Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Arts

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Southern Cross University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Arts at Southern Cross University is an exciting dual degree designed for those passionate about teaching and the arts. This program is perfect for students who want to inspire young minds while exploring diverse subjects, equipping them with the skills to create engaging learning environments.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will dive into foundational concepts with courses like "Introduction to Education" and "Child Development." These units provide essential insights into the educational landscape and the psychological growth of children, setting the stage for effective teaching practices.

The second year builds on this foundation with courses such as "Literacy and Numeracy in the Primary Classroom" and "Creative Arts in Education." Here, students will learn how to integrate literacy and numeracy skills into their teaching while also exploring the importance of creativity in the classroom, preparing them to engage students through various learning modalities.

In the third year, students will focus on practical application with units like "Classroom Management" and "Inclusive Education." This year emphasizes real-world teaching strategies and the importance of catering to diverse learning needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to handle the complexities of a primary classroom.

Finally, the fourth year culminates in a professional experience placement and courses such as "Leadership in Education" and "Curriculum Design." This hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge in real classroom settings, while leadership and curriculum design courses equip them with the skills to innovate and lead in educational environments.

Focus Areas: Teaching methodologies, child development, curriculum design, inclusive education, and leadership in education.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to design and implement effective teaching strategies, understand child development, foster inclusive learning environments, and demonstrate leadership in educational settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This program is accredited by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), ensuring that graduates meet national teaching standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Southern Cross University is recognized for its strong employability outcomes, consistently ranking highly in graduate employment statistics, as reported by the Good Universities Guide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Southern Cross University, students in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Arts programs are immersed in a rich experiential learning environment that equips them with practical skills essential for their future careers. The university emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. With state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of tools at their disposal, students can engage in collaborative projects, internships, and field trips that enhance their learning journey.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of experiential learning opportunities:

Bachelor of Education (Primary):
- Professional Experience Placements: Students complete multiple placements in primary school settings, allowing them to gain firsthand teaching experience.
- Access to Modern Classrooms: The university features simulated classrooms where students can practice teaching techniques and classroom management.
- Digital Learning Tools: Students utilize platforms like Google Classroom and other educational software to prepare for tech-integrated teaching.
- Collaborative Projects: Engage in group projects that focus on curriculum design and lesson planning, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to local schools and educational organizations to observe and learn from experienced educators.

Bachelor of Arts:
- Internships and Work Integrated Learning: Opportunities to intern with local organizations, enhancing employability and practical experience in various fields.
- Creative Spaces: Access to studios and labs for disciplines such as visual arts, music, and performance, encouraging creativity and innovation.
- Research Facilities: Utilize dedicated research labs and libraries that support a wide range of academic inquiries and projects.
- Digital Media Tools: Gain proficiency in software like Adobe Creative Suite, which is essential for students pursuing careers in media and communication.
- Field Studies: Engage in field trips that connect classroom learning with real-world applications, particularly in areas like environmental studies and cultural research.

Choosing Southern Cross University means choosing a vibrant learning community that prioritizes practical experience and prepares you for the challenges of your future career. I encourage you to apply and take the next step towards an exciting educational journey!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Arts at Southern Cross University are well prepared for careers that combine creativity, communication, and professional teaching expertise. The dual-degree structure allows students to develop versatile skills across education and the arts, opening pathways into both classroom teaching and broader creative or community-focused industries. Typical career outcomes include: Primary School Teacher, Arts Educator, Community Program Coordinator, and Creative Industries Professional.

Southern Cross University provides dedicated career support services including employability workshops, career mentoring, resume development, interview preparation, and networking opportunities with education and arts industry professionals.
Students graduate with extensive practical experience through professional teaching placements, internships, collaborative projects, and community engagement activities that strengthen job readiness and professional confidence.
The university maintains strong partnerships with schools, community organisations, cultural institutions, and creative industries, helping students build valuable industry connections and gain real-world experience throughout their studies.
Access to modern education technologies, creative studios, and professional learning spaces ensures students graduate with both technical and practical skills relevant to contemporary workplaces.
The education component of the program aligns with professional teaching standards, supporting long-term teacher registration and career progression opportunities across Australia.
Southern Cross University is recognised for strong graduate outcomes and student support, with graduates benefiting from industry-focused learning and positive employability outcomes across education and arts-related sectors.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in primary education, arts administration, educational support services, media and communication, community engagement, youth development, and creative industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, graduates may continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Arts, or specialised programs in curriculum studies, educational leadership, creative arts, media, and communication. Students interested in research and academic careers may also pursue honours programs, doctoral studies, or professional certifications in education and creative disciplines.