Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Our suite of education degrees is currently being refreshed. Further details for Session 1 2025 will be available in June 2024. Visit courses.mq.edu.au for more information.

Primary educators focus on helping children reach their full potential, inspire a love of learning and guide students in the development of foundational skills in areas such as literacy and numeracy; and physical, arts, social and emotional competencies.

In the Bachelor of Arts component of this double degree, you’ll undertake an academic major from a wide range of areas. The Bachelor of Education (Primary) component will provide you with the equivalent of two years of full-time professional study. You’ll be taught by academics who are actively researching the latest approaches to teaching and learning. Macquarie is a leader in educational research with a particular focus on information and communication technology, mathematics and science teaching, English, educational psychology and inclusive education.

Areas of study

Arts in education, Australian education in social and historical contexts, critical thinking, English language and literacies, health and physical education, humanities and the world, inclusive education, Indigenous education, learning, principles and design of maths, science and technology education, teaching practice.

Early childhood teaching: When this major and a minor in early childhood are completed within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary), you’ll be qualified to teach in both prior-to-school and primary educational school settings – from birth to 12 years. The major focuses on developing specialist knowledge of young children’s learning and development. You’ll explore a range of philosophical, theoretical and practical aspects of learning and teaching, which will equip you with the professional capacity to respond to the complexity and diversity of children, families and communities in Australian society.

The Early Childhood Teaching major will develop your understanding of contemporary research-based early childhood principles and practice. You’ll study the social and historical aspects of education in Australia, language and literacies, the principles of STEM, Indigenous education, inclusive education, health and physical education, and the arts in education. Macquarie has a strong reputation and long history in early childhood teaching and research, and you’ll be taught by active researchers in early childhood.

Career opportunities

Education adviser, education officer, education policy adviser, education researcher, primary teacher.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Accreditation requires that all students completing an initial teaching degree must demonstrate suitability for teaching.

By completing the early childhood teaching major and early childhood minor within this combined degree, you are also eligible to teach in early childhood settings for children from birth to five years, including preschools, long day care and kindergartens as it will be accredited by ACECQA.

Practical experience

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary): 80 days of professional experience.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary) with a major in early childhood teaching: 100 days of professional experience.

Fees and charges

Visit the Macquarie University website for current fee information.