The Master of Teaching (Primary) prepares you to teach children across all primary years (aged 5–12), with specialisations in literacy and mathematics.

Why study at Melbourne?

1. Readiness to teach. Be confident in classrooms by integrating the latest theory with practice so you can work with learners of all abilities and evaluate, identify and support their individual learning needs as they evolve over time.
2. Practical experience and unparalleled support. Become an active member of a school from your first semester and be supported by a Mentor Teacher and Clinical Specialist every step of the way.
3. Holistic approach to teaching. As well as creating high-impact learning environments, gain other important skills such as establishing safe environments and promoting positive behaviours to nurture wellbeing for yourself and your students, and encourage future generations to adopt an ecological mindset through sustainable practices.
4. Indigenous perspectives. Build a greater understanding of Indigenous worldviews, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being, so you are empowered with inclusive learning activities for the next generation of Australian citizens.
5. Influence and shape educational communities. Build capabilities to confidently take on leadership positions as you embark on your career.

Who is the program for?

Those seeking to become teachers in primary settings and apply for provisional registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

Or to pursue a career in:

• Children’s services coordination
• Policy development
• Quality regulation
• Assessment or positions involving early intervention for children with special needs.

Students who have completed a bachelors degree at the University of Melbourne have access to a Guaranteed Entry early admission pathway into the Master of Teaching. This includes early admission into the Master of Teaching and a Commonwealth Supported Place (for domestic students only). If you’re a year 12 student, you can secure your place in the Master of Teaching program with one of our new Graduate Degree Packages, comprising both a bachelors and masters qualification.

You will learn through our clinical model of education, which is unique in Australia. Connecting with our latest research, you will become skilled in assessing individual student abilities and being able to adapt your teaching to support the needs of each student in your classroom as they grow and develop over time.

In your final year, you will undertake a professional Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience, deeply exploring an area of learning of your choice. This includes a placement relevant to your chosen topic, which can be in non-education settings such as hospitals, museums, art galleries and more. This experience provides an opportunity for reflection and growth that aligns with the continuous professional learning approach in teaching practice.

Study structure

You will learn from the latest theory and research through a blend of flexible online and on-campus cohort experiences, alongside highly supported placements in primary schools.

The course is offered full time over two years or extended over three years and requires completion of 200 credit points of study.

Also available: Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)

Highly employable

Our graduates are prepared for the challenging work of being a teacher, which sets them apart with employers. We are known for producing some of the best teachers in the country and schools in our network often approach us directly with job prospects. There are regular opportunities for teachers to move into roles that influence and shape the direction of a school. Our program ensures graduates have the capabilities and confidence to move into leadership positions and make a difference.

Careers

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) according to the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Graduate Standards and Initial Teacher Education Program Standards. Graduates may apply for registration to teach in Australian schools.

This program also benefits other career paths in government (policy reform), research and community roles including:

• Children’s services coordination
• Youth health and wellbeing
• Assessment and evaluation
• Quality regulation and assessment.

Industry connections

You will develop connections with community and industry that will open doors to an outstanding future through your studies and placements.

Research pathways

Graduates interested in pursuing a research pathway can apply for the Master of Education (Research), which provides research training experience for potential entry to the Doctor of Philosophy – Education.

To be considered for entry into this course, you must: Have an undergraduate degree in any discipline that has at least one full year of full-time equivalent study to one or more learning are

IELTS (academic English Only): 7.5 overall; No less than 8 for speaking; No less than 8 for listening; No less than 7 for reading; No less than 7 for writing
TOEFL Internet-based test: 100+ ; Writing 27; Speaking 26; Reading 24; Listening 28
Pearson Test of English Academic: 76+ no communicative skill below 76
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 190 + no communicative skill below 190