Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)

This master's degree prepares you to teach children from birth to Year 6 in Australian schools and early childhood settings. You'll study how young children learn, how literacy and numeracy develop, and how to plan lessons that work for a room full of very different kids. The early childhood side covers play-based learning and the developmental stages from infancy to five. The primary side takes you through the Key Learning Areas you'll teach once children reach school age.

How the degree is structured

It runs for 2.5 years of full-time study, usually across trimesters at Western Sydney University. You accumulate credit points by completing units of study, core units in curriculum, child development, assessment and inclusive education, plus professional experience units. The final stretch typically includes a capstone or professional portfolio that pulls together what you've learned across the degree. Some students spread it over more time by studying part-time.

Practical experience

Professional placement is the backbone of teacher education in Australia. You'll spend time in early childhood centres and primary classrooms across the degree, supervised by a mentor teacher and assessed against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Placements are arranged by the university, and you need to pass them to graduate. This is where the theory clicks, you'll plan and teach real lessons, manage a real classroom, and get feedback from someone who does the job every day.

Who it suits

This course suits people who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become a teacher. Career changers, education support staff, and graduates who want to work with young children all end up here. You'll finish with a teaching qualification that lets you apply for registration with the state teaching authority and work in early childhood services and primary schools. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet the English requirement, teaching sits at the higher end, typically IELTS 7.0–7.5 overall, because you'll be standing in front of a classroom. The Student visa lets you work up to 48 hours a fortnight while you study, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after you finish. Check the official CRICOS listing and the university's page for current details on fees, intakes and English equivalents.

• Early childhood teacher in long day care, preschool or kindergarten services
• Primary school teacher in government, Catholic or independent schools
• Early childhood centre director or educational leader
• Primary school curriculum coordinator or literacy/numeracy support teacher
• Education officer in museums, community organisations or government departments
• Early intervention or inclusive education support roles

Graduates work across the Australian education sector, from inner-city schools to regional and remote communities, and in early childhood services regulated under the National Quality Framework. Registration with the relevant state or territory teaching authority is required to teach in schools.