Bachelor of
Education (Primary)
Entry requirements
Key information
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Start dates
March
IELTS Overall
7.0
Speaking: 7.0
Writing: 7.0
Reading 7.0
Listening 7.0
Pearson Overall
65
CRICOS code
107185H
Duration
4 years full-time
Delivery mode
In person (on campus)
Bedford Park, City
Start dates
March
Annual fee
$35,700 (2026)
About these fees
Inspire young minds in primary Education.
Are you ready to empower the next generation? With a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Flinders University, you can inspire young minds and make a real difference in the lives of children.
Dive into an in-demand, rewarding career, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world*
No.1 in SA
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement^
Five stars in
Health Services & Support
for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support#
Your pathway to a fulfilling teaching career.
There are many careers available in the field of primary education. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the demand for primary school teachers is high, making it a promising career choice. With a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Flinders University, you'll be well-prepared to step into a fulfilling teaching career.
Salary
$80K - $126K
typical salary in Australia
Job opportunities
2,276
in Australia, 2024
Primary School Teacher
Primary school teachers educate children in the foundational years of their schooling, helping them develop essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and social interaction. In Australia, they typically teach students from Reception to Year 6, delivering a broad curriculum including English, Maths, Science, and the Arts, while creating inclusive and supportive environments.
Beyond academics, they foster students’ social and emotional growth, build confidence and cooperation, and work closely with families and school communities. It’s a rewarding career for those passionate about helping children learn and thrive.
Learning Consultant
Learning consultants provide expert advice to schools and educational institutions on curriculum development, teaching methods, and educational policies.
As a learning consultant, your work could include:
- Supporting schools to implement new curriculum frameworks
- Advising on inclusive teaching practices and how to support diverse learners
- Developing teaching training programs or educational resources
- Contributing to policy development at a system or school level.
Salary
$95K
typical salary in Australia
Job opportunities
5,017
in Australia, 2024
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 | Seek Australia, 2024 | SA Department for Education pay rates
Literacy or Numeracy Specialist
Literacy or numeracy specialist teachers support students to develop strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. These specialists often work with students who are below expected proficiency levels or at risk of falling behind, but they may also extend high-achieving students.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers design and implement educational programs and materials that meet the needs of students and align with educational standards.
Learning Support Officer
Learning support officers assist teachers in the classroom, providing additional support to students who need help with their learning.
What will you study to start your career as a Primary Teacher?
Study a variety of core topics and electives and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
In your first year, you’ll study core topics, and select a topic to contribute to a STEM Teaching Minor.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Inclusive Education
- Language Development
- Pedagogy and Practice
- Effective Teaching Practice
- Reading, Comprehending and Producing Texts
- Communities of Practice
- Expressive Arts
- 4.5 units of a STEM Teaching Minor
In your second year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities and build industry connections.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Humanities and Social Sciences (Primary)
- Primary Mathematics
- Indigenous Pedagogy
- Professional Experience*
- A STEM Teaching Minor topic
- 2 Teaching Curriculum Specialisation Minors
*A placement (period of professional experience) where you'll work in real classrooms (or other educational settings) as part of your teacher training.
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities and undertake an industry project.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Primary Science
- Inclusive Teaching Practices
- Health and Physical Education
- Digital Literacy and Numeracy
- Professional Experience*
- 9 units from a Teaching Curriculum Specialisation Minor
*A placement (period of professional experience) where you'll work in real classrooms (or other educational settings) as part of your teacher training.
In your fourth year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities and undertake an industry project.
Year 4 - Core topics
Your fourth year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- The Professional Educator
- Literacy in Inclusive Classroom
- Professional Experience*
- Evidence-Based Practices for Autism
- 2 STEM Teaching Minor topics
- Choice of an Internship or 2 elective topics
- 2 option topics
*A placement (period of professional experience) where you'll work in real classrooms (or other educational settings) as part of your teacher training.
STEM Teaching Minor
How it benefits your students and career
Our in-built minor in STEM helps you develop the skills and confidence to implement STEM in primary classrooms. Design engaging, evidence-based lessons and inspire the next generation of curious minds.
Curriculum Specialisation Minor
Gain subject-specific expertise
Specialise to strengthen your teaching and align with the Australian Curriculum. Choose from PE, Visual Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Languages, Science or Inclusive Ed.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
On successful completion you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia. Graduates looking for employment in other parts of Australia and overseas may be required to meet additional conditions.
Boost your knowledge with an Honours in Education.
Deepen your expertise and research skills with an Honours year in Education. Specialise in areas such as early childhood, gifted education, special education, leadership, wellbeing, and more. You'll complete an independent research project under expert supervision, preparing you for leadership roles, research careers or postgraduate study.
Majors include: Higher Education, Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health, Leadership and Management, Educational Research, Evaluation and Assessment, Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice.
No.1 in SA
in Education & Training for learner engagement, learning resources and student support.
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
Top 200
in the world for Education.
(2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities)
No.1 in SA
in Education & Training for
full-time employment, overall educational experience and teaching quality.
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
Get inspired.
Discover more about Flinders University’s Education degrees
Become a teacher
Learn what alumna Tayah Zalewski loved about her Education degree.
Why we love teaching
Hear why our academics and graduates love teaching.
