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Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Bachelors Double Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Some units are only delivered by distance education. Distance education students may also be required to attend on-campus workshops.

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BA/BEd(Prim)

  • Course code

    3207310

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

To increase employment opportunities, students of this combined degree can graduate as a primary school teacher and gain a specialist skill set. Students have the flexibility to either specialise in Learning and Support or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education^; or they can study another area of interest through a broad 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 practical teaching experiences in primary schools. These experiences give students the opportunity to put theory into practice and to observe and reflect on the dynamics of the education environment. Students graduate with broad capabilities to increase employment opportunities in primary schools and other education-related fields.

Entry into our teaching degrees will be based on an indicative ATAR of 70 or OP of 13 with no additional prerequisite entry requirements. Our education degrees are combined with a Bachelor of Arts to ensure a comprehensive foundation for our educations students in relevant discipline areas like mathematics, English and science.

^These specialisations provide a means to focus on an area of interest and are an excellent foundation for subsequent in-service professional learning. They do not however lead to a specialist teaching qualification. Students are advised to refer to their relevant teacher registration jurisdiction for specialist teaching accreditation requirements. 

Choosing a specialisation may require you to study units in session three. Session three units may also coincide with professional experience units resulting in a challenging workload particularly when assessment items are due. You are advised to check the sessions in which units are offered when considering your study plan. 

Graduate AttributeCourse 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 practical teaching experiences during the course, culminating in an extended in-school professional development experience, to demonstrate their professional capabilities as primary school teachers.

Students can complete an eight-unit specialisation in Learning and Support, or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Education^, 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 or further study. 

Learning and Support gives students additional insight in to support children with diverse abilities. Combined with their final teaching qualification, this specialisation provides students with the background to develop quality learning and support frameworks for students with additional learning and support needs. Students become familiar with supportive and safe learning environments, positive behavioural support and quality teaching for students with additional support needs.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education gives students additional insight into  teaching children who identify as Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The emphases are on building an understanding about Aboriginal history and cultures, contemporary issues, their experience in education, and appropriate community consultation.

Please note: These specialisations are offered by distance education and each requires students to complete an in-school professional experience. Some units include on-campus workshops.

 

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1 , Session 2 330150 050751
Gold Coast Session 1 , Session 2 330160 050161
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 330110 050711
Online Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

Courses have accreditation with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) 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 SCU the test needs to be successfully completed prior to undertaking the final professional experience placement.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

  1. Applicants for admission to candidature at a New South Wales campus of Southern Cross University must have satisfied requirements specified by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards for admission to an initial teacher education course that is approved for the purposes of enabling graduates to apply for registration as a teacher in New South Wales.
  2. Applicants for admission to candidature at a Queensland campus of Southern Cross University must have satisfied requirements specified by the Queensland College of Teachers for admission to an initial teacher education course that is approved for the purposes of enabling graduates to apply for registration as a teacher in Queensland.
  3. To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:
    1. have completed senior secondary study to the equivalent of the Australian year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
      1. the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Schedule A of the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2; and
      2. the language of instruction was English; or
    2. achieved a minimum test score, within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
      1. International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 7.5, including a minimum result of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules and 7.0 in reading and writing; or
      2. International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing; or
    3. successfully completed SCU’s Preparing for Success Program.
    For the purposes of satisfying English Language Proficiency requirements for admission, applicants will only be considered on the above criteria and will not be considered on the basis of other criteria established by the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 1 – English Language Proficiency Subsection.

Credit for prior learning

  1. Candidates who have completed an accredited Primary School teaching qualification may be granted advanced standing for up to twenty-four (24) units.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary) a candidate shall successfully complete:
    1. not less than thirty-two (32) units comprising:
      1. all eleven (11) units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units; and
      2. all thirteen (13) units listed in Part B of the Schedule of Units; and
      3. the remaining eight (8) units from Part C and/or Part D of the Schedule of Units.
    2. Both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Federal Government.
  2. 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).
  3. 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).
  4. Permission to undertake a professional experience placement will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of School.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
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
EDU20008 -  Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
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
EDU20006 -  Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
EDU10514 -  Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
Year 3, Session 1
Education Electives OR General Electives
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
Education Electives OR General Electives
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

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
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

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
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

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
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
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
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
Education Electives OR General Electives
Education Electives OR General Electives

Note 1:

This is a practicum unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

PART A

EDU10128 Introduction to Teaching Introductory
EDU10712 Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities Intermediate
EDU20001 Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology Intermediate
EDU83003 Inclusive Teaching Advanced
ENG10010 Foundations: Language & Literacy Introductory
MAT10002 Foundations: Mathematics and Numeracy Introductory
EDU10514 Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
TCH10014 Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher Introductory
TCH20001 Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching Intermediate
TCH30002 Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession Advanced
CUL00210 Australia, Asia and the World Introductory

PART B PRIMARY

ENG10004 Foundations: English Introductory
EDU20007 English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU30004 English Education: Issues Advanced
EDU20009 Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU30005 Mathematics Education: Issues Advanced
HUM10001 Foundations: Human Society and its Environments Introductory
EDU20008 Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
SCI10003 Foundations: Science and Technology Introductory
EDU30006 Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Advanced
CAR10003 Foundations: The Arts Introductory
EDU20006 Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
HEA10003 Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Introductory
EDU20010 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate

PART C

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Eight (8) units in a specialist area, as approved by Head of School including the following two units:
EDU01105 Professional Learning Project Advanced
EDU10716 Professional Development in Education Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
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

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
EDU01308 Indigenous Australians in Education Advanced
CUL00420 History of Invasion of Aboriginal Nations Advanced
CUL00402 Contemporary Australian Indigenous Issues Intermediate
SOY00419 Caring for Kuntri: Indigenous Environmental Management Advanced
CUL00401 Indigenous World-Views Introductory
CUL00408 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
EDU01105 Professional Learning Project Advanced
EDU10716 Professional Development in Education Advanced

PART D

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
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

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
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