Bachelor of Primary Education/Master of Autism Neurodivergent Studies

Stand out from the crowd with your breadth of skills and expertise by completing an Integrated Master’s degree. This study option combines an undergraduate and postgraduate degree, allowing you to progress directly from the Bachelor of Primary Education into the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies.

There is a growing demand for educators who can lead the development and implementation of strategies that support the learning outcomes of individuals with autism, making this course combination an ideal fit for those with a passion for inclusion in educational practices.

Primary teaching is a rewarding profession that can change lives and shape the minds of future generations. A primary teacher educates children from Kindergarten to Year 6 (ages 5 to 12 years) and teaches all areas of the Australian primary curriculum. UOW Bachelor of Primary Education graduates focus on educating the 'whole child' and promote lifelong learning in children.

This degree is a nationally accredited qualification for employment as a Kindergarten to Year 6 teacher in the public and independent school systems. You will learn through on campus classes and online learning as well as school and community placements. The extensive professional experience program involves placement in schools from the second year of your degree, allowing you to learn by observation and apply your skills in the classroom early in your degree.

The first year of study is focused on studying subjects that will develop mathematics and literacy competencies. Students will study the content knowledge required for teaching the key learning areas of Mathematics, English, Science and Technology, and explore the impact of psychology and culture on education in our society. After successfully completing the first year of study, students will commence education teaching subjects and undertake professional practical experiences in schools.

The Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies takes a social justice perspective to supporting autistic and neurodivergent children and adults by focusing on creating successful learning and employment programs in school settings,  workplace, and community environments.

Students will develop the knowledge and expertise necessary to analyse and translate current autism research in areas such as the use of technology, communities of practice, leadership, transitions, and the aetiology and biology of neurodivergence. You will use these skills to evaluate current practices, establish socially inclusive policies and structures, and
implement evidence-based learning and employment programs that enable and support the strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Areas of study

Bachelor of Primary Education: Education and professional studies, English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D), environmental education in primary schools, information and communication technology, K–6 literacy teaching and learning, primary school key learning areas, quality mathematics teaching, special education, the arts.

For Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies: Education, curriculum development, educational research practices, special Education.

Career opportunities

Teaching in government and non-government primary schools; public and private sector training; leadership opportunities in client-centred occupations, government and non-government agencies; play therapy; policy development; special education coordinator; developmental educator, NDIS support worker

Graduates of the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies are eligible to seek registration with Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated (DEAI). Eligibility may depend on your choice of subjects within the degree.

Professional recognition

Bachelor of Primary Education: This degree is accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). For further information on the status of this and other teacher education degrees, refer to Teacher accreditation on the NESA website. It is recognised nationally as well as in the UK, Asia and Canada. All students completing a NSW teacher education course will need to pass an approved literacy and numeracy test. For Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies: Graduates are eligible to seek registration with Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated (DEAI). Eligibility may depend on your choice of subjects within the degree.

Practical experience

Students complete 770 hours (110 days) of compulsory work-based placements, completed over 22 weeks throughout the degree. Placements usually occur in Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, and Southern and South Western Sydney schools. Students can also apply for ‘out-of-area’ (rural NSW) or overseas professional experiences.

Honours

Embedded in the fourth year of the degree. Entry is dependent on merit in the first three years of the course.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Wollongong current fee information.