Study Education
Become an educational leader
– spark a love of learning in young Australians
Save up to 81% on course fees
with a Commonwealth Supported Place1
Educating for over 50 years
The trusted leader in educating our educators
Earn up to $338.60 per week
during paid placement opportunities2
- Gain real classroom experience and make local connections. With over 900 placement partners and paid placement opportunities, you will find the right fit close to home.
- Consider which course and study mode offering (on-campus or online) best suits the way you learn and your lifestyle.
- Be part of a supportive community of educators and mentors who are dedicated to your success, helping you develop into a confident and capable teacher.
- Take the next step in your career and explore postgraduate pathways such as the Master of Education, offering majors in Educational Leadership, Educational Research, and Career Development (CICA-endorsed), designed to enhance your expertise and advance your career.
Fast facts
Location: Online
Starts: January (Block 1), March (Block 2), July (Block 4), September (Block 5)
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 65
Required knowledge: English, General Maths or Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths (3/4,C); or equivalent.
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
Gain credit with the following qualifications:
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) (CHC50113) – 24 credit points = 8 subjects
- Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221) – 6 credit points = 2 subjects
- Diploma of School Age Education and Care (CHC50221, CH50213) – 9 credit points = 3 subjects
What career possibilities are there?
Graduates teach in childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools and early-years classrooms across Australia.
Fast facts
Location: Online or on-campus (Cairns, Townsville)
Starts:
On-campus: January (Trimester 1) or May (Trimester 2)
Online: January (Block 1), March (Block 2), July (Block 4), September (Block 5), November (Block 6)
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 65
Required knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C), General Maths or Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent.
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
Gain credit with the following qualifications:
- Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221) – 6 credit points = 2 subjects
- Diploma of School Age Education and Care (CHC50221, CH50213) – 9 credit points = 3 subjects
RATEP pathway
RATEP is a community-based pathway supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become registered primary teachers. How? By supporting you in your community while you study. RATEP is a partnership between the Queensland Department of Education, TAFE Queensland North, James Cook University (JCU), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Gain credit into the RATEP pathway with a Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education (11214NAT, 10753NAT): 24 credit points = 8 subjects.
What career possibilities are there?
JCU Education (Primary) graduates pursue careers in state, Catholic and independent schools across Australia as well as overseas, particularly in the United Kingdom. You will be well-positioned to find employment as a primary school teacher in rural and regional Australia. Graduates will be particularly well-qualified to meet the educational needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Fast facts
Location: On-campus (Cairns, Townsville)
Starts: January (Trimester 1) or May (Trimester 2)
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 65
Required knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C), General Maths or Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths (3/4,C); or equivalent.
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
Teaching areas
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Digital Technologies
- English
- Food Technologies and Design (Industry Entry)
- Food Technologies and Design
- French
- Geography
- Health and Physical Education
- History
- Industrial Technologies and Design (Industry Entry)
- Industrial Technologies and Design
- Japanese
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physics
- Visual Arts
- Vocational Education and Training
Gain credit with the following qualifications:
- Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221) – 6 credit points = 2 subjects
- Diploma of School Age Education and Care (CHC50221, CH50213) – 9 credit points = 3 subjects
Already have an undergraduate degree?
If you have previously graduated with an undergraduate degree you may be able to become a secondary teacher more quickly via the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary).
What career possibilities are there?
Graduates teach in state, independent and Catholic schools in Australia and overseas, or move into education management, government or community development roles.
Nested Qualifications – Early Entry and Exit Options
Graduate Certificate of Education
Location: Online, Brisbane^
Starts: January, May, September
Entry requirements:* AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or cognate AQF level 8 qualification; or at least five years' relevant industry experience.
Gain credit for your experience: Have you accrued more than two years' full-time (or equivalent) professional experience in the field of education? Earn 3 credit points = 1 subject.
Apply for creditMaster of Education
Location: Online, Brisbane^
Starts: January, May, September
Entry requirements:* AQF level 7 degree plus 2 years' professional work experience in education; or AQF level 7 degree in education; or AQF level 8 qualification with minimum 2 years' as professional educator; or AQF level 8 qualification in education.
Gain credit for your experience: Have you accrued five years' full-time (or equivalent) professional experience in the field of education? Earn 12 credit points = 4 subjects.
Apply for credit*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
^James Cook University partners with Russo Higher Education Pty Ltd to deliver the programs available at our Brisbane campus.
Majors
- Educational Leadership (coursework only)
- Career Development (coursework only)
- Educational Research (includes a research project)
The Career Development major is endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia and graduates are eligible to be listed on the Australian Register of Professional Career Development Practitioners.
What career possibilities are there?
Graduates move into roles such as school leader, policy adviser, curriculum specialist, career-development practitioner or education researcher.
Fast facts
Location: Online
Starts: January, March, May, July, September
Entry requirements:* AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
Graduates are equipped to work as career development practitioners in schools, universities, TAFEs, employment services, or private practice. This course is endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia.
Fast facts
Location: Online**, Townsville
Starts: January (Trimester 1), September (Trimester 3)
Entry requirements:* AQF level 7 bachelor in cognate discipline
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
**This course requires some on-campus attendance by online students.
Gain credit for your experience:
Have you accrued five years' full-time (or equivalent) professional experience in guidance counselling or other related field?
Earn 12 credit points = 4 subjects.
What career possibilities are there?
Graduates are equipped for positions as guidance officers, counsellors or career-development advisers across educational, community and corporate settings.
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville
Starts: February
Entry requirements:* AQF Level 7 bachelor degree which includes subjects in two teaching areas appropriate to curriculum in Australian secondary schools.
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
This fully accredited program prepares graduates for roles as secondary teachers in state, independent and Catholic schools, with strong demand in regional and remote communities.
"I’m from Darumbal Country (Rockhampton) and it was important to me to study close to home because that’s where most of my support comes from. Studying through the RATEP program allowed me to do that and it felt like a real advantage to have two strong shows of support."
Cameron Gooda
Bachelor of Education (Primary), RATEP – Alumni
Read Cameron's story
"I think that the Secondary Education course at JCU is amazing. It's definitely practical, applicable and personally when I compared this course to my friends who were studying secondary education at other universities, there's definitely a lot more professional experience and practice at JCU which I love."
Destiny Guteridge
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – Student
"I felt the help was there if it was needed and that’s what I loved about my course and about JCU. Even when studying the course online, you will be supported. Making sure students have that level of comfort is a strength for JCU."
Bianca Rogers
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) – Alumni
Choose your JCU course, confirm that you meet the entry requirements, and note the QTAC code or course code.
If applying for entry into a bachelor's degree please submit your application via QTAC. For all other applications please apply via the JCU Application Portal.
Ready today for tomorrow
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