Build the skills to secure a long term career as a primary school teacher
Primary school teachers play a crucial role in society as they have a strong influence on the emotional, intellectual, physical and social development of our children aged 5 to 12. Never was this more evident than during the pandemic when teaching methods and delivery across the world changed almost overnight. Education is one of Australia’s top three growth industries and the profession requires trained, enthusiastic teachers.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in primary teaching designed to give you the pedagogical knowledge and classroom management skills for effective teaching in any school environment. Our extensive experience in equipping adults for workplace change means you can study our wide range of teaching areas online. Plus, you'll learn from top experts who are involved in cutting-edge research and will help you secure a successful career in primary teaching.
Most of our students choose online education, where they join a community of adults and use their life and work experiences to establish networks for the future. On-campus students have access to campus accommodation, sports and support services. Whether online or on campus, full-time or part-time study options are available across three trimesters.
Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for primary school teachers.
Explore the study options for Primary Teaching with UNE now.
Courses by study level
Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and is designed to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. In this course you will have the opportunity to specialise in subject areas that interest you most and gain experience in teaching to a wide range of age groups, culminating in sought-after skills to future-proof your education career.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
Now more than ever, teachers who can educate and inspire children across a range of ages are in high demand. UNE's Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) is uniquely positioned to help you respond to opportunities by preparing you to create supportive learning environments for children from Kindergarten through to Year 6. You will build your skills as a flexible teacher, and a specialist in teaching maths, science and technology, language or English. You'll be positioned at the forefront of innovation and change with teaching skills to respond to a rapidly changing world.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
Develop the knowledge and skills to work with children from birth to 12 years with UNE's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). This is the degree for you if you have a commitment towards educating and inspiring children and want a qualification that paves the way for a flexible teaching career. If you are looking to get started in early childhood teaching, this degree has a variety of admission rules, including rules for those with no experience or qualifications in early childhood teaching.
- 2.5 or 3.5 or 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a sought-after teacher who makes a valued and rewarding contribution to children’s abilities and development. Create an open and supportive learning environment to engage students with diverse needs and make a real difference in primary schools by helping children develop, grow, and build their confidence.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow as an in-demand education professional. Upskill and enhance your on-the-pulse skills for the benefit of your career, your students and the profession at large. Stay relevant and pave the way for a successful teaching career in a supportive, flexible environment.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
This flexible education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in a flexible and supportive environment. Hone your skills to be transferable across a range of contexts and future-proof your career.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
The UNE Master of Teaching (Primary) is designed to prepare postgraduate students with the knowledge and skills for teaching in contemporary primary school environments. Gain teaching skills informed by the latest research, learn from our internationally regarded staff and hone your skills in a wide variety of practical experiences, both online and in the classroom.
If you are a graduate considering a career move which makes a difference, there has never been a better time to study the Master of Teaching (Primary) with UNE.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
The field of neuroscience is one of the fastest growing in human physiology, and there is increasing interest in applying neuroscience to learning processes within the educational field.
As a Master of Neuroscience and Education student at UNE, you will gain a specialised understanding of the specific neurobiological processes that underlie different kinds of behaviour within educational settings.
As you explore evidence-based research on the application of neuroscience to learning, you will be equipped with hugely valuable skills in this emerging field. Once you graduate, you may also apply for research-based higher degrees and other doctoral programs.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations.
You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
There is a close connection between how the brain works and how we learn. As a result, neuroscience and education are becoming increasingly intertwined, and employers are looking for graduates with skills and knowledge in both areas.
UNE’s Graduate Diploma of Neuroscience and Education, designed by our leading experts and researchers, places you at the centre of human physiology's fastest-growing field and its increasingly crucial role in education. Whether you're new to either or both fields, or have prior knowledge or experience, our flexible postgraduate course allows you to tailor your program to the topics and areas that interest you most.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
With flexible online delivery, the UNE Graduate Certificate in School Psychology provides you with the specialised practice skills required to work in educational settings. This course is uniquely designed to be studied alongside UNE's Master of Professional Psychology or Master of Psychology (Clinical) Advanced Entry to ensure you graduate job-ready and competitive for internship opportunities in school psychology positions. This offering is also a fantastic option if you already hold an APAC-accredited fifth-year psychology qualification and are ready to upskill and expand your career options.
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
Education is evolving — and with it, the need for skilled professionals who can adapt, lead, and innovate. Whether you're advancing your career or making a move into the education sector, UNE’s Graduate Certificate in Education Studies equips you with the critical thinking, specialised knowledge, and practical skills to thrive in a dynamic field.
With flexible study options and targeted specialisations, you can tailor your learning to suit your goals — from digital learning, school leadership or TESOL to Indigenous Australian or inclusive education. You’ll graduate ready to make an impact everywhere education and training matter.
- 0.5 years full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.
Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
In today's educational landscape, the demand for effective wellbeing support in schools is on the rise. The UNE Graduate Certificate in School Wellbeing Support equips you with the specialised skills and knowledge needed to meet this demand.
This course is ideal for allied health professionals (such as community and social workers), teachers and teacher aides, who wish to develop their expertise about school wellbeing support. It is also a valuable asset if you are currently working in these roles and are ready to upskill. Delivered entirely online, you can complete this program in as little as one year while studying part-time, fitting your studies around work and life.
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Online
Neuroscience is one of the fastest-growing areas of human physiology today, and it plays an increasingly vital role in guiding educational practices. With UNE's Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education, you will deepen your understanding of education's role in contemporary society, how the brain facilitates learning and thinking, and the importance of neuroscience in modern education.
- 1 trimester full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.
