Why Master of Teaching (Primary)?
Many people remember that one exceptional teacher who made a lasting impact. With a Master of Teaching (Primary), you could be that teacher. Learn to ignite curiosity, encourage discovery, and help your students see the world in new ways.
You’ll need enthusiasm, flexibility, empathy, and a passion for growing and sharing knowledge. If you have these qualities, our degree will take care of the rest. It’s a comprehensive program that teaches across the Australian Curriculum and includes 65 days of practical placements – so you’ll be ready to inspire students from Reception to Year 6, in just two years of postgraduate study.
Overview
This degree prepares you to excel in the classroom and beyond. As a primary school teacher, you’ll help young students learn and reach their potential – but you’ll also become a valued and integral part of your community.
With Adelaide University’s Master of Teaching (Primary), you will become a qualified teacher, educating students from Reception to Year 6 across all subjects within the Australian Curriculum.
You’ll gain a solid foundation in teaching theories and methods alongside extensive practical experiences to build your skills in real classrooms. You’ll explore educational philosophies to develop your own unique teaching style. You’ll learn how to support your students by creating safe, inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms. And with 60 days of placements across two years, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to step straight into your teaching career.
Adelaide University is ranked #89 in the world for Education Studies (Times Higher Education, 2026).
Key features
Become a qualified primary school teacher for Reception to Year 6.- Teach across the Australian Curriculum subject areas.
- Gain practical skills in 520 hours of placement.
- Learn in purpose-built modern learning spaces.
- Develop inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Graduate eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB).
What you'll learn
Our Master of Teaching (Primary) is a two-year pathway to becoming an inspiring and effective primary school teacher. Your qualification is recognised to educate children from Reception (the foundation year of school) to Year 6 in government and non-government primary schools across Australia. This may also be recognised internationally.
Throughout your studies, you’ll explore the history and philosophies of primary education, understanding how past methods have shaped modern teaching. Discover how young brains acquire knowledge and develop proven ways to help your students process and store new information.
You’ll learn how to engage with your students safely and inclusively, and how to build respectful and harmonious classrooms. You’ll gain leadership and advocacy skills to support children of all abilities and backgrounds. With First Nations perspectives embedded throughout the degree, you’ll also develop sensitive and culturally responsive teaching practices.
With access to specialised facilities including science labs, technology rooms, physical education spaces and arts performance areas, you’ll learn to teach across all core subjects within the Australian Curriculum.
A Working With Children Check (police check) is required for all students to undertake placements and graduate. You must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Educators (LANTITE) prior to undertaking the final placement course.
All pre-service teachers must complete mandatory Responding to Risks of Harm Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) training before placement. This training equips you with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to risks of harm, abuse, and neglect, ensuring the safety of children in your care.
Degree Structure: Master of Teaching (Primary)
Program code: MATPR
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 78 units for all Core courses, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 78 units for all Core courses, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning
Complete 78 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Languages Education and First Nations Knowledges
|
Course code
EDUC1018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Learning about Literacies and Text Production
|
Course code
EDUC2112
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Arts and Technologies Education
|
Course code
EDUC5252
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Classroom Management and Inclusive Education
|
Course code
EDUC6008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Effective Pedagogical Practices
|
Course code
EDUCX103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Learning About Language
|
Course code
EDUCX105
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematics Education 1
|
Course code
EDUCX106
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Learning About Reading
|
Course code
EDUCX215
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Education
|
Course code
EDUCX222
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematics Education 2
|
Course code
EDUCX304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Humanities and Social Science Education
|
Course code
EDUCX313
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health and Physical Education
|
Course code
EDUCX421
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Brain and Learning
|
Course code
PSYCX200
|
Units
6
|
Work Integrated Learning description
WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Experience 1: Planning, Teaching, Assessing and Managing the Classroom Environment
|
Course code
EDUC6902
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Experience 2: Inquiry into Practice
|
Course code
EDUCX412
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
You will graduate with a qualification recognised by the Teacher Registration Board of South Australia. In most cases the qualification is recognised for registration in other states and other countries.
Industry trends
Now is the perfect time to pursue a career as a primary school teacher. Job opportunities are plentiful throughout Australia, with many regional schools offering attractive financial benefits and incentives to draw in skilled educators.
Primary education in Australia is state-governed, and registered primary teachers work with students from Reception to Year 6 to deliver lessons across seven key areas of the Australian national curriculum.
Adelaide University’s Master of Teaching (Primary) degree responds to the high demand for primary teachers both locally and globally. Its comprehensive and innovative program is designed to train teachers who are confident, responsive and adaptable to the evolving demands of modern education.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB) . Graduates are able to apply for teacher registration in South Australia. Applicants should note that additional criteria may apply, and are advised to check the current registration requirements, as these are subject to change. Graduates seeking employment in other parts of Australia or overseas should check the specific registration requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.
Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB) and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Dr Susie Raymond
Program Director
College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences
School of Education
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
