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Master of Teaching (Primary)

Become a qualified primary school teacher with an accredited degree designed for today’s classrooms.

  • Join an industry with an expected job growth of 5.1% by 2030 
  • Develop advanced knowledge in creative teaching, research methods, technology-supported learning, and classroom management
  • Graduate with the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) to enhance employability and stand out to schools
  • Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) 
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

2 Years full time

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Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct

Start Dates

Icon Units

16

Units

Icon Fees

$3,306 per unit

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OVERVIEW

What is the Master of Teaching (Primary)? 

Swinburne Online’s Master of Teaching (Primary) is a postgraduate degree that combines online coursework with in‑school teaching experience.  

If you already have an undergraduate degree and want a career change, the Master of Teaching will qualify you to teach in primary schools across Australia.  

You’ll build on your prior study and develop effective teaching techniques that engage and inspire your students. 

Led by experienced education professionals with recent or current teaching practice, this course combines online learning with teaching placements in real school classrooms.   

Are you ready for more placement opportunities? The Master of Teaching (Primary) is also uniquely designed to run across four teaching periods a year to better align with school terms and dates Australia wide. This course structure supports you to find placements that suit your personal teaching goals. 

Who is this course for? 

  • Career changers 

Graduates who already hold an undergraduate degree and want a clear, supported pathway into primary teaching. 

  • Non‑teaching professionals 

Those from non‑education backgrounds who want to apply their skills in a primary school setting and gain a recognised teaching qualification. 

How you’ll study 

  • The Master’s runs across four Teaching Periods per year 
  • Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week, per unit  
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.  
  • You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.  
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.  

This course is not available to international students 

What you’ll learn  

  • Creative Teaching: Learn to design creative activities – using dance, drama, and “imagined spaces” to meet curriculum requirements while building student confidence. 
  • Education Foundations:  Build a deep understanding of teaching, learning, and child development in primary education 
  •  Curriculum Planning and Pedagogy: Develop expertise in curriculum design, assessment, and inclusive teaching strategies 
  •  Classroom practice and management: Develop practical teaching and classroom management skills through professional experience placements before you graduate 
  • Inclusive teaching practices: Learn to develop  inclusive strategies that support neurodivergent learners and students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Key Learnings Include

  • Creative Teaching: Engage students through innovative and imaginative approaches to the curriculum.
  • Research Methods: Develop a range of research methods that can be used to improve educational outcomes for students.
  • The Digital Age: Develop a vision for contemporary teaching in a digital age.
  • Teaching the Child: Take on a holistic approach to focus on ‘teaching the child’ rather than ‘teaching the subject’.
  • Classroom Techniques: Head into a school to teach independently, and research classroom techniques prior to graduation.

Recognition and accreditation

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

5.1% ▴

As a Primary School Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 5.1% increase expected in the next five years.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Our postgraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

5.1% ▴

As a Primary School Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 5.1% increase expected in the next five years.

Our postgraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Master of Teaching (Primary) you must complete 16 units: 

  • 2 Education Foundation Units 
  • 6 Education Discipline Units 
  • 7 Advanced Education Units 
  • 2 not-for-credit Placements 
  • 1 Credited Placement 

Your two not-for-credit placements are embedded into specific theory units, which will set you on a strong path to put theory into practice as you develop your teaching skills. 

Your units are led by experienced education professionals with recent or current teaching experience and focus on arming you with the practical skills you can take straight into the classroom. You will also undertake supervised practicum units that give you the opportunity to work and learn in an Australian school. 

How do professional placements work? 

Professional experience placements are a core part of the Master of Teaching (Primary) and are completed alongside your online study. 

  • Three professional experience placement units  
  • Placements are completed in primary school settings under the guidance of an approved Supervising Teacher 
  • You’ll source your own placements but can ask for guidance from learning advisors. 

Primary specialisation 

All pre-service teachers in a primary or early childhood primary initial teacher education courses must complete a primary specialisation component. It is an AITSL requirement for all Primary ITE course accreditation. 

This will result in Graduates who are generalist Primary Teachers with a specialisation. This is distinct from teachers who fulfil specialist roles in schools such as a health/physical education teacher. 

These requirements will become more explicit once you are enrolled in the relevant unit. 

What you'll study:

 

Understanding Theories of Teaching, Learning and Development

Curriculum Development, Assessment and Responsive Pedagogy

English in Primary School

Humanities in Primary School

Mathematics in Primary School

Science in Primary School

Understanding Indigenous Education & Perspectives

Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Literacy Across the Curriculum

Supporting Students with English as an Additional Language

Building and Sustaining Positive Relationships

Primary Specialisation

Supervised Professional Experience 1

Supervised Professional Experience 2

Supervised Professional Experience 3: Ready to Teach

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

To enter the course, you’ll need:   

  • Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree relevant in one or more areas of the Primary curriculum that meet the English language requirements. 
  • The CASPer Suitability Tool: Completion of the CASPer test as part of your application. This is an online situational judgement assessment of non-academic personal and professional attributes, required by AITSL and government Initial Teacher Education (ITE) standards.  
  • Meet the English language requirements: If your Bachelor’s degree was completed in a non-English speaking country, you may need to complete an approved English Language Proficiency test, in line with Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) requirements. 
  • Missed the last CASPer test date? 

