Course overview
Do you remember your favourite teacher from primary school? Perhaps it was someone you learned a lot from, they taught you new ways of thinking or inspired you in some way. You could be that special teacher for future generations.
The Master of Teaching (Primary) is a full-time initial teaching qualification. The teaching periods are within school terms dates; starting on the first day of the school year. Starting in December 2024 you will be able to get a head start on your studies through the Preparing for Teaching Intensive (EDN587).
This course will enable you to develop the specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to be an effective educator. You will acquire the expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills necessary to practice independently in the classroom. Building on your prior study coupled with extensive professional practice you will be equipped with an advanced skills set to deliver high quality teaching. Learn how Master's student Alannah translated her undergraduate in science into a teaching specialisation with her postgraduate studies.
Murdoch’s Master of Teaching (Primary) is characterised by a strong connection between university learning and professional experience in schools throughout the program. A blended approach is used combining online activities and face-to-face learning. Authentic assessments will contribute to your professional teaching portfolio.
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching) is available as an alternative exit pathway after one year of study.
3 reasons to study the Master of Teaching (Primary) at Murdoch
- Be embedded in schools where you’ll have the opportunity to connect theory and practice.
- Learn from experienced teaching professionals who are here to support you in becoming a confident, creative and flexible educator.
- Practise dealing with challenging behaviour and conflict resolution through our SimLabTM before your first prac. It’s a virtual workplace that uses actors and avatars – and the only technology of its kind in WA.
What you'll learn
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Strategies for effective learning and teaching
- Understanding and preparing for the profession of teaching
- How to help children learn numeracy and literacy
- Enacting the primary curriculum in mathematics, English, science, humanities and social sciences, the arts, languages and physical education
- Exploring how diversity can be accommodated in the classroom
Your future career
On completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and skillset required to teach Years 1-6 in primary schools in Australia or around the world.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) program, which is designed to provide financial support to students undertaking mandatory industry placements as part of their course.
Professional accreditation
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) in articulation with the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) http://www.trb.wa.gov.au/
Professional recognition
On completion of the Master of Teaching (Primary) students have a widely accepted qualification from a recognised university and are eligible to apply for registration with the Teacher Registration Board of WA (or other appropriate state-based registration boards).
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 3, 2026 | Murdoch | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 3, 2027 | Murdoch | No | No | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Enrolment is subject to restriction due to professional recognition requirements. Prior to placement in any school for Professional Experience, it is mandatory that pre-service teachers complete or obtain several forms and clearances. Information and forms regarding these mandatory requirements can be accessed via the Professional Experience website: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/School-ofEducation/Professional-Experience Completion and submission of these mandatory requirements is essential before placements can be arranged. Full-time study is required for Year One of the course. Students may study part-time for Year Two.Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- ATAR results (if available)
- STAT results (if applicable)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Course specific documents
All applicants
- Completed Application Form
- A recent Curriculum Vitae
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.