Why study education at UQ?

Interested in becoming a teacher but wondering where to study education? We think you should consider UQ and here’s why.

A career in education provides limitless opportunities, but you’ll likely begin with the goal of being the best teacher you can be. And to do that, you’ll need to learn from the best. At UQ, we lead by example because we have the most awarded teachers in the nation.

UQ’s dynamic educators incorporate tomorrow’s technology into today’s lesson plans and provide you with extensive classroom experience in some of the best schools in Queensland.

At UQ, you’ll be empowered to use your skills and knowledge as a teacher to inspire the leaders of the communities and businesses of tomorrow.

Read on to find out more reasons UQ is considered one of the best universities to study education at in Australia.

Versatile student placements

UQ’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) programs have a strong emphasis on practical experience and getting you into classrooms. When you graduate, you’ll be well-equipped for the challenges of working in schools and will also have the confidence needed to lead in the classroom.

We organise placements for you throughout your studies, taking the stress out of having to source your own. There’s also an opportunity to experience a rural or regional placement – normally in your third or final year.

Rural and regional placements are incredibly rewarding and can be undertaken across Queensland with scholarships available to assist with travelling and living costs. Seize the opportunity to escape the city and experience diverse communities, enabling access to high-quality education to students across the state.

UQ primary education graduate, Katelyn Redinger, has been teaching in Roma for 3 years and speaks highly of her experience.

“Teaching in Roma has been so refreshing; the relationships that you are able to build with students, families, and the wider community has allowed me to appreciate teaching in a small town,” she says.

“The sense of support and community you feel in a town like Roma is second to none.”

Having the opportunity to go on a rural placement during her studies opened these doors for her after graduation.

“I would highly recommend a rural placement to all students looking to continue on their teaching journey.”

The support you’ll receive from us to undertake these placements will ensure a successful transition into the profession. A lot of our students end up with jobs in their final placement school due to the valuable connections they made.

Travel with globally recognised skills

Teaching is a truly dynamic profession that can take you just about anywhere. Teachers are in high demand globally, and UQ’s teaching programs are recognised internationally. Use your degree to travel and teach abroad, experience new cultures and work in different contexts.

You may even be able to organise or join a global experience during your studies at UQ. Whether you’re interested in a short excursion overseas or a semester abroad, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, grown and have fun internationally as a UQ student.

Rankings

Describing UQ as one of the best universities to study education at isn’t just our opinion; it’s a fact. UQ is ranked #1 in Queensland and #4 in Australia for education, according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

Classes are taught by experts in their fields, whose advice is sought by policy makers, school leaders and teachers around the globe.

Graduate success

UQ graduates are known in the industry as being among the best equipped to enter the classroom, due to their reputation of having detailed curriculum knowledge.

Many of our students have a job lined up before they even graduate, and over 94% of UQ education graduates are offered full-time employment within 4 months after graduation.

UQ Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduate Kara Ilich says the theoretical components studied at UQ were complemented by the many practical experiences and provided her with a strong foundation of skills required for the dynamic field she now works in.

As acting Dean of Studies (Prep to Year 6) at Whitsunday Anglican School and former Dean of Pedagogy (Kindy to Year 6) at John Paul College, Kara has taken her passion for lifelong learning and transformed it into a rewarding career.

“Working in curriculum leadership roles alongside teachers allows me the opportunity to impact more students, more often – and make a bigger difference,” she says.

Further study options and specialisations

Studying education at UQ can lead to a range of fascinating and fulfilling career opportunities beyond being a teacher, and postgraduate study can help you get there.

Build on what you’ve learnt during your bachelor’s degree by undertaking a Master of Educational Studies to broaden your career options and strengthen your leadership skills in your chosen area of education. You can specialise in one of 7 different fields of study, including:

• Behaviour Support
• Curriculum
• Leadership
• Psychology Education
• Science of Learning
• Supporting Diverse Learners
• Guidance, Counselling and Careers.

Tailor your studies to become a specialist in your field and you could even find yourself taking your learnings outside of a classroom environment and into industry, media, and community settings.

Queensland teachers have one of the highest starting salaries in Australia and undertaking postgraduate study can significantly boost your income, with those in school leadership positions securing salaries of $200,000 and over.