Bachelor of Primary Education

Course code: 2542 + Course abbreviation: BPrimEd + Total credit points required: 192 + 4 years full-time, 8 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Gippsland)

Course description

This is a specialised course designed to fully prepare students for careers as a teacher in primary schools and in the early secondary years. It provides graduates with a comprehensive background in primary education. The course focuses on the teaching and learning of children in the key learning areas of the arts, English, mathematics, health and physical education, science, SOSE (Studies of Society and Environment) and technology.

Course objectives

The overall aim of the course is to produce a confident and competent teacher who is a well-educated person with a sound knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education and the necessary professional skills. The major objectives of the course are to provide students with a program of studies and experiences which should enable them to:

develop competence in general teaching skills and be able to relate these skills effectively to the key curriculum learning areas of the primary school
gain a knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education, particularly those relevant to primary teaching
gain knowledge and develop skills and attributes which will foster learning that contributes to continued personal and professional growth
develop effective interpersonal communication skills.

Course structure

The degree is designed to be cumulative in content. Students study a range of units that provide them with essential understandings relating to children's learning and teaching and units that cover each of the key learning areas of the primary school curriculum. The course also includes a sequence of general studies that provide the understandings, experiences and knowledge to support these curriculum units, and a selection of elective discipline studies that enhance students' personal development. In addition, students undertake a sequence of fieldwork studies and associated fieldwork.

Course requirements

First year

EDF1301 Perspectives on learning
EDF1302 Perspectives on teaching
six first-year discipline units from other programs offered on the campus, to the value of 36 points

Second year

EDF2105 Teaching studies A
EDF1203 Curriculum studies: primary English 1
EDF1204 Curriculum studies: primary mathematics 1
EDF2201 Child development 1
four second-year discipline units from other programs offered on the campus to the value of 24 points

Third year

EDF2002 The teachers' world
EDF2203 Curriculum studies: primary studies of society and environment
EDF2204 Curriculum studies: primary science
EDF3105 Teaching studies B
two education electives to the value of 12 points
two approved discipline units to the value of 12 points from other faculties

Fourth year

EDF3201 Curriculum studies: primary art and music
EDF3202 Curriculum studies: primary health and PE
EDF3203 Curriculum studies: primary technology
EDF4102 Curriculum studies: primary English 2
EDF4104 Curriculum studies: primary mathematics 2
EDF4105 Teaching studies C
EDF4106 Teaching studies D
one education elective to the value of 6 points

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Primary Education provides initial preparation for primary school teachers*. Graduates will be eligible for registration and employment in Victoria as primary school teachers within state and independent schools and related teaching services. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check registration and employment requirements with local authorities.

* Students wishing to major in physical education are required to complete the AUSTSWIM certificate, included in unit EDF2603 (Swimming and water safety).

Contact details

Telephone +61 3 9902 6367, email undergraduate.gippsland@education.monash.edu.au or visit www.education.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinator

Dr Jennifer Rennie

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