 

Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies

Pathway to the Master of Teaching (Primary) 

The Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies (GCES) is a supported, nonaccredited pathway into the Master of Teaching (Primary). It is designed for students who miss the final CASPer suitability test deadline and want to commence study in the upcoming intake without delaying their pathway into teaching. 

Why choose this pathway? 

  • Start without delay – commence your studies even if you miss the final CASPer test date for the Master of Teaching (Primary). 
  • No initial CASPer required – the GCES is a supported pathway into the Master of Teaching (Primary). It is designed for students who want to begin their studies immediately while preparing for the CASPer suitability test. 

How the pathway works 

  • You’ll study the same units as students enrolled in the Master of Teaching (Primary). 
  • All successfully completed units are credited towards the Master of Teaching (Primary). 
  • Once you successfully pass your GCES and a CASPer test, you are eligible to directly transition into the Master’s degree. 

Study duration and learning outcomes 

  • Up to 6 months fulltime, or parttime equivalent 
  • Build skills in: 
  • educational theory 
  • education systems and professional practice 
  • contemporary issues in education 

You will also develop broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts impacting primary Education in Australian and global contexts. 

Need more info?

Need more info? 

  • Email or call our course consultants 

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $3,306* 
  • There are 16 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units. 

*Note: Uni fees may change each year. For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with our Course Consultant team today! 

FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes. 

Discover more information about HELP loans. 

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs. 

  • University-funded scholarships 
  • Government-funded scholarships 
  • Private scholarships and prizes 

Scholarships are available for both new and current students. 

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships 

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more. 

How it works: 

  1. Check eligibility
  2. Gather the relevant documentation
  3. Produce a personal statement
  4. Obtain your references
  5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships. 

Credit for prior study: 

Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree! 

Services & amenities fee 

Domestic students also contribute to an annual student services and amenities fee. Visit Student Services and Amenities Fees for more information.

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Where can a Master of Teaching (Primary) take you? With a Master of Teaching (Primary) you can build a meaningful teaching career in a growing profession, with demand for primary school teachers projected to increase by 5.9% over the next five years (average annual salaries via SEEK). $100,000 average salary for primary school teachers in Australia 69% of teachers in Australia are employed full-time, ongoing Job opportunities

$100,00–$110,000 Average Salary

Plan and deliver lessons based on the Australian curriculum, assess student progress, and work to support their overall development. This role requires a relevant teaching degree and registration with the relevant state or territory teaching authority.

Plan and deliver lessons based on the Australian curriculum, assess student progress, and work to support their overall development. This role requires a relevant teaching degree and registration with the relevant state or territory teaching authority.

$80,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Advise schools, families, or institutions on curriculum, learning support, or student placement. Education Consultants also assess learning needs, design intervention programs, guide school/career selection, and provide expert advice on pedagogy or policy.

Advise schools, families, or institutions on curriculum, learning support, or student placement. Education Consultants also assess learning needs, design intervention programs, guide school/career selection, and provide expert advice on pedagogy or policy.

$125,000 to $130,000 Average Salary

Provide social, emotional, and academic support to students. Also facilitate student well-being, manage mental health challenges, assist with career and study pathways, and collaborate with staff, parents, and external agencies.

Provide social, emotional, and academic support to students. Also facilitate student well-being, manage mental health challenges, assist with career and study pathways, and collaborate with staff, parents, and external agencies.

$130,000 to $150,000+ Average Salary

Focus on instructional leadership: coaching staff, modeling exemplary practice, managing curriculum improvement, and driving school-wide strategic priorities.

Focus on instructional leadership: coaching staff, modeling exemplary practice, managing curriculum improvement, and driving school-wide strategic priorities.

$150,000–$160,000 Average Salary

Hold executive accountability for the entire school, including strategic vision, financial and human resource management, stakeholder engagement, and legal/safety compliance.

Hold executive accountability for the entire school, including strategic vision, financial and human resource management, stakeholder engagement, and legal/safety compliance.

$110,000–$120,000 Average Salary

Become a highly skilled education professional focused on improving teaching quality, designing educational frameworks, and enhancing student learning outcomes.

Become a highly skilled education professional focused on improving teaching quality, designing educational frameworks, and enhancing student learning outcomes.

Why study the Master of Teaching (Primary) with Swinburne Online?

  • More placement opportunities: Four teaching periods each year, aligned with school terms across Australia. 
  • Strong graduate outcomes: Over 90% of graduates find employment within the first four months of graduating. 
  • Teaching experience in diverse school settings: Access professional placements in a diverse range of educational communities.  

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

 

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Your online classroom: Canvas

Canvas is Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime! 

What you’ll use Canvas for: 

  • Explore all your units and modules 
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time 
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates 
  • Receive assessments and feedback 
  • Track your study progress 
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile 
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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

The Student Hub is where you manage enrolment, access support services, and manage study-related administration. 

What you’ll use the Student Hub for: 

  • Manage your enrolment and any course administration 
  • Keeping up with fees, key dates, and study information 
  • Accessing library and technical support 
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more. 

What student support is available at Swinburne Online? 

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.  

You’ll have access to: 

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have. 
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing 
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management 
  • Study Buddies –connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated 
  • 7day support – to assistant you at any time 

 

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Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. 

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available through the Moondani Toombadool Centre includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 
  • Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more. 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

 

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Education degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.