FKIP · Universitas Mataram
Bachelor of Elementary School Teacher Education
Teach with local wisdom. Research with purpose. Lead the primary classroom.
A four-year programme preparing elementary educators, researchers, and edupreneurs who combine strong pedagogical grounding, research literacy, digital fluency, and the cultural heritage of Nusa Tenggara Barat.
About the programme
The Bachelor of Elementary School Teacher Education (BESTE) study programme at Universitas Mataram was established on 2 April 2007. It is a four-year, full-time programme of 150 SCU (210 ECTS) in elementary education, admitting around 300 students each year from senior high school graduates through a national selection process. The programme holds an “Excellent” (Unggul) accreditation from LAMDIK and is currently preparing for international accreditation through ACQUIN.
Students are prepared to design meaningful learning for primary classrooms, to investigate real educational problems through research, to use technology responsibly, and to turn educational ideas into work of value for schools and communities — all grounded in the local wisdom of Nusa Tenggara Barat.
Vision and mission
Developing research-based elementary education with a distinctive focus on local wisdom and international competitiveness.
- Produce elementary educators, researchers, and edupreneurs who exceed the National Higher Education Standards and hold international competitiveness.
- Produce research relevant to solving problems in elementary education, published in accredited national and international journals.
- Disseminate research through community service that contributes to solving elementary education problems.
- Support the tridharma of higher education, particularly in collaboration and governance systems that meet national and international quality standards.
- Produce elementary education research characterised by local wisdom and integrated into BESTE teaching and learning.
Why choose BESTE at Universitas Mataram
Local wisdom at the core
Ethno-pedagogy SASAMBO, the art and culture of Sasambo, and local wisdom–based learning are taught as subjects in their own right, not as add-ons.
Research-based teaching
Educational research methods, statistics, academic writing, and a bachelor thesis build the evidence habits that improve real classrooms.
Digital fluency
ICT-based learning, development of digital teaching materials, and learning-media design prepare graduates for technology-supported instruction.
Inclusive classrooms
Education for children with special needs, inclusive education, and guidance and counselling prepare teachers for every learner in the room.
Literacy and numeracy focus
Dedicated coursework in literacy and numeracy education addresses the competencies that matter most in Indonesian primary schools.
International outlook
Academic collaboration with universities in Malaysia and Thailand, international guest lectures, and ACQUIN accreditation preparation.
What you will learn
The curriculum runs across eight semesters and integrates subject content, pedagogy, research, technology, culture, and entrepreneurship. Students build both the knowledge and the practical capability to create inclusive, evidence-based, and engaging primary-school learning.
Core subject foundations
Fundamental concepts and teaching of mathematics, natural sciences, social studies, Indonesian language, civic education, and English for elementary school.
Pedagogy and curriculum
Learning and instruction, the teaching profession, learning design and strategy, curriculum studies and development, and educational planning.
Assessment and research
Evaluation of learning processes and outcomes, educational research methods, educational statistics, and academic writing.
Technology and media
ICT-based learning, development of learning media, digital teaching materials, and management of scientific journals.
Arts, culture, and wellbeing
Visual arts, music, dance, handicrafts, physical education, play and games, children’s literature, and the art and culture of Sasambo.
Child development and guidance
Child development in elementary school, personality psychology, talent and creativity development, guidance and counselling, and scouting education.
Learning beyond the classroom
- Microteaching — structured teaching practice before entering real classrooms.
- School-Based Teaching Practice (PLP) — supervised teaching in partner primary schools.
- Community Service Programme (KKN) — working with communities across Nusa Tenggara Barat.
- Elementary School Seminar and Bachelor Thesis — original research presented and defended.
- Student organisation and competitions — HMPS PGSD programmes, national competitions, and international student mobility.
- Entrepreneurship and TOEFL preparation — coursework that extends beyond the classroom into career readiness.
Graduate profiles
Elementary educator
A professional primary-school teacher who plans, facilitates, assesses, and continually improves meaningful learning for children.
Educational researcher
A careful, ethical contributor who identifies educational problems, gathers and interprets evidence, and publishes findings that improve practice.
Edupreneur
An innovative graduate who turns educational ideas into learning media, services, and products of value to schools and communities.
Career opportunities
- Elementary school teacher and education practitioner
- Curriculum, assessment, and learning-media developer
- Educational researcher and programme evaluator
- Learning coordinator or school administrator
- Education-technology and digital teaching-material developer
- Community educator, trainer, and education entrepreneur
Connected regionally and internationally
The programme strengthens its teaching, curriculum, and research through academic collaboration with universities abroad and across Indonesia.
Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Joint research, international seminars, primary-school visits, and guest lectures that widen the programme’s academic network.
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia
An international agreement realised through public lectures, including sessions on teacher emotional competence and self-regulation.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu & Universitas Airlangga
Joint Class and Heritage Trail — cross-cultural learning and student mobility for PGSD students.
