Course summary
Graduates of this degree will have broad capabilities to increase their employment opportunities in primary schools and other education related fields.
Students can study in an area of their interest through a range of education and general electives. This is in addition to discipline and curriculum studies in English; mathematics; human society and its environment; science and technology; creative arts; and personal development, health and physical education.
In their first year, students study essential foundational content for teaching in primary schools. Starting in their second year, and continuing throughout the remainder of their degree, students study curriculum, pedagogy and effective teaching strategies. They also begin significant blocks of professional teaching experiences in primary schools to prepare them thoroughly for teaching practice. These experiences give students the opportunity to put theory into practice and to observe and reflect on the dynamics of the education environment.
Entry into our teaching degrees is based on an indicative ATAR of 70 or OP of 13. Additionally, applicants for initial teaching courses must submit a 1,000-word personal statement outlining their non-academic capabilities. See education non-academic requirements for further information. These entry requirements will ensure that our courses produce teachers with high levels of academic capability, literacy and numeracy skills and the personal characteristics required by contemporary teachers.
Our education degrees are combined with a Bachelor of Arts to ensure a comprehensive foundation for our education students in relevant discipline areas like mathematics, English and science.
Students can complete an eight-unit, work-ready specialisation, or a core teaching area, or choose from a suite of electives. Each provides an opportunity for students to shape their study towards their preferred employment.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Demonstrate analytical thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills which show broad understanding and depth relevant to the education profession. |
| Creativity | Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence. Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to challenges in an educational setting. |
| Ethical practice | Demonstrate knowledge of ethical, legal and human rights principles in education settings. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the education profession.. |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the relevant curriculum frameworks. Demonstrate a solid knowledge of the pedagogy of effective educational practice. |
| Lifelong learning | Demonstrate the capacity for self-reflective learning and critical thinking with responsibility and accountability in professional practice. Demonstrate skills in maintaining or advancing information and literacy skills to keep currency with pedagogical practice and professional development. |
| Communication and social skills | Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with exposition of knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms. Demonstrate teamwork skills and leadership in professional and learning community settings. |
| Cultural competence | Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self identify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement. |
Students complete a program of in-school professional teaching experiences during the course, culminating in an extended in-school development experience, to demonstrate their capabilities as primary school teachers.
Courses have accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). Courses have national accreditation through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, but students need to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding accreditation requirements.
The Australian Government has introduced a Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE), effective from July 2016. All Initial Teacher Education students across Australia will need to successfully complete the national literacy and numeracy test (LANTITE) prior to completing their course. In line with accreditation requirements, at Southern Cross University the test needs to be successfully completed prior to undertaking the final professional experience placement.
Course overview
Course code
3207310
Course abbreviation
BA/BEd(Prim)
Credit points
384
Equivalent units
32
Domestic duration
4 years full-time; 8 years part-time
International duration
4 years full-time
Availability details
Domestic
| Location | Session | UAC code | QTAC code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | 1 | 330150 | 050751 |
| Gold Coast | 1 | 330160 | 050161 |
| Lismore | 1 | 330110 | 050711 |
| Online | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Domestic fees
Course requirements
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
-
To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary) a candidate shall successfully complete:
-
not less than thirty-two (32) units comprising:
- all eleven (11) units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units; and
- all thirteen (13) units listed in Part B of the Schedule of Units; and
- the remaining eight (8) units from Part C and/or Part D of the Schedule of Units.
- Both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Federal Government.
-
not less than thirty-two (32) units comprising:
- A candidate who while enrolled for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary) has completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Educational Studies may elect to be awarded the Bachelor of Educational Studies following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary).
- A candidate who while enrolled for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary) has completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts may elect to be awarded the Bachelor of Arts following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary).
