Master of Teaching (Primary)

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On campus or online

Start date

February

Campus

Magill

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MATPR

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$43,400

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

Assumed knowledge in the Australian Curriculum subject areas used for entry to the program is required.

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7 IELTS Reading 7 IELTS Listening 7 IELTS Speaking 7 IELTS Writing 7 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115962E

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) degree or higher from a recognised higher education institution with a competitive Grade Point Average (GPA), which indicates a total of one year, full-time equivalent study that aligns with one or more Learning Areas of the Australian Curriculum.

This degree requires a Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalent to an Adelaide University 5.0 on a 7-point scale for entry.

Essential requirements

All applicants are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement (TCS) with their application. In the TCS, applicants describe their motivation to teach. The TCS assesses non-academic entry requirements in accordance with national teacher education program standards.

Prior to undertaking any professional experience placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age), students will be required to provide a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services. Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the Teaching and Education Placements web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance is also required for visits to education sites in other courses, to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7
IELTS Reading 7
IELTS Listening 7
IELTS Speaking 7
IELTS Writing 7

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Note:

For International students the campus location is Magill and Mawson Lakes only.

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 65 days of placements across two years, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to step straight into your teaching career.

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.

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 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

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Learning About Language	Course code EDUCX105	Units 6
	Course name Mathematics Education 1	Course code EDUCX106	Units 6
	Course name Effective Pedagogical Practices	Course code EDUCX103	Units 6
	Course name Classroom Management and Inclusive Education	Course code EDUC6008	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Professional Experience 1: Planning, Teaching, Assessing and Managing the Classroom Environment	Course code EDUC6902	Units 6
	Course name Learning About Reading	Course code EDUCX215	Units 6
	Course name Arts and Technologies Education	Course code EDUC5252	Units 6
	Course name The Brain and Learning	Course code PSYCX200	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Science Education	Course code EDUCX222	Units 6
	Course name Health and Physical Education	Course code EDUCX421	Units 6
	Course name Humanities and Social Science Education	Course code EDUCX313	Units 6
	Course name Mathematics Education 2	Course code EDUCX304	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Learning about Literacies and Text Production	Course code EDUC2112	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 2: Inquiry into Practice	Course code EDUCX412	Units 12
	Course name Languages Education and First Nations Knowledges	Course code EDUC1018	Units 6

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

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Learning About Language	Course code EDUCX105	Units 6
	Course name Mathematics Education 1	Course code EDUCX106	Units 6
	Course name Effective Pedagogical Practices	Course code EDUCX103	Units 6
	Course name Classroom Management and Inclusive Education	Course code EDUC6008	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Professional Experience 1: Planning, Teaching, Assessing and Managing the Classroom Environment	Course code EDUC6902	Units 6
	Course name Learning About Reading	Course code EDUCX215	Units 6
	Course name Arts and Technologies Education	Course code EDUC5252	Units 6
	Course name The Brain and Learning	Course code PSYCX200	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Science Education	Course code EDUCX222	Units 6
	Course name Health and Physical Education	Course code EDUCX421	Units 6
	Course name Humanities and Social Science Education	Course code EDUCX313	Units 6
	Course name Mathematics Education 2	Course code EDUCX304	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Learning about Literacies and Text Production	Course code EDUC2112	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 2: Inquiry into Practice	Course code EDUCX412	Units 12
	Course name Languages Education and First Nations Knowledges	Course code EDUC1018	Units 6

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 of this program may register to teach in South Australia, and in most cases, interstate and overseas (please check interstate and international countries for specific registration requirements relevant to those jurisdictions).

Ready to apply?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

Inherent requirements for Education

Inherent requirements are capabilities and knowledge required to perform essential tasks effectively and safely for a specific purpose such as employment or study. Students undertaking any Bachelor of Teaching or Master of Teaching degree at Adelaide University must complete the following:

Preservice Teacher Placement Agreement

Before placement, all Preservice Teachers must complete the Pre-Service Teacher Placement Agreement on InPlace. This form outlines responsibilities and expectations for all future placements—it only needs to be completed once.

Working With Children Check (WWCC)

All people working in a child-related area, whether as an employee or volunteer, must have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). You can apply for a WWCC via the South Australian Government website. When completing your application, please select Pre-service teacher placement/student placement in the Role Description.

Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC)

To work or volunteer in education you must complete mandatory notification training about child protection in education. The training is called Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC). To register for and complete the training, you must make an account on Plink. You will need to complete both the 2-hour fundamentals course and the 4-hour Masterclass session.

Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE)

You are expected to sit the LANTITE test and pass both components before enrolling in your final Professional Experience course. Each course has a designated final test window.

Adelaide University provides a range of student services and support to ensure you can succeed in your studies. If you have a disability, medical or mental health condition that may impact your studies, you are strongly encouraged to speak with the Access and Inclusion team when accepting your offer into a program.

Visit the Access and Inclusion webpage to find out more.

If you have an access plan and require adjustments to your placement, please ensure you upload your access plan on InPlace. Adjustments can only be provided based on the requirements of your access plan.

Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP)

The Commonwealth Prac Payment offers teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students support while they are undertaking mandatory placements. For more information, please visit the Australian Government Department of Education website.

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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 campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This program is offered at our Magill, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.

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.

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Master of Teaching (Primary)