Major overview
Curtin’s Primary Education major is designed for those aspiring to teach in years 1–6 in Australian primary schools.
It provides an excellent foundation for delivering the primary school curriculum in various school settings, including Australian Government, Independent, and Catholic Schools.
This Primary Education major is part of the Graduate Diploma of Education, our one-year pathway into the teaching profession. It offers units identical to those in our accredited Master of Teaching, offering a seamless pathway to further study and career advancement.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Double Degrees
Career outcomes
- Primary school teacher
- Curriculum designer
- Policy development officer
- Education administration officer
- Trainer, mentor or coach
- Special programs officer
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates are eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA), which enables them to teach in Western Australia only. Graduates residing in other states and territories can register with the TRBWA and then may apply for mutual recognition of this registration at their own state registration authority.
This course is not accredited as a national teaching qualification. Accredited qualifications refer to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses that are accredited by the relevant state or territory authority. Accredited ITE courses are recognised nationally by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, enabling graduates to teach anywhere in Australia and to have their qualification recognised internationally in many countries.
The Graduate Diploma course is no longer available for students studying in New South Wales, Victoria or South Australia due to restrictions in registering with the Teachers' Accreditation authorities in these states. Students from NSW, Victoria and South Australia considering a career in teacher education should consider a Curtin Master of Teaching program.
Why study at Curtin?
Professionally recognised
This course is recognised by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, meaning you’ll be eligible to teach primary education in Western Australia.
Accelerated pathway into teaching
This one-year program offers a focused and accelerated pathway to becoming a primary school teacher in Western Australia. Graduates residing in other states or territories should contact their local regulatory authority to confirm eligibility requirements.
Top 70 in the world
Curtin is ranked in the top 70 universities in the world for the field of Education in the University Ranking by Academic Performance 2022-23.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
In just one year, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and experience to teach years 1 to 6 in Australian primary schools.
Our student-centric approach to teaching and learning fosters analytical and critical thinking, ensuring you are well-prepared for a role as a primary educator. You’ll gain a strong skill set in teaching early literacy and numeracy, and become skilled in creating positive and safe learning environments.
You’ll also learn how to enhance learning experiences for diverse students, use discipline knowledge effectively in teaching, and communicate effectively and professionally with educational stakeholders.
Practical experience
Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, you’ll be required undertake 45 days of supervised practical placements in real classrooms. This allows you to develop the essential practical skills required to become a successful teacher.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Double Degrees
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