Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 5 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
UAC code
101233
ATAR
67.00 for Blacktown
Fees (first year)*

$4440 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Overview

Step into our classroom, with world-leading experts, to become a leader in your own right. You will learn the craft of teaching from mentors across a wide range of educational contexts. Gain the confidence, skills, and practical experience to teach across all stages of secondary school in two teaching areas. These teaching areas enable the development of deep knowledge and highly effective classroom teaching. Build strength in your skills over time, from observing your mentor teacher, to co-teaching, through to planning for and teaching multiple classes a day. Studies may be extended by pairing this course with other degrees allowing you to graduate with diverse career options.


Achieve your goals with a scholarship.  

A generous Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship is available to support new undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling in an initial teacher education (ITE) program to help meet the costs of their study. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.

Get paid to learn with a Victorian Government ITE scholarship. Victorian students enrolling in a secondary school initial teacher education (ITE) program in 2024 or 2025 can apply to help cover the cost of studying. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.

Professional experience

Gain expertise in your practicums over a total of 80 days in schools. Year 1: Community engagement in an educational setting, minimum of 35 hours. Year 2: 15 days, 15 days. Year 3: 15 days. Year 4: 5 days, 30 days.

Work placement

All initial teacher education programs must include a defined period of professional experience, where pre-service teachers practise teaching in a school under the direct supervision and guidance of an appropriately qualified teacher. 

Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as secondary teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as a secondary school teacher in all states and territories. 

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • secondary school education
  • community centre education
  • private colleges
  • inclusive education settings
  • policy development

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Education Studies unitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies unitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies unitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies unitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies unitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies unitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies unitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies unitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies unitsEDES101Educational Thought10 cp
  • Secondary Discipline Studies units (First Teaching Areas)Teaching Area 1 Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE110Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic0 cp
  • Education Studies unitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies unitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies unitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies unitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies unitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies unitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies unitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies unitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units.

    10 cp
  • Secondary Discipline Studies units (First Teaching Areas)Teaching Area 1 Unit 2 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Secondary Discipline Studies units (Second Teaching Areas)Teaching Area 2 Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE100 LANTITE - Literacy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students ANDACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE101 LANTITE - Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students

    Students must register with ACER to undertake the two LANTITE tests.

    0 cp

Commencing Semester 2

Physical Education Primary Teaching Area (Vic and Qld) - Commencing Semester 1

Physical Education Primary Teaching Area (Vic and Qld) - Commencing Semester 2

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Teaching Area (NSW) - Commencing Semester 1

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Teaching Area (NSW) - Commencing Semester 2

Technologies Teaching Area (NSW) - Commencing Semester 1

Technologies Teaching Area (NSW) - Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of a course listed below may exit from the course with that qualification. Note that none of these qualifications qualify a student to teach in Australia.

  1. Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies
  2. Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  3. Bachelor of Educational Studies
  4. Diploma in Liberal Arts
  5. Certificate in Liberal Arts

A student who does not meet the LANTITE requirements may access an appropriate exit point if they meet the requirements of that award.

Overseas study available

Our undergraduate education students can undertake professional experience and community engagement in locations like Kiribati and Solomon Islands. Students work with communities to raise the level of student engagement and offer professional development to local teachers. This intensive professional learning for teachers increases flexibility and adaptability as an educator and provides a global perspective for a better understanding of differences within classrooms.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

In addition, applicants will be required to demonstrate suitability for teaching.

All applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed:

  1. the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:
StatePrerequisites

Australian Capital Territory

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed Knowledge: Studies in English (T); Studies in Mathematics (T) 

To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Studies in Mathematics (T)

New South Wales

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed Knowledge: A minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English


To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2

Note: This course is structured to allow applicants to meet the three Band 5 entry requirements within the degree program by including a full year of discipline studies before applicants study how to teach

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C);

Assumed Knowledge: To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Mathematical Methods C

Victoria

Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English; Mathematics: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion of two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics OR Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics.

To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Units 3 and 4: Mathematical Methods 

OR

b. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants may be selected following an interview with the course coordinator and staff of the campus Indigenous Higher Education Unit. They should have:

  1. minimum of three years’ work experience; or
  2. completion of year 12 or equivalent; or
  3. demonstrated relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.  

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.  

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process. 

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. 

Learn more about recognition of prior learning 

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

A minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking.

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course: 

Understand your pathway options 

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver? 

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
  • Work experience - A selection rank can be calculated based on your work experience - you need to document all of your experience and provide supporting documentation.

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

ACU offers further opportunities to advance your education career.

Master of Education/Graduate Certificate in Education Enhances career advancement opportunities for teachers and other professionals engaged in lead educational roles such as education administrators, researchers, policy makers, career counsellors, psychologists, members of the defence forces, youth ministers and family/parish educators.
Master of Educational Leadership/Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership Participants explore theories of educational leadership, management and administration, and learn to apply them appropriately to their own contexts including Catholic and faith-