When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Online
- On Campus
Practice-based research drives better decisions, stronger services and measurable outcomes. UNE’s Professional Doctorate provides foundational research training with a research thesis, supporting experienced professionals to contribute to the development of original knowledge that improves professional practice in their fields.
Co-design a workplace-embedded project with your UNE supervision team and your organisation, aligning rigorous methods with real-world challenges. Your examinable output is tailored to your discipline — for example, a thesis, a dissertation with artefacts, or an exegesis with a portfolio of creative, technical or performance works.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.
You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
Expand your knowledge of contemporary education while making a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of knowledge. With a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the education profession today, UNE’s Master of Education (Research) provides you with the opportunity to build on your expertise and develop advanced research skills with the support and guidance of our renowned School of Education. Future proof your career in education with advanced research skills, specialist knowledge and transferable skills in communication, thought leadership and critical analysis.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award unit with UNE will help you to achieve.
Non-Award study means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross-institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
What our students say

The lecturer is so fun and makes learning Indonesian come naturally. After my first semester I decided to add education to my degree so I can one day teach Indonesian to children.
Gwenni Barrett, UNE Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) studentFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Primary Teaching
With changes in the education system occurring regularly, UNE’s courses and majors will help you develop the classroom and admin skills needed for a successful and fulfilling career as an educator. Ensure your position as a leading educator. Explore the options in Primary Teaching now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place in a dynamic education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's dedicated team of educators will help you develop the critical research and communication skills to prepare you for further study and wider career choices. Be future-fit for the rapidly changing nature of education that will increasingly…
UNE's dedicated team of educators will help you develop the critical research and communication skills to prepare you for further study and wider career choices. Be future-fit for the rapidly changing nature of education that will increasingly rely on advancing technology.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Educational Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Environmental Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future fit with practical and engaging teaching skills in anticipation of advancing tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach primary students to secure…
Ensure you are future fit with practical and engaging teaching skills in anticipation of advancing tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach primary students to secure your place in the education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) | Specialisation | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Extend your professional knowledge using evidence-based practice and learn to work effectively with Indigenous Australians. Develop your skills amid advancing education tech to help students succeed and future-proof your own career.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop the practical teaching skills to teach language to primary students effectively, amid advancing education tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s well-established educators will ensure you are prepared to secure…
Develop the practical teaching skills to teach language to primary students effectively, amid advancing education tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s well-established educators will ensure you are prepared to secure your place in the dynamic education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) | Specialisation | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in language teaching will develop your technical and interpersonal…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in language teaching will develop your technical and interpersonal abilities to reinforce your position in education.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's linguistics experts and develop the language skills to secure your career in a global environment. Use up-to-date tech programs to enhance your learning and future-fit yourself in a rapidly changing world that is increasingly…
Benefit from UNE's linguistics experts and develop the language skills to secure your career in a global environment. Use up-to-date tech programs to enhance your learning and future-fit yourself in a rapidly changing world that is increasingly focused on diversity and inclusivity.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of International Studies | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Language Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Languages | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Master of Applied Linguistics | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
| Diploma in Modern Languages | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Become future-fit with practical mathematics teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education tech and a focus on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in training educators will develop your digital and personal abilities to secure your…
Become future-fit with practical mathematics teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education tech and a focus on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in training educators will develop your digital and personal abilities to secure your place in the constantly evolving education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) | Specialisation | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary STEM) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
| Master of Scientific Studies | Major | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Diploma in Science | Major | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Science | Major | Postgraduate |
| Diploma in Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's leadership experts will help you develop practical skills to manage staff, communicate with students and parents and respond to stakeholders to improve student learning outcomes using data-informed decision-making strategies. Future-fit…
UNE's leadership experts will help you develop practical skills to manage staff, communicate with students and parents and respond to stakeholders to improve student learning outcomes using data-informed decision-making strategies. Future-fit your career in the education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in science teaching will develop your technological and interpersonal…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in science teaching will develop your technological and interpersonal skills to succeed in a dynamic education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) | Specialisation | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Primary Teaching
By studying primary teaching with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a range of areas related to education, whether you choose to pursue a career in a school or another educational environment. With the demand for skilled educators set to rise, confident professionals with great practical classroom skills and an excellent grasp of their subject matter will be in high demand in a variety of settings.
- Primary school teacher
Teach students in primary schools, fostering their academic, social, and emotional development. - Education consultant
Work with schools, education agencies, or organisations to provide expertise on curriculum development, teaching methods, and student assessment. - Special education teacher
Focus on students with special needs, adapting teaching methods to cater to diverse learning abilities. - School administrator
Take on leadership roles as a principal, vice-principal, or school administrator, overseeing school operations and staff. - Policy analyst
Analyse education policies and propose improvements to enhance the education system for the benefit of all. - Tutor
Offer personalised academic support to students, helping them improve their learning and study skills. - Content developer
Create educational materials, textbooks, or online content for educational publishers or e-learning platforms. - Educational technology specialist
Integrate technology into classrooms, develop educational apps, or work in ed-tech companies.
A career in Primary Teaching
A qualification in primary school teaching will set you up for a career in one of Australia’s top growth industries—education. You will not only be preparing our children for a successful future, but you'll have a lifelong career that allows you to adapt and evolve as the industry (and society) demands.
Education is an antidote to a lot of the problems remote communities and towns face. I'd like to continue to be a part of the positive changes we are seeing in Central Australia.
The course not only prepares you for life within the classroom, but also has a strong focus on the holistic development of students in and outside the classroom.
For me, the best thing about studying at UNE has been the flexibility. As an online student, I am able to fit my studies around my work and other commitments.
The Australian Government's Employment Projections predicts growth of 11.9% by 2033 for primary school teachers. With continued population growth in Australia, teaching is a career you can count on.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025Browse other disciplines within Education and Teaching
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.