“Flinders prepared me for my career as I was able to learn what classrooms were like through my professional placement”
Airlie Barraclough
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
“My overseas placement at the Australian International School in Kuala Lumpur was the best experience I’ve had during my course”
Chelsea McPharlin
Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Arts
(Note this degree is now offered as a Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Dr Timna Garnett
Dr Timna Garret is the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Flinders University. A specialist in early childhood education, she has a background in science teaching, educational design, and animal science. Her research focuses on STEM, conservation education, and digital technologies. She is passionate about teacher development and has received multiple awards for innovative teaching.
Dr Shaileigh Rowtcliff
Dr Shaileigh Rowtcliff is a teaching specialist and lecturer in Primary Education at Flinders University with over 16 years’ experience as a teacher, ICT coordinator, and K–12 school principal in the USA. Her research explores attitudes and emotions in primary mathematics, STEM learning, and digital technologies. Passionate about innovative learning, she supports pre-service teachers to create positive and creative approaches to teaching mathematics and STEM.
Associate Professor Joss Rankin
Associate Professor Joss Rankin leads the Education programs at Flinders University. Drawing on his experience teaching in schools across South Australia and the UK, Joss brings hands-on expertise and a passion for learning in natural environments.
Joss is committed to meaningful, student-centred learning and is actively involved in education and outdoor networks, helping shape future educators through real-world, engaging experiences.
Gain real world experience.
Connect with industry through practical experience placements. Flinders has strong partnerships with school sport and health settings. With over 80 days of school placements and a focus on real-world teaching strategies, you’ll graduate ready to work in diverse settings—urban, regional, public, or independent - preparing you for a rewarding and future-focused teaching career.
The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.
- Undertake extensive professional experience placements (minimum 80 days) in a variety of primary school settings.
- Develop vital practical skills such as relationship building, educational planning, technology use and community innovation.
- Learn to engage in transformational, innovative and creative teaching practices.
- Develop considered, relational skills for working with children, their families, community members and professional colleagues.
A Working with Children Check, and Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care Certificate must be completed before undertaking a placement in your first semester.
Financial Support while you're on placement?
You could be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Placement - up to $331.65 per week.*
Begins July 2025 | Teaching, Social Work, Nursing and Midwifery
*Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply
Financial support
- 35 Enabling Educator Excellence (E3) Scholarships, valued at $5000, will be available for students commencing in 2025. Find out more
- The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships Program provides up to $40,000 to new undergraduate teacher education students. Find out more
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
The world will always need teachers and educators, and projections of teacher employment reflect this. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the following teaching jobs are set to increase from May 2024 - 2034:
Early childhood teachers by 8.6%
Primary school teachers by 8.5%
Middle school teachers by 8.7%
Secondary school teachers by 8.4%
Special education teachers by 10.6%
(Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 Employment projections to 2034).
Yes – all education degrees at Flinders include compulsory full-time placements. Some students may have the option to complete extra placement days for additional experience.
Opportunities are also available for rural and remote placements, with potential funding support. From July 2025, paid placements will be available in some disciplines, including education. Find out more.
According to SEEK, in Adelaide, the average annual salary for a primary school teacher typically falls within the range of $95,000 to $100,000.
To become a primary school teacher in South Australia, follow these key steps:
- Complete an Accredited Teaching Degree: Enrol in a Bachelor of Education (Primary) or an equivalent accredited undergraduate or postgraduate teaching qualification. Ensure the program is recognised by the South Australian Teachers Registration Board (TRB SA).
- Pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test (LANTITE).
- Obtain Teacher Registration: After graduation, apply for registration with the TRB SA. This process includes meeting professional standards and providing necessary documentation.
- Secure a Working with Children Check: Undergo a Working with Children Check through the Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure child safety compliance.
- Apply for Teaching Positions: With registration and clearances in place, apply for teaching roles in South Australian schools, both public and private.
For detailed information and resources, visit the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.
The Australian Government has introduced the Literacy and Numeracy Test for all initial teacher education (ITE) students to ensure they have the high level of personal literacy and numeracy skills required of teachers.
The test is a national instrument designed to assess elements of an individual's literacy and numeracy skills and will be used to demonstrate that ITE graduates are in the top 30 per cent of the population for literacy and numeracy.
All students graduating from any ITE course in South Australia must have achieved the standard for both the literacy and numeracy components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) to graduate.
For further information, including registration details, please check the test administrator’s website at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/
There are also important inherent requirements for this course and applicants are strongly advised to become aware of these requirements.
Applicants must complete a non-academic assessment task known as a Teaching Capabilities Statement as part of their application to demonstrate their motivation to teach, their strong interpersonal and communication skills, willingness to learn, resilience, self-efficacy, and strong organisational and planning skills. This involves a short statement in response to three set questions used to demonstrate suitability for study and work in the teaching profession.
Applicants who select this course as a preference during the application process will be directed to a page to meet this requirement.
Visit the Teaching Capabilities Statement page for further information.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 97.85 | 99.35 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 77.13 | 81.65 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 60.95 | 70.05 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 75 | 24% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 13 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | 15 | 5% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 134 | 43% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | 24 | 8% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 30 | 10% |
| International Students | 18 | 6% |
| All students | 309 | 100% |