Bachelor of Education (Primary)
at James Cook University, Queensland.
An AITSL-accredited four-year teaching degree leading to registration as a primary classroom teacher. Includes more than 80 days of supervised practicum across diverse school settings.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the James Cook University Bachelor of Education (Primary). We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official QTAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
First year introduces foundational education subjects (development and learning, Indigenous education, classroom diversity and inclusion) plus discipline subjects in literacy, numeracy, science and the arts as you will teach them, with an introductory school observation block. JCU builds in a strong focus on teaching in regional, rural, remote and Indigenous school communities across north Queensland. Second and third year build subject-by-subject pedagogy: how to teach English, mathematics, HASS, science, the arts and health and PE, plus wellbeing and behaviour support. Each subject pair feeds into supervised placement blocks in Queensland primary schools, with many students placed in regional and remote settings. By end of year three you have completed at least 40 days of placement. Final year is the longest placement (typically 60-plus days), the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) and the final Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). On graduation you are eligible to register with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT).
Example first-year subjects
- Foundations of Education
- Learning and Development
- Literacy in the Primary Years
- Numeracy in the Primary Years
- Indigenous Education and Cultural Safety
- Introduction to Classroom Practice
How you will be assessed
- Supervised placement reports and mentor-teacher assessments
- Lesson and unit-plan portfolios
- Teaching Performance Assessment in the final year
- Written essays on pedagogy and education theory
- LANTITE literacy and numeracy test
- Reflective practice journals
- Group curriculum-design projects
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as primary teachers in government, Catholic and independent schools after registration with the relevant state teacher regulator.
- Common destinations include classroom teaching from Foundation to Year 6, leading-teacher roles and curriculum coordination.
- Many alumni progress into deputy and principal positions, departmental policy roles or specialist literacy and numeracy support.
Professional accreditation
- AITSL accredited
- State teacher registration eligible (NESA, VIT, QCT, TRBSA, TRBWA, TRB TAS, TQI)
Typical first jobs
- Classroom teacher in a Queensland government primary school
- Classroom teacher in a Catholic or independent school
- Rural and remote teaching positions across north Queensland
- Supply or relief teacher on the Queensland register
- Specialist teacher (literacy, numeracy, EAL/D, PE, music)
- Teacher in Indigenous and remote community schools
- Tutoring and educational support roles
Graduate starting salary
$70,000 - $75,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Most graduates go straight into permanent or contract teaching across Queensland government, Catholic and independent primary schools, with rural and remote incentives common in north Queensland. Postgrad options include the Master of Education, Master of Educational Leadership, specialist masters in special and inclusive education or guidance and counselling, and graduate certificates in school leadership. Strong teachers progress to head-of-curriculum, deputy and principal roles.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoy working with kids and have done volunteer or tutoring work
- Patient communicators who can break ideas down clearly
- People open to teaching in regional, rural and remote communities
- Organised people who can plan a week of lessons in advance
- Resilient students who handle the emotional load of classrooms
It is probably not for you if
- Students who dislike public speaking or being in front of a class
- People who want a desk-based corporate role
- Those uncomfortable with extensive placement requirements
- Students who struggle with LANTITE-level literacy or numeracy
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the James Cook University handbook and on QTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/jcu/bachelor-of-education-primary.