Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education)

On successful completion of this program the student will be able to:

1. apply relevant theory and research to enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of learners from a diversity of backgrounds and of aspirations
2. apply high-level discipline knowledges and understandings to demonstrate pedagogical capabilities, including planning and delivering effective teaching and learning experiences in the technologically enhanced learning environment, with demonstrated impact for all learners
3. create and manage positive, safe and ethical learning environments that support a diversity of learners to engage in meaningful learning
4. communicate professionally with educational stakeholders, including colleagues, parents and carers, and engage collaboratively to build sustainable communities.

This course is designed for people seeking to attain an Initial Teacher Education qualification in order to register as a teacher in Western Australia. Students will develop advanced critical skills, knowledge and understanding concerning best practice in education and in meeting the needs of 21st century learners. The course provides a grounding in theoretical and practical aspects of teaching and offers 45 days of professional experience in schools. Students who complete the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Education in Primary are able to articulate into the Master of Teaching program.

The Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) will be chosen by those who wish to teach in Years 1 - 6 in Primary Schools and will provide a foundation for teaching across the primary curriculum. Students entering this course will hold a degree in a discipline that contains content relevant to the Australian Curriculum in the primary years. Students will complete 45 days of professional experience placements in a range of schools and across a range of year levels.

Recommended study pattern

Students must complete the below 8 core subjects:

Study Period 1

• MTP502 Primary Professional Experience 1: Planning for Writing
• MTPS500 Theories of Development and Learning

Study Period 2

• MTP505 Teaching Science in the Primary Years
• MTP506 Primary Professional Experience 2: Assessment and Reporting

Study Period 3

• MTC510 Introduction to English: Reading
• MTC600 Professional Experience 3: Using Data to Inform Teaching and Learning

Study Period 4

• MTP501 Teaching Number, Algebra and Probability in the Primary Years
• MTPS504 Creative Technologies

See the enrolment planner below.

Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education) enrolment planner (XLS)

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education), students must successfully complete all core subjects. There are 8 subjects comprised of:

• coursework subjects
• subjects requiring professional experience block placements in school settings

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Primary Education Major

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,624

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education) applicants need to have completed a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with studies equivalent to at least one year FTE in an area relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary curriculum.

The level of English language proficiency required for admission to this course is higher than the University’s standard. This is because students will be required to teach English to others during professional experience placements throughout the course. Admission requires an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall score of 7.5, with a score no less than 7 in Writing and Reading and no less than 8 in Speaking and Listening. Not all English competency equivalents will be accepted for entry into this course, as they do not meet the higher English criteria or they do not include assessment of reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Please refer to Courses with Higher English Language Requirements for further information on courses with higher English language requirements. Please note: The English language requirements for registration as a teacher on completion of this course may differ from those required for admission to the course. 

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy.

All students are required to successfully complete three compulsory professional experience placements as part of designated subjects throughout the degree. These placements must be undertaken in registered schools where the language of instruction is English. Placements must be undertaken on a full-time basis for the number of days shown in a continuous block and students need to plan carefully to ensure they are able to meet this commitment. The total number of days of professional experience in the degree will be 45 days to satisfy teacher registration requirements in Western Australia. Students will be eligible to apply for mutual recognition in their states or territories. No more than 50% of professional experience days may be undertaken in schools outside Australia. None of the three professional experience placements can be broken or split into shorter periods. The degree includes two initial professional experience subjects that require school placements of 10 consecutive days and 15 consecutive days respectively. The third professional experience subject contains a block placement of 20 consecutive days in a different school context. Students must be able to complete placements in more than one school over the duration of the degree. Secondary students will complete the majority of their professional experience in their teaching area. Students are expected to be able to travel a reasonable distance to these educational settings in order to undertake their placements. Students cannot complete their professional experience placement in an educational setting where there exists a conflict of interest. Further information about the professional experience placement requirements will be provided to students who have been admitted to the degree. In circumstances where the student is having difficulty securing a placement, Curtin University staff will assist and will seek input from the student to identify possibilities before making direct contact with the school. Students having difficulty should contact Curtin in sufficient time to ensure that they are not disadvantaged due to their personal inability to identify a site for professional experience.

To view the Professional Experience Calendars, please see below:

2025 Graduate Diploma in Education Prof Exp Calendar (PDF)

Students will be required to have a current and valid Working with Children clearance as required in the state or country in which the placement provider is located. They will also need to meet any other relevant State requirements before engaging in any work with children or professional experience. If students have any doubt about their eligibility to acquire these clearances they should contact the local Teacher Registration Authority.