore the curriculum requirements of the mandatory Aboriginal Education Policy.

2H session

Module 1

Becoming a Teacher

The insights, understandings, competencies and practical skills required of teachers are many and complex. This unit examines the theory and practice of teaching to begin each student's preparation for working within the community partnerships that the role requires. It investigates the art and the craft of teaching and the interactions between these personal and professional perspectives. Students will critically examine current teaching and learning practices and develop skills in implementing classroom strategies appropriate to primary school students' curriculum needs. They will use information technologies to personally document evidence of their developing philosophies and proficiencies.

Educational Psychology for Primary Teaching

This unit introduces students to a number of the key theoretical perspectives and issues in relation to Education Psychology for Primary Teaching. These include psychological and sociological theories and the implications for learning and pedagogies for social access. The unit operates as two strands and critically addresses public debates related to equity, inclusion and cultural diversity in the context of global change. The unit examines the social construction of childhood and theories of child development that shape our understandings of teaching. The frameworks developed in this unit will inform critical understandings and practices oriented towards inclusion and professional responsiveness.

Professional Practice I

As the first Professional Experience unit of the Master of Teaching (Primary) course, 'Professional Practice I' is designed to introduce all students to the philosophical, ethical, practical and pedagogical perspectives of becoming a teacher in contemporary educational settings. The unit requires students to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary to begin teaching. As part of this process they will recognise that teaching demands a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness, critical evaluation of one's practice, and the capacity to modify and adjust teaching practice to best meet the needs of all students. This unit aims to facilitate the development of teacher education students as reflective practitioners who possess deeply-held commitments to quality education for students and high order communication competencies. Professional experience is a mandatory component of the Master of Teaching course. The preparation for, and evaluation of, the school-based experiences will be integral to this unit.

Year 2

1H session

Module 3

Primary Curriculum II: Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology

This unit extends on Primary Curriculum 1 and students' curriculum experiences in schools. Students explore the content and pedagogies of Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Science and Technology key learning areas in more depth. Students explore features of quality teaching and student engagement in each of these areas.

Curriculum in Practice

Primary teachers need in-depth understanding of the curriculum that they will be implementing. This unit provides on-site learning opportunities in which student teachers explore a key learning area in depth. Students work in a collaborative relationship involving an educational community and the university to develop and implement a project that strengthens their understanding of a key learning area and benefits the context in which they worked.

Professional Practice II: Engaging in the Profession

Students need to have a variety of experiences that are set in the context of their future profession. Through these experiences students will be prepared by exploring issues involved in understanding the needs of learners within specific school and classroom contexts, and then supporting them in designing and teaching experiences to cater for these learners in a way that will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This unit also gives students opportunity to reflect on the processes involved, and refine their competencies as beginning teachers. The unit includes a final practicum experience that will show the interrelationship between theory and practice as well as enabling students to construct new knowledge and new ways of practice as part of their transition into the teaching profession.

2H session

Module 4

Communities and Primary Schools

This unit is designed to build on students' sociological understandings of primary schooling. The unit builds on experiential, theoretical and curriculum knowledge developed in the course. Primary schools have a long tradition of working with communities at the 'chalkface' of social change. Such relationships are complex, evolving and spatially/temporally different because of a local/global sense of place and the socio-political context. Possibilities for promoting socially just practices for different communities are therefore contingent upon a range of strategies for inclusion. This unit examines theoretical frameworks that can assist in understanding the complexities of these processes.

Inclusive Teaching for Effective Learning

Effective and inclusive teaching requires knowledge of how students learn as well as proficiency in applying appropriately tailored teaching strategies to cater for individual developmental needs. This unit provides a foundation of knowledge and practice that facilitates development of appropriate and inclusive attitudes and skills for teaching students with special needs in the main stream. In particular the capacity to structure individualised education and behaviour management programs will be developed drawing on practical experiences and a broad familiarity with the field.

