Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
As a primary school teacher, you will be vital to a student's learning process. You will guide and develop their skills through the various key learning systems of education during their early years at school.
In this course you will learn about
- the school curriculum
- contemporary approaches to issues in education, such as inclusivity
- child and adolescent development
- classroom management and student wellbeing
- improving the teaching-learning relationship in the classroom
- First Nations education
- theory and practice on teaching and learning
- developing an informed, evidence-based approach to learning and teaching in primary settings.
Practical experience: You will complete a minimum of 80 days of supervised practice teaching.
You can study a Bachelor of Education Primary online or on campus, part-time or full-time. Should you choose to study online, you'll complete your placements close to home.
When you graduate, your levels of personal literacy and numeracy will be broadly equivalent to the top 30% of the population.
You are encouraged to review the employer eligibility requirements as they can vary state to state.
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Education Primary prepares you to become a primary school teacher and teach Transition to Year 6/7.
Practical experience
This course includes the completion of a minimum of 80 days professional experience.
Professional recognition
Graduating with a Bachelor of Education Primary prepares you to teach in primary schools. It also prepares you to work in associated educational areas, such as:
- curriculum development
- educational planning
- educational research
- policy development.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $28,576.00. This equates to $ $3,572.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
What will I study?
This course comprises 30 core units, a choice of 2 specialist elective areas and is responsive to the needs as articulated in the Australian Professional Standards for Graduating Teachers. The course comprises discipline-specific curriculum and pedagogical studies, general education studies and professional experience. In addition, this course offers primary teaching specialisations, including English, humanities, science, technology and mathematics, health and PE, and the Arts.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (30 units) | 290cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 290 credit points as detailed below. LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) |
| Specialist Electives (3 units) | 30cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 30 credit points from ONE of the areas detailed below: Humanities and Social Sciences Health and Physical Education |
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (320cp)
- A maximum of 120 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 80 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| IAS131 Colonising Australia OR HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | SE | ENV103 Environmental Issues OR SPE212 Applied Coaching Across the Life Span | SE | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO |
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | ||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ESC102 Scientific Inquiry for Primary Education | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | IAS133 Introduction to International Relations OR SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | SE | EPR220 Primary Professional Experience 1 | CO/P |
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | ||
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ||
| EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| ESC202 Primary Science Education 1 | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO |
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 (available from 2026) | CO | ||
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary (available from 2026) | CO | EPR330 Primary Professional Experience 2 (available from 2026) | CO/P | ||
| EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School (available from 2026) | CO | EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (not available in 2024) | CO/P | ||
| ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 (available from 2026) | CO | ||||
| ESC302 Primary Science Education 2 | CO | ||||
| EST361 Curriculum Integration | CO | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | ||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| IAS131 Colonising Australia OR HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | SE | ENV103 Environmental Issues OR SPE212 Applied Coaching Across the Life Span | SE | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | ESC102 Scientific Inquiry for Primary Education | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | IAS133 Introduction to International Relations OR SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | SE | ||
| EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | EPR220 Primary Professional Experience 1 | CO/P |
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||||
| ESC202 Primary Science Education 1 | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | ||
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 (available from 2026) | CO | ||
| Year 6 | |||||
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | ||
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary (available from 2026) | CO | EPR330 Primary Professional Experience 2 (not offered in 2024) | CO/P | ||
| Year 7 | |||||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School (available from 2026) | CO | EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | ||
| ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 (available from 2026) | CO | EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy | CO | ||
| Year 8 | |||||
| ESC302 Primary Science Education 2 | CO | EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (not available in 2024) | CO/P | ||
| EST361 Curriculum Integration | CO | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience | SE = Specialist Elective |
Fast-Track Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| IAS131 Colonising Australia OR HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | SE | ENV103 Environmental Issues OR SPE212 Applied Coaching Across the Life Span | SE | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO |
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | ||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ESC102 Scientific Inquiry for Primary Education | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | IAS133 Introduction to International Relations OR SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | SE | EPR220 Primary Professional Experience 1 | CO/P |
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy | CO |
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ||
| EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| ESC202 Primary Science Education 1 | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO |
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | EPR330 Primary Professional Experience 2 (available from 2026) | CO/P | ||
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary (available from 2026) | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 (available from 2026) | CO | ||
| ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 (available from 2026) | CO | ESC302 Primary Science Education 2 | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School (available from 2026) | CO | ||||
| EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | ||||
| EST361 Curriculum Integration | CO | ||||
| EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (not available in 2024) | CO/P | ||||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||||
| EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO | ||
| ESC102 Scientific Inquiry for Primary Education | CO | IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | ||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | ||||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ||||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||||
| IAS131 Colonising Australia OR HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | SE | ENV103 Environmental Issues OR SPE212 Applied Coaching Across the Life Span | SE | ||
| ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | IAS133 Introduction to International Relations OR SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | SE | ||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | ||
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | ESC202 Primary Science Education 1 | CO | ||
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO | ||||
| Calendar Year 3 | |||||
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EPR220 Primary Professional Experience 1 | CO/P |
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | ||
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary (available from 2026) | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ||
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 4 | |||||
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School (available from 2026) | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 (available from 2026) | CO | ||
| ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 (available from 2026) | CO | EPR330 Primary Professional Experience 2 (available from 2026) | CO/P | ||
| ESC302 Primary Science Education 2 | CO | EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | ||
| EST361 Curriculum Integration | CO | EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 5 | |||||
| EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (not available in 2024) | CO/P | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Professional Experience | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | ||||
| LAL100 Language Literacy and Sustainability | CO | ||||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||||
| IAS131 Colonising Australia OR HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | SE | ELA100 English Language for Literacy | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO |
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | EMA141 Numeracy Education | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 3 | |||||
| EMA241 Primary Mathematics Education 1 | CO | ENV103 Environmental Issues OR SPE212 Applied Coaching Across the Life Span | SE | ||
| ELA210 Reading Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | ESC102 Scientific Inquiry for Primary Education | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 4 | |||||
| ECU205 Digital Technologies | CO | IAS133 Introduction to International Relations OR SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | SE | EPR220 Primary Professional Experience 1 | CO/P |
| EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 5 | |||||
| ESC202 Primary Science Education 1 | CO | ELA211 Writing Literacy and Literature F-2 | CO | EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom | CO |
| ECU350 Visual Arts in Primary School (available from 2026) | CO | ECU250 Performing Arts in Primary School | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 6 | |||||
| ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | EST245 Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing | CO | ||
| ECU342 Health and Physical Education in Primary (available from 2026) | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 7 | |||||
| ELA305 English Literacy and Literature 3-6 (available from 2026) | CO | EMA342 Primary Mathematics Education 2 (available from 2026) | CO | EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy | CO |
| EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | EPR330 Primary Professional Experience 2 (available from 2026) | CO/P | ||
| Calendar Year 8 | |||||
| ESC302 Primary Science Education 2 | CO | EPR401 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers (available from 2027) | CO/P | ||
| EST361 Curriculum Integration | CO | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Additional admission requirements
Applicants must complete the Teaching Capabilities Statement used to demonstrate suitability for study and work in the teaching profession.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program; and
- achieved a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A and Australian Histories, Institutions and Cultures; and
- achieved a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B;
are eligible to apply subject to satisfactory completion of the teaching capabilities statement and working with children check.
Essential requirements
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake undertaking practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Clearance
In some jurisdictions preservice teachers may be required to have a National Police Clearance prior to commencing placement.
Inherent Requirements
Teacher education has Inherent Requirements that are essential components for achieving the core learning outcomes of the course. Students with physical or mental health conditions may not be able to have reasonable adjustments made to this course to enable them to meet these requirements. See the Inherent Requirements for teacher education at Teacher education | Charles Darwin University (cdu.edu.au)
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | Minimum overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Minimum overall score of 185 with no skill below 185 |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | Minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 65 in listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | Minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 23 in speaking, 24 in reading and listening, and 27 in writing |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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