Master of Primary Teaching overview
The Master of Primary Teaching allows students from different academic backgrounds to gain the necessary skills to become primary educators. The University of Newcastle and similar institutions cover basic skills, such as curriculum design, advanced literacy and numeracy teaching, dealing with different socio-cultural backgrounds within the student body and more. It combines theory with practical methodology over one and a half to two years of full time study, up to four years part time.
Employment options
Graduates are well suited to the employment opportunities detailed here, which primarily consist of primary education specialties. Whether it’s science, mathematics, English or geography, the electives provided by master degrees allow students to customise their program to suit their career ambitions. Joining organisations like the Australian Association for the Teaching of English or subject equivalent can then bolster their prospects and skills in even further.
Scholarships and funding
Primary teaching has a variety of scholarships.
- RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships provide funding to several different disciplines, one of which is primary teaching.
- The Bob and Margaret Frater International Travel Scholarship is for any student wishing to uphold predefined Catholic values overseas.
- The NSW DET 2018 Teacher Education Scholarship Program offers 80 scholarships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Scholarships available across all fields can also be found here. These tend to have unique requirements, so students are advised to check them carefully before applying.
Prerequisites and selection process
The Master of Primary Teaching requires a bachelor degree, but it can be from any discipline. The University of Newcastle also requires:
- An interview with faculty.
- A written piece of work proving academic competency.
- GPA disclosed to faculty.
These programs also recommend students have completed some amount of study in one area of the primary school curriculum. These subject areas include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and technology
- Human society and environment
- Creative arts and personal development
- Health and physical education
It is preferred that one or more of these subject areas had been the focus of a prior undergraduate degree. In competitive periods, those who meet these requirements will be selected over those who don’t.