New Knowledge, New Learning

This unit aims to directly challenge students to inquire into, reflect upon and subsequently develop classroom pedagogies and assessment practices that work towards socially just learning outcomes in new times and new teaching environments. It introduces students to contemporary theories and practical frameworks that open up opportunities for them to take individual responsibility for translating syllabus documents into teaching and learning experiences that encourage learners of all social and cultural backgrounds to have engaging and productive relationships with education, schools and classrooms.

Master of Teaching (Primary)

 

This degree gives you the skills, practices and understanding to operate effectively as a teacher in diverse contemporary primary school settings. It includes study in all key learning areas and, importantly, links on-campus classes with a variety of professional experiences.

The aim is to produce teachers with strong academic knowledge and skills, excellence in professional practice, commitment to equity and social justice, and pursuit of personal and professional growth. Because of these qualities, employers, including school principals in Greater Western Sydney, hold graduates of UWS primary teaching programs in high regard.

You can also opt to graduate with an 80 credit point early exit award, the Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Primary). However, you should note that while this may increase your career prospects, it does NOT lead to a professional qualification that will allow you to teach in primary education settings.

In accelerated mode the Master of Teaching degree comprises two sessions of study commencing in either February and finishing in late November, or commencing in late July and finishing in mid-June the following year.

A Career in Primary Teaching

This postgraduate degree qualifies you to be a primary school teacher, teaching from kindergarten to year 6 in government and non-government primary schools in Australia, and in most other countries.

If you want to, instead of moving directly into teaching after graduating, you could follow a different career path related to your undergraduate degree – then bring that rich practical experience to the classroom in later years.

A Master of Teaching (Primary) also lets you pursue exciting options in other fields. Because of the quality and flexibility of this degree, you will graduate with transportable skills that are highly valued by employers – including communication and knowledge-sharing, problem solving, planning and organising, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Duration

One year full-time in accelerated mode, eighteen months full-time standard progression or two years part-time.

Location

Bankstown

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a first degree with appropriate qualifications for primary teaching. The appropriateness of the studies taken in the first degree is determined by UWS but is consistent with the qualifications standards set by the NSW Institute of Teachers Subject Content Requirements for Teaching in a NSW Primary School

GOVERNMENT POLICIES: Education employers have special staff requirements and policies that apply to intending students of education courses. At entry, this involves signing a Prohibited Employment Declaration.

Different pathways and choices

At UWS, our pathway to primary teaching begins with an undergraduate degree, to provide a broad educational qualification and strong academic preparation in a number of the key learning areas of the primary curriculum. The undergraduate degree is then followed by an intensive Master of Teaching course, to provide professional preparation for primary teaching. If 'accelerated', this can take as little as one year.

For those dedicated to a primary teaching program from the start of their studies, a combined degree pathway (Bachelor of Arts/ Master of Teaching) is also available. From 2008 students will complete an Education Studies major during the three years of their Bachelor studies then progress to the Master of Teaching (Primary). Please contact our Course Information Centre on 1800 897 669 for more details. If you already have an undergraduate degree with appropriate subjects, you can also apply to do the Master of Teaching (Primary) as a postgraduate degree.

The UWS Advantage

If you study the UWS Bachelor of Arts you're guaranteed entry to the Master of Teaching (Primary) program. To receive guaranteed entry you need to:

  • achieve a PASS average during your studies at UWS;
  • complete eight units in the Education Studies major; and
  • apply through UAC within one calendar year from the end of the year in which you complete your initial degree.

All UWS graduates are preferred applicants for the UWS graduate primary teaching course, which means your application will be preferentially assessed against graduates of other universities.

You can study any UWS undergraduate course, choosing from areas of study including arts, social science, business, psychology, science, engineering and more. You can use your electives to select some units from the education studies major, and then apply to study our graduate primary teaching course. (For further details on specific courses, please refer to the relevant UWS brochures.)

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Step by step instructions are available on on How to Apply pages.

If you are interested in this course, you may also consider:

B Education (Primary) AREP 

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

Alternatively you are welcome to contact us.