Bachelor of Education (Primary)
at James Cook University, Queensland.
A four-year primary teaching degree at Townsville (ranks shown), Cairns (65.80 in 2026) and online. Prerequisites are English and one of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 and 4, C).
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the JCU Bachelor of Education (Primary) for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 70.00 | qtac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 67.20 | qtac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through QTAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The course examines learners and learning theories, curriculum studies and approaches to primary teaching and assessment, with a focus on education for sustainability and improving outcomes for Indigenous students. Specialisations are English and literacy, mathematics and numeracy, science, or health and physical education. Students work in schools and other educational sites, including rural and remote locations, from first year. They must meet the LANTITE standard before the final placement and pass the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment.
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, with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
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: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
The course is accredited through AITSL with the Queensland College of Teachers, and graduates are eligible for teacher registration in Australia.
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 selection ranks on the James Cook University website and on QTAC before applying.