- Permission to undertake a professional experience placement will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of School.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 1 | |||
| ENG10010 - Language & Literacy | Introductory | ||
| MAT10002 - Mathematics and Numeracy | Introductory | ||
| CUL00210 - Australia, Asia and the World | Introductory | ||
| CAR10003 - Foundations: Creative Arts | Introductory | ||
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| SCI10003 - Foundations: Science and Technology | Introductory | ||
| ENG10004 - Foundations: English | Introductory | ||
| HUM10001 - Foundations: Human Society and its Environments | Introductory | ||
| HEA10003 - Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education | Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| EDU20007 - English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20009 - Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| EDU10128 - Introduction to Teaching | Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| EDU20001 - Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology | Intermediate | ||
| TCH10014 - Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher | Introductory | ||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| EDU10514 - Understanding Children and Young People | Introductory | ||
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| EDU20008 - Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20010 - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU10712 - Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities | Intermediate | ||
| EDU30006 - Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| EDU30004 - English Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| EDU30005 - Mathematics Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| TCH20001 - Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20006 - Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Introductory | ||
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| TCH30002 - Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession | Advanced | ||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Year 4, Session 2 | |||
| EDU83003 - Inclusive Teaching | Advanced | ||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| ENG10010 - Language & Literacy | Introductory | ||
| CUL00210 - Australia, Asia and the World | Introductory | ||
| MAT10002 - Mathematics and Numeracy | Introductory | ||
| CAR10003 - Foundations: Creative Arts | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| ENG10004 - Foundations: English | Introductory | ||
| HUM10001 - Foundations: Human Society and its Environments | Introductory | ||
| HEA10003 - Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education | Introductory | ||
| SCI10003 - Foundations: Science and Technology | Introductory | ||
| Session 1, Year 2 | |||
| EDU20007 - English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20009 - Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU10128 - Introduction to Teaching | Introductory | ||
| EDU20008 - Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| Session 2, Year 2 | |||
| TCH10014 - Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher | Introductory | ||
| EDU10514 - Understanding Children and Young People | Introductory | ||
| EDU20001 - Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20006 - Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Introductory | ||
| Session 3, Year 2 | |||
| 1 unit from: Learning and Support Specialisation | |||
| 1 unit from: Learning and Support Specialisation | |||
| Session 1, Year 3 | |||
| EDU20010 - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU10712 - Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities | Intermediate | ||
| TCH10005 - Positive Behaviour Support | Intermediate | ||
| Session 2, Year 3 | |||
| EDU30004 - English Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| TCH20001 - Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching | Intermediate | ||
| EDU00352 - English as an Additional Language/Dialect | Advanced | ||
| EDU20002 - Accountability and Collaboration | Intermediate | ||
| Session 1, Year 4 | |||
| TCH30002 - Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession | Advanced | ||
| EDU30006 - Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Advanced | ||
| 1 unit from: Learning and Support Specialisation | |||
| Session 2, Year 4 | |||
| EDU83003 - Inclusive Teaching | Advanced | ||
| EDU30005 - Mathematics Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| EDU10716 - Professional Development in Education | Advanced | ||
| EDU01105 - Professional Learning Project | Advanced | ||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| ENG10010 - Language & Literacy | Introductory | ||
| CUL00210 - Australia, Asia and the World | Introductory | ||
| MAT10002 - Mathematics and Numeracy | Introductory | ||
| CAR10003 - Foundations: Creative Arts | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| ENG10004 - Foundations: English | Introductory | ||
| HUM10001 - Foundations: Human Society and its Environments | Introductory | ||
| HEA10003 - Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education | Introductory | ||
| SCI10003 - Foundations: Science and Technology | Introductory | ||
| Session 1, Year 2 | |||
| EDU20007 - English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20009 - Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU10128 - Introduction to Teaching | Introductory | ||
| CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 2 | |||
| TCH10014 - Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher | Introductory | ||
| EDU10514 - Understanding Children and Young People | Introductory | ||
