Bachelor of Psychological Science/Master of Teaching (Primary)

Course information for - 2026 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic

Offered at 2 locations
  • Melbourne
  • Strathfield

Duration
4.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200210901
ATAR
New
Fees (first year)*

$11882 CSP

Start dates

Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2026

Applications open August 2025

Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2026

Applications open April 2026

Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science/Master of Teaching (Primary) offers students the unique opportunity to gain a deep foundation in psychology to support a career in teaching.

The Master of Teaching (Primary) component of this vertical degree is comprised of a graduate entry, pre-service teacher education course for those who want to qualify as a primary school teacher. You will graduate with specialist knowledge and understanding of not only literacy and numeracy but of all learning areas within the primary school curriculum. This course will enable you to engage with the breadth of curriculum and pedagogical knowledge required by a primary classroom teacher.

 Whilethe Bachelor of Psychological Science offers a sequence in Psychology for students to develop a scientific understanding of human behaviour and psychological principles, exploring how the mind works and why people behave the way they do. You will graduate from the degree having completed a sequence in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a Level 1 Program. The degree also helps you prepare for optional further studies which may lead to registration as a professional psychologist.

Professional experience

60 supervised professional experience days.

Work placement

All initial teacher education programs must include a defined period of professional experience, where pre-service teachers practise teaching in a school under the direct supervision and guidance of an appropriately qualified teacher. Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course.

This course provides you with 60 days of valuable professional experience through a range of school and community-based placements.

Community engagement

Students will complete 35 h of Community Engagement.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as primary school teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. Graduates would also have completed a sequence in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a Level 1 Program.

Accreditation

This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • primary school education
  • academia
  • education research
  • play education specialist
  • learning designer
  • adult learning
  • curriculum development
  • education consulting
  • government education policy making


Course details

Course structure

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor/Masters - AQF Level 7/9

Additional course information

Non-academic assessment - suitability for teaching

Applicants who apply for entry into this initial teacher education course will be required to complete a non-academic assessment. Applicants who apply for entry into this course, which contains an initial teacher education component, will be required to demonstrate suitability for teaching. Please visit our Suitability for teaching page for more information.

'Applicants who apply for entry into this course, which contains an initial teacher education component, will be required to...'

Literacy and Numeracy Test in Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE)

Students will be required to demonstrate they have achieved approved benchmarks in literacy and numeracy as demonstrated through the Literacy and Numeracy Test in Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE). Successful completion of LANTITE is a requirement for course completion.

If you have started your ITE course at another institution and wish to transfer to ACU to complete your studies, please be sure that you have read and understand the requirements for receiving credit for previous studies and those on completing LANTITE.


Requirements for working with children: All students enrolled must have a Working with Children Check (New South Wales) before they may enter a classroom.

Entry requirements

Applicants with recent secondary education

The Mathematics prerequisite and Teacher Selector Statement need to be fulfilled at entry to the Bachelor of Psychological Science. Important: In Victoria, applicants will not need to meet the 70 ATAR for entry into the bachelor's degree as the ITE component is entered post-completion of the undergraduate degree.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

English language requirements

No score less than 7 in reading and writing. No score less than 8 in listening and speaking.

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$11882 CSP

*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.

A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:

  • Number of units studied per year
  • Choice of major or specialisation
  • Elective units

The University reviews fees annually.

You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

 

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