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Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)

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/Sec)

  • Course code

    3207312

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

Primary and secondary school teachers fulfil a vital community role by preparing young people to become positive and active citizens in modern society. This combined degree produces teachers who understand the attributes of inclusive education, the development and learning of young people, and the importance of life-long learning, all of which are essential qualities for excellent teaching practice.

Graduates can teach in both primary and secondary schools (Kindergarten to Year 12), significantly expanding their career opportunities. Students complete curriculum studies in six key learning areas for primary school teaching and one secondary teaching subject by majoring in English, Mathematics, Geography or Modern History.

School-based, practical teaching experiences enable students to put theory into practice as they observe and reflect on the dynamics of the classroom. These experiences also enable students to become acquainted with the formal and informal aspects of what occurs in classrooms and schools.

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 significant blocks of in-school supervised practical experiences throughout the degree to demonstrate their professional capabilities as school teachers.

This course includes studies in areas of teaching and learning, professional practice, behaviour management, understanding children and young people, special education, Aboriginal education, information and communications technology, and curriculum studies. Students also tailor the course to major in one of the following secondary teaching subjects:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Modern History
  • Geography

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1, Session 2 330152 050551
Gold Coast Session 1, Session 2 330162 050561
Lismore Session 1, Session 2 330112 050511
Online Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

Accredited by NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES). Courses accredited by BOSTES 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.

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.
    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.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary) a candidate shall successfully complete 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. one eight (8) unit major (First Teaching Subject) from Part C of the Schedule of Units.
  2. A candidate who while enrolled for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary) 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/Secondary).
  3. 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
EDU10128 -  Introduction to Teaching Introductory
MAT10002 -  Mathematics and Numeracy Introductory
CAR10003 -  Foundations: Creative Arts Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
ENG10004 -  Foundations: English Introductory
SCI10003 -  Foundations: Science and Technology Introductory
HEA10003 -  Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Introductory
HUM10001 -  Foundations: Human Society and its Environments Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
EDU20007 -  English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU20009 -  Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10514 -  Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
PART C Secondary Major Unit 1 Note 2
Year 2, Session 2
EDU20001 -  Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology Intermediate
EDU20006 -  Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
TCH10014 -  Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher Introductory
PART C Secondary Major Unit 2 Note 2
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
PART C Secondary Major Unit 3 Note 2
Year 3, Session 2
EDU30004 -  English Education: Issues Advanced
EDU30005 -  Mathematics Education: Issues Advanced
TCH20001 -  Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching Intermediate
PART C Secondary Major Unit 4 Note 2
Year 4, Session 1
EDU30006 -  Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Advanced
TCH30002 -  Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession Advanced
PART C Secondary Major Unit 5 Note 2
PART C Secondary Major Curriculum Specialisation Unit 1 Note 2
Year 4, Session 2
EDU30003 -  Equity and Diversity in Education Advanced
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
PART C Secondary Major Unit 6 Note 2
PART C Secondary Major Curriculum Specialisation Unit 2 Note 2

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
ENG10004 -  Foundations: English Introductory
SCI10003 -  Foundations: Science and Technology Introductory
HEA10003 -  Foundations: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Introductory
HUM10001 -  Foundations: Human Society and its Environments Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
ENG10010 -  Language & Literacy Introductory Note 3
EDU10128 -  Introduction to Teaching Introductory
MAT10002 -  Mathematics and Numeracy Introductory Note 3
Secondary Specialisation Unit 1
Year 2, Session 2
EDU20001 -  Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology Intermediate
Secondary Specialisation Unit 2
EDU10514 -  Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
Secondary Specialisation Unit 3
Year 3, Session 1
EDU20007 -  English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU20009 -  Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
Secondary Specialisation Unit 4
CAR10003 -  Foundations: Creative Arts Introductory
Year 3, Session 2
EDU30004 -  English Education: Issues Advanced
EDU30005 -  Mathematics Education: Issues Advanced
EDU20006 -  Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
TCH10014 -  Professional Experience I: Becoming a Teacher (includes a Primary practicum of 25 days) Introductory Note 4
Year 4, Session 1
EDU20008 -  Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU20010 -  Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
Secondary Curriculum Specialisation 1
EDU30006 -  Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy Advanced
Year 4, Session 2
EDU30003 -  Equity and Diversity in Education Advanced
Secondary Specialisation Unit 5
Secondary Curriculum Specialisation 2
TCH20001 -  Professional Experience II: Effective Teaching (includes a Primary practicum of 31 days) Intermediate Note 4
Year 5, Session 1
Secondary Specialisation Unit 6
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory Note 3
EDU10712 -  Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities Intermediate Note 3
TCH30002 -  Professional Experience III: Transition to the Profession (includes two Secondary practicum – 2 x 20 days in different schools) Advanced Note 4

Note 1:

Choose two (2) units from - HUM00273, WRI10003, ENG00411, ENG00407, WRI20004 and WRI20003.

Note 2:

Units can only be selected from one Secondary Major throughout this progression.

Note 3:

Normally also available in Session 3

Note 4:

Contains a practicum

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
EDU30003 Equity and Diversity in Education 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 Major
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 Secondary Majors

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
TCH10174 Curriculum Specialisation: English I Intermediate
TCH10175 Curriculum Specialisation: English II Advanced
ENG00400 Introduction to Written Texts Introductory
ENG00401 Issues and Themes in Contemporary Writing Intermediate
ENG00406 Theories of Text and Culture Advanced
WRI10001 Introduction to Creative Writing Introductory
HUM00273 Borderlands: Identity, Culture and Belonging Advanced Note 1
WRI10003 Short Story Writing Intermediate Note 1
ENG00411 Writing Genre Intermediate Note 1
ENG00407 Writing for Performance Intermediate Note 1
WRI20004 Writing Lives Intermediate Note 1
WRI20003 Writing Poetry Intermediate Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
EDU01145 Curriculum Specialisation: Mathematics I Intermediate
EDU01146 Curriculum Specialisation: Mathematics II Advanced
MAT10251 Statistical Analysis Intermediate
MAT10718 Mathematical Ideas Introductory
MAT10719 Calculus Intermediate
MAT10720 Linear Algebra Intermediate
MAT10721 Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations Advanced
MAT10722 Complex Analysis Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
TCH10007 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment I Intermediate
TCH10008 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment II Advanced
GLY00201 Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory
BIO00244 Protected Area Management Advanced
GLY00223 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Intermediate
SUR00201 Environmental Mapping Introductory
HUM00272 Space, Place and Travel Intermediate
ISY01224 Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
TCH10007 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment I Intermediate
TCH10008 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment II Advanced
HIS10016 Making History Introductory
CUL00420 History of Invasion of Aboriginal Nations Advanced
HIS10725 US History: From Reconstruction to Globalization Introductory
HIS10726 Australian Cultural History Intermediate
HIS10018 Writing Place: Landscapes, Memory, History Intermediate
HIS00235 Community History Research Project Advanced