Are you interested in becoming a primary educator? Have you already done some research and checked out our previous article explaining what it’s like studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at UQ?
Well we chatted with Georgia Nielsen, a third-year student, to further unpack exactly what this degree entails.
Let’s jump right into it!
Why should you study a Primary Education degree at UQ?
Top 3 Pros of a Primary Education Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Primary Education Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting UQ Primary Education
What Makes this Degree Different
Advice for Prospective UQ Primary Education Students
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study a Primary Education degree at UQ?
According to Georgia, choosing to study a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at UQ is one of the best decisions you could possibly make.
UQ is a highly supportive environment, with excellent resources and a strong reputation for educating great teachers.
If you’re considering Secondary Education at UQ, you should check out our article here!
Top 3 Pros of a Primary Education degree at UQ
#1: Networking opportunities
This degree offers a lot of different opportunities to meet experts in the field, build your professional network and increase potential employment prospects by establishing a good name for yourself within the teaching community.
Georgia is an executive member of the UQ Education Society and explained that it is definitely a worthwhile group for UQ Education students to check out.
“The Education Society’s social events are a great way to make friends with similar interests, while the academic events provide exceptional opportunities to further your pedagogical knowledge and general teacher practice,” said Georgia.
Engaging in networking via society events, placement blocks and university functions is super valuable to students.
#2: Lots of practicals!
Additionally, this course has a strong practical orientation. Each year features a block of industry placements, where students get to experience real teaching environments at different primary schools.
Georgia said these are great opportunities for the practical application of your learning, “You get to spend time interacting with children and practising the skills you have learned in classes in real life contexts!”
#3: The end goal
One of the best things about a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at UQ is where it leads you post-graduation – you become a qualified primary school teacher!
Georgia explained this feeling of entering into a role where you have a positive impact on younger generations is hard to top.
Top 3 Cons of a Primary Education degree at UQ
#1: Travel time
For Georgia personally, one of the downfalls of studying at UQ is the time it takes to travel to and from campus. The last thing you want after a long day at uni is to endure a long trek home.
#2: Traffic
Similarly, traffic can sometimes pose an issue. Having to sit in traffic is not a fun time for anyone — especially busy university students who are struggling to juggle study, work and a social life.
In addition to this, finding parking on campus can also be difficult, so you might have to be prepared to do some light walking.
#3: Cost of parking
The cost of parking can also be a pain, with daily parking fees likely to add up over time. If you’re desperate to save a bit of cash, maybe consider using some of the surrounding public transport options!
For students travelling between campuses, Georgia suggested that one possible alternative to driving is using the intercampus bus — a free service which runs Monday to Friday between St Lucia and Gatton campus for UQ staff and students.
Any regrets?
Georgia said that she has no regrets about choosing this degree. It has been a highly rewarding experience and she has enjoyed every second of it so far.
She only wishes she had enrolled in the course sooner!
What do you wish you had known before starting Primary Education at UQ?
When asked what she wished she knew before starting this course, Georgia explained that it would be that “there is no reason to be nervous or anxious about the decision to study primary education”.
First-year student Georgia did not need to waste time stressing about making friends or not enjoying the work, because everything turned out great in the end.
Starting university is daunting and it is okay to be nervous, just don’t let your nerves stop you from making the most of the experience!
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
UQ’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) provides its students with a super diverse range of electives and specialisations. This extensive field of choice is one of the main selling points of the course, at this university.
“It allows you to really tailor your experience to your interests and graduate with a unique combination of skills,” Georgia added.
What inspired you to choose Primary Education at UQ?
Georgia said that she always wanted to be a teacher. With both parents working in the education industry, as well as having genuinely enjoyed her time at school — pursuing teaching seemed like the natural thing to do.
“Where I am in my current degree just feels so right — teaching is 100% my calling,” she explained.
As for why she chose UQ, the awesome campus culture, experienced faculty and overall good reputation was definitely a strong influence.
What is one piece of advice you would give students entering into this degree?
Georgia’s main piece of advice for future students is to not be scared to make the most of their time at university.
“Just that you shouldn’t be afraid to dive right in! My best memories at uni are from experiences that petrified me to start with.
“Once you start putting yourself out there and opening yourself to new experiences and meeting new people, you won’t ever go back… Try new things, say yes to new experiences, and don’t forget to enjoy uni life because it will go so fast!” shared Georgia.
What are the possible career paths?
Studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at UQ equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an array of education-related careers. Some of these include:
- Primary school teacher
- Education assistant
- Learning enhancement teacher
- Distance education teacher
- Curriculum planner
- Pedagogy leader
With further study, students can also become heads of department, principals and learning support teachers.
Check out various careers you can end up in with a Bachelor of Education here!
Jessica Arentz is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and an undergraduate student at the University of Sydney where she studies a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) (Marketing). She currently volunteers at 2SER community radio station as a producer and newsroom reader. When not writing, you can find Jess searching the web for cheap flights or spending her days with her head buried deep in a book.
