Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Education Primary prepares you to become a primary school teacher and teach Transition to Year 6/7.
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
- promoting positive behaviour
- improving the teaching-learning relationship in the classroom
- raising awareness of issues surrounding Indigenous education
- Indigenous perspectives 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.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Education Primary has been accredited through the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory. It is consistent with the standards established by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership for the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.
When you graduate, you'll be eligible to register as a teacher in schools across all Australian State and Territory jurisdictions (subject to meeting other eligibility criteria such as the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Registration Requirement, English proficiency and suitability to teach).
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
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2022: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $26,712.00. This equates to $3,339.00 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.
- #1 for teaching employment outcomes in Australia (GUG 2022)
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
What will I study?
This course comprises two common units, 22 core units, a choice of 5 specialist elective and 1 general elective units 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, languages, humanities and social sciences, science, technology and mathematics, health and PE, the Arts, and Indigenous Knowledges.
Course structure
All students must pass prior to graduation the ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The cost of the testing will be met by the student. Refer to https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/
Please check the pre-requisite and assumed knowledge requirements prior to enrolment.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
This course has a requirement of 80 days of Professional Experience.
Professional Experience units MUST be undertaken in the following sequence: EPR100, EPR200, EPR211, EPR301.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Common Units (2 units) |
20cp | Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. |
Core Units (22 units) |
240cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below.
ECU100 Arts for Education |
Specialist Electives (3-5 units) |
50cp |
Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points from one of the following teaching areas with no more than 20cp of 100 level units. English ELA301 Literacy Capability in Context (new title 2020) Languages ELA302 LOTE Pedagogy Plus any 4 units (max two 100 level units) from the following languages: Greek IAS161 Language Studies 1 (replaces HEL101 from 2020) OR Indonesian IAS161 Language Studies 1 (replaces INI101 from 2020) OR Chinese (Mandarin) IAS161 Language Studies 1 (replaces CHN101 from 2020) OR Yolngu IAS161 Language Studies 1 (replaces CAS110 from 2020) OR Central Australian (THIS STREAM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM 2021) Humanities and Social Sciences ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy Science and Technology and Mathematics ESC300 STEM Pedagogy Health and PE ECU300 Arts, Health and PE Pedagogy The Arts ECU300 Arts, Health and PE Pedagogy Indigenous Knowledges, Language and Culture IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work (replaces ATI331 from 2020) |
General Electives (1 unit) |
10cp |
One unit totalling 10 credit points selected from any undergraduate unit offered by the University. Students interested in teaching within a catholic school should consider enrolment in EDRE101 Religious Education 1 from Australian Catholic University (ACU) as a cross institutional student. |
320cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Of the total 320 credit points: (unless specified in the specific course structure above)
* not more than 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
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
AOD201 has been replaced by AOD202. Students that have completed AOD201 prior to 2022 should not complete AOD202.
PSY140 has been replaced by PSY150. Students that have completed PSY140 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY150.
Course Changes - 2021
SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis, unit title change from 2021. Unit previously titled Biomechanics 1.
SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology, unit title change from 2021. Unit previously titled Exercise and Sport Psychology 1.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement |
SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | EPR100 Professional Experience 1: Teacher as Learner | CO/P |
ECU101 Health and Physical Education in Educational Settings (new title 2020) | CO | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
ELA100 English Language and Literacy in Education 1 | CO | EMA100 Mathematics Education 1: Content Knowledge for Teaching | CO |
ESC100 Science Education 1: Chemical and Biological Sciences | CO | ECU100 Arts for Education | CO |
Year 2 | |||
EPR200 Professional Experience 2: Teaching in Context | CO/P | ECU204 Technology and Design for Education | CO |
ECU200 History and Geography for Education | CO | ECU205 Digital Technology for Education | CO |
EMA200 Mathematics Education 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy in Primary Mathematics | CO | ESC200 Science Education 2: Physical and Earth/Space Sciences | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 3 | |||
ELA200 English Language and Literacy in Education 2 | CO | EPR211 Professional Experience 3: Classroom Practice | CO/P |
ELA201 Teaching English as an Additional Language | CO | EST203 Teaching Indigenous Learners | CO |
EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EST304 Diversity and Inclusive Education (recoded to EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy 2020) | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 4 | |||
EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | EPR301 Professional Experience 4: Classroom Ready (30cp) | CO/P |
EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO | Elective | E |
EST303 Special Needs in the Classroom (recoded from EST301 2018) | CO | ||
Specialist Elective | SE |
Semester 1 Fast Track Option - Not available in 2022 and 2023
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student who wishes to fast track their study by undertaking a full time study load including Summer Semester. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 (Summer) (no longer available) |
|||
Year 1 | |||||
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | EPR100 Professional Experience 1: Teacher as Learner | CO/P | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
ESC100 Science Education 1: Chemical and Biological Sciences | CO | ECU100 Arts for Education | CO | EMA100 Mathematics Education 1: Content Knowledge for Teaching0 | CO |
ECU101 Health and Physical Education in Educational Settings (new title 2020) | CO | ECU205 Digital Technology for Education | CO | ELA200 English Language and Literacy in Education 2 | CO |
ELA100 English Language and Literacy in Education 1 | CO | Specialist Elective | SE | ECU204 Technology and Design for Education | CO |
Year 2 | |||||
EPR200 Professional Experience 2: Teaching in Context | CO/P | EPR211 Professional Experience 3: Classroom Practice | CO/P | ELA201 Teaching English as an Additional Language | CO |
ECU200 History and Geography for Education | CO | ESC200 Science Education 2: Physical and Earth/Space Sciences | CO | EMA200 Mathematics Education 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy in Primary Mathematics | CO |
EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EST303 Special Needs in the Classroom (recoded from EST301 2018) | CO | EST203 Teaching Indigenous Learners | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE | EST304 Diversity and Inclusive Education (recoded to EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy 2020) | CO |
Year 3 | |||||
EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | EPR301 Professional Experience 4: Classroom Ready (30cp) | CO/P | ||
EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO | Elective | E | ||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||||
Specialist Elective | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement |
SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | ||
EMA100 Mathematics Education 1: Content Knowledge for Teaching | CO | ||
ESC100 Science Education 1: Chemical and Biological Sciences | CO | ||
ECU100 Arts for Education | CO | ||
Year 2 | |||
CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | EPR100 Professional Experience 1: Teacher as Learner | CO/P |
ELA100 English Language and Literacy in Education 1 | CO | ECU204 Technology and Design for Education | CO |
ECU101 Health and Physical Education in Educational Settings (new title 2020) | CO | ECU205 Digital Technology for Education | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 3 | |||
ECU200 History and Geography for Education | CO | ESC200 Science Education 2: Physical and Earth/Space Sciences | CO |
ELA200 English Language and Literacy in Education 2 | CO | EST203 Teaching Indigenous Learners | CO |
EMA200 Mathematics Education 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy in Primary Mathematics | CO | EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 4 | |||
EPR200 Professional Experience 2: Teaching in Context | CO/P | EPR211 Professional Experience 3: Classroom Practice | CO/P |
ELA201 Teaching English as an Additional Language | CO | EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO |
EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | EST304 Diversity and Inclusive Education (recoded to EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy 2020) | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Elective | E |
Year 5 | |||
EST303 Special Needs in the Classroom (recoded from EST301 2018) | CO | ||
EPR301 Professional Experience 4: Classroom Ready (30cp) | CO/P |
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:
~Air Force: Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
~Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
~Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman
* 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.
Essential requirements
Criminal History Check
You must have cleared a Police Check and/or Working with Children Check before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Police Check and/or Working with Children Check are not cleared by the education sector, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
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 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 |
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Minimum overall score of 176 with no skill below 176 |
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | Minimum overall score of 58 with no score less than 58 in listening, speaking, reading and writing |
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | Minimum overall score of 80 with no score less than 22 in speaking, writing, reading and listening |
* 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
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2021
ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) |
Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
---|---|---|
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 46.90 | 61.15 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 70.35 | 73.45 |
Highest rank to receive an offer | 87.00 | 94.85 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
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

Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2021.
Applicant background (Semester one intake 2021) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
---|---|---|
A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) |
67 | 65.0 |
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 15 | 15.0 |
C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) |
8 | 8.0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) |
<5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) |
11 | 11.0 |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) |
<5 | N/P |
International students | <5 | N/P |
All students | 103 | 101.0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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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 or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
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 or UAC.
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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