| EDU20001 - Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20006 - Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Introductory | ||
| Session 3, Year 2 | |||
| SOY00419 - Caring for Kuntri: Indigenous Environmental Management | Advanced | ||
| Session 1, Year 3 | |||
| EDU20010 - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU10712 - Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20008 - Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| CUL00402 - Contemporary Australian Indigenous Issues | Intermediate | ||
| Session 2, Year 3 | |||
| EDU30004 - English Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| EDU30005 - Mathematics Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| TCH20001 - Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching | Intermediate | ||
| CUL00408 - Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples | Intermediate | ||
| Session 1, Year 4 | |||
| TCH30002 - Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession | Advanced | ||
| EDU30006 - Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Advanced | ||
| EDU01308 - Indigenous Australians in Education | Advanced | ||
| CUL00420 - History of Invasion of Aboriginal Nations | Advanced | ||
| Session 2, Year 4 | |||
| EDU83003 - Inclusive Teaching | Advanced | ||
| EDU01105 - Professional Learning Project | Advanced | ||
| EDU10716 - Professional Development in Education | Advanced | ||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| ENG10004 - Foundations: English | Introductory | ||
| HUM10001 - Foundations: Human Society and its Environments | Introductory | ||
| HEA10003 - Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education | Introductory | ||
| SCI10003 - Foundations: Science and Technology | Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| ENG10010 - Language & Literacy | Introductory | ||
| MAT10002 - Mathematics and Numeracy | Introductory | ||
| CUL00210 - Australia, Asia and the World | Introductory | ||
|
CAR10003 - Foundations: Creative Arts
|
Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| EDU10128 - Introduction to Teaching | Introductory | ||
| EDU10514 - Understanding Children and Young People | Introductory | ||
| EDU20006 - Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Introductory | ||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| EDU20009 - Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20007 - English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU20008 - Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| TCH10014 - Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher | Introductory Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| EDU30004 - English Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| EDU20001 - Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology | Intermediate | ||
| EDU30005 - Mathematics Education: Issues | Advanced | ||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| EDU20010 - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Intermediate | ||
| EDU10712 - Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities | Intermediate | ||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Year 4, Session 2 | |||
| EDU83003 - Inclusive Teaching | Advanced | ||
| TCH20001 - Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching | Intermediate Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Year 5, Session 1 | |||
| EDU30006 - Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy | Advanced | ||
| TCH30002 - Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession | Advanced Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
| Education Electives OR General Electives | |||
Notes
| Note 1: | This is a practicum unit |
Unit groups
Learning and Support Specialisation
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU00352 - English as an Additional Language/Dialect | Advanced | ||
| EDU20002 - Accountability and Collaboration | Intermediate | ||
| TCH10005 - Positive Behaviour Support | Intermediate | ||
| EDU01105 - Professional Learning Project | Advanced | ||
| EDU10716 - Professional Development in Education | Advanced | ||
| Choose three of the following units: | |||
| EDU20004 - Supporting and Developing Literacy and Communication | Intermediate | ||
| EDU00298 - Co-operative Learning Skills in the Classroom | Advanced | ||
| EDU00353 - Teaching the Gifted | Intermediate | ||
| EDU10003 - Learning Technologies | Intermediate | ||
Education Electives
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU00298 - Co-operative Learning Skills in the Classroom | Advanced | ||
| EDU00352 - English as an Additional Language/Dialect | Advanced | ||
| EDU00353 - Teaching the Gifted | Intermediate | ||
| EDU01104 - Assessment and Reporting | Intermediate | ||
| EDU01105 - Professional Learning Project | Advanced | ||
| EDU10003 - Learning Technologies | Intermediate | ||
| ENG00351 - Children's Literature | Advanced | ||
| ENG00355 - Storytelling | Intermediate | ||
| EDU01286 - Environmental Education | Introductory | ||
| EDU01304 - Music and Children | Intermediate | ||
| TCH30001 - Casual Teaching | Advanced | ||
| COM30001 - Community Engagement Project | Advanced | ||
| COM30002 - Community Partnerships for Social Change II | Advanced | ||
| TCH10005 - Positive Behaviour Support | Intermediate |
General Electives
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM10295 - Written Communication | Introductory | ||
| SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times | Introductory | ||
| HUM00271 - Unruly Subjects: Citizenship | Introductory | ||
| WRI10002 - The Nature of Narrative: Self, Time, Place and the Environment | Intermediate |