Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education)

Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education)

POSTGRADUATE

Set lifelong learning in motion. Become a primary teacher.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$32,640 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Learn to be a leader in the classroom, using the latest educational technologies to support your teaching practice.

In the Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education) you’ll combine hands-on experiences with theoretical learning. Studying in the heart of Melbourne and in local classroom settings, this degree is designed to help you build the skills you need to be an effective and influential teacher, showing you how to provide a positive impact on the lives of primary school children.

Why choose teaching practice at RMIT?

Industry connections

Connect with a network of educational partners established over more than 50 years, and join a community of mentors, experienced staff, and peers.

Practical learning

With 60 days of practical placements, you will have the opportunity to put your learning into practice and prepare for a career in the classroom.

Global outlook

Graduate with a globally recognised degree, and seize the opportunity to gain an international perspective with the option of an overseas placement.

Female student in front of laptop screen, smiling, in a classroom setting

Develop the skills to be a leader in education

Learn through interactive lectures, group work, seminars, online learning and practical placements.

What you will study

Gain a deep theoretical understanding of how students learn and strategies to create an inclusive classroom.

Beginning with an introduction to contemporary learning approaches within primary education settings, the course then provides core knowledge in the subjects you'll teach in the classroom.

You'll have opportunities to put your learning into practice in extended practical placements.

Gain core teaching skills 

  • Teach core subjects across the primary curriculum in Australia
  • Understand learning literacies to encourage diverse styles of learning
  • Use new educational technologies
  • Develop engaging lesson plans
  • Manage behaviour in the classroom.
My dream is for all children to have access to world-class education and a safe, supportive learning environment – so whatever job I end up taking on, I hope that it can be in service of this goal.
Portrait of Monica Lamperd, Bachelor of Education (Primary) at RMIT - Monica Lamperd, Bachelor of Education (Primary) student 2017.

Details

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Your subjects will be taught by academics who have strong links to educational institutions and current professional experience in the primary education sector.

Guest lecturers are chosen specifically to ensure that you are exposed to current and emerging developments in education.

You will experience a wide variety of teaching and learning approaches, including:

  • interactive seminars
  • self-directed research
  • group-based learning
  • reflection on visual materials
  • excursions
  • online discussions
  • professional placement(s).

Students will engage with local Aboriginal community members and gain an understanding of the oldest teaching methods in the world. This is supported by an opportunity to complete a Scar Tree Walk to a sacred Women's site on campus as well as contributing to the school's possum skin cloak.

During your studies you’ll develop a professional digital portfolio to demonstrate your understandings of learning and teaching in the 21st century.

Small classes enable personalised learning methods from caring staff, and excellent employment outcomes. You'll also benefit from a clear structure, excellent industry connections, and networking opportunities with alumni to further your professional learning.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

RMIT has a strong network of partner schools, industry connections, subject associations and representatives and employment agencies to help you make valuable connections while studying. 

You will take part in 60 days of placement across a range of educational settings to gain the essential practical experience to prepare for your future in the classroom. Preservice teachers are placed in schools all around Melbourne and beyond, generally close to where they live. Rural and interstate teaching opportunities are also available. As a preservice teacher, you are encouraged and supported to volunteer to help out at your local schools and gain extra experience in this capacity. This gives you further valuable exposure to a range of school settings.

Your placement will provide you with a whole school experience. You’ll get to experience all facets of a teacher's work by participating in classroom tasks and duties and observing teachers in action. You will plan and teach lessons, which will increase in number over your placement.

During your studies, you may apply for membership of appropriate professional bodies.

RMIT provides students with opportunities to take part in practical teaching placements overseas to experience education in a global setting.

Your placement coordinator will provide you with more information during your studies.

Full time study of this degree typically requires three days per week on-campus (six hours per day), as well as a placement each semester.

Students can expect approximately five hours of additional study time per subject per week.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Develop the essential knowledge, critical understanding and education skills to be a dynamic teacher.

You’ll learn to demonstrate expert judgment and ethical responsibility relating to your professional practice and provide leadership within education in strategic, collaborative and sustainable ways.

The curriculum mixes coursework in educational theory and teaching methodology with a minimum of 60 days of practical teaching experience in educational settings.

Classes are held at varying times, mainly during normal business hours but also on some evenings or an occasional weekend. Most subjects are taught in intensive or block mode.

Core subjects explore studies specific to education in:

  • numeration, measurement and geometry
  • humanities and global education
  • learning and developing literacies
  • art in primary education
  • science principles and practices
  • health and physical education
  • teacher wellbeing
  • indigenous studies
  • educational research and inquiry
  • special needs education.

You may also choose an elective subjects in areas such as:

  • STEM teaching
  • educational research and inquiry
  • teacher wellbeing.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education)
Program code: MC219
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education)
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
MC219P19
098981C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
MC219P19
CRICOS
098981C
View plan
Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education)
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC219P19
098981C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC219P19
CRICOS
098981C
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Male primary school teacher, smiling, looking toward camera

Start a career without borders

Shape the lives of young people and impact future generations in Australia and around the world.

Making a study or career change into primary teaching opens up opportunities in classrooms across Australia and beyond.

Popular career options include:

  • Primary teacher
  • Educational officer
  • Trainer
  • Educational policy officer

Job Outlook predicts that work opportunities for school teachers are set to increase by 10.2% to 2024, and estimates that the most common annual salary for a teacher in Australia is between $75,000 for a graduate up to $108,000 for an experienced classroom teacher. There are further developmental and professional opportunities to move into higher pay scales as a learning specialist or leading teacher.

RMIT’s expert teachers, passionate researchers, connections to industry and strong practical focus position postgraduates among the most employable in Australia. Graduates have found many career pathways beyond the classroom.

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The Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education) is subject to accreditation by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) for registration purposes. It is well recognised throughout Australia, but if you wish to teach beyond Victoria you may need to meet further requirements with registration authorities in other states and territories.

For information on registration requirements, please contact the Victorian Institute of Teaching or Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.

Through reciprocal arrangements with registration authorities, RMIT graduates can practise as teachers nationally and overseas.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree, or equivalent overseas qualification.

You are required to complete the online Casper test. As part of the requirements for many initial teacher training programs in Victoria, this test assesses your non-academic personal and professional attributes. Find out more information about Casper and available test dates. Please ensure the correct RMIT program has been added to your distribution list.

Selection for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) is competitive, and places are limited. You will be selected based on your grade point average (GPA).

The Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education) has English language requirements which are specific to this degree.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

If you did not complete your bachelor degree in English at an approved institution in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, you must complete one of the following English proficiency tests or an approved Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) English Language Test:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.5 (with 7.0-reading, 7.0-writing, 8.0-listening, 8.0-speaking)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test – IBT): minimum overall score of 102 (with minimum of 24 in Reading, 28 in Listening, 26 in Speaking and 27 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum overall score of 72 (with minimum communication band of 65 in Reading and Writing and 79 in Listening and Speaking)

The test must be taken no more than two years prior to the RMIT program commencement date.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree, or equivalent overseas qualification.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

You must sit the Casper test. Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess your personal and professional attributes. To register for your sitting or for further information about the test, visit takealtus.

If you did not complete your bachelor degree in English at an approved institution in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America within five years prior to the RMIT program commencement date, you must complete one of the following English proficiency tests or an approved Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) English Language Test:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.5 (with 7.0-reading, 7.0-writing, 8.0-listening, 8.0-speaking)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test – IBT): minimum overall score of 102 (with minimum of 24 in Reading, 28 in Listening, 26 in Speaking and 27 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum overall score of 72 (with minimum communication band of 65 in Reading and Writing and 79 in Listening and Speaking)

The test must be taken no more than two years prior to the RMIT program commencement date.

Additional information

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Working with children check

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

The Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) is a national test required by the Federal Government that all pre-service teachers must complete to be able to graduate and register as a teacher. The test is administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). You are able to sit the test up to three times before you need to seek further approval to complete a fourth or fifth (final) attempt. Please note that you are required to be physically in Australia to undertake this test at a test centre. Counselling and support for those failing the test will be available.

You are able to sit your LANTITE test before you enrol in your degree. This will provide you with the result early. If you are not successful on your first attempt, this will enable you and your lecturers to identify the areas you need to focus on in your studies. You are encouraged to complete your LANTITE test by the end of your first year of your studies.

Please visit the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students website for more information, including the cost of the test.

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2023 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2023 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Full-fee places

  • AU$24,960 (2023 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2023. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,124 per standard year
$515 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,301 per standard year
$1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,800 per standard year
$1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $15,142 per standard year
$1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$32,640.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$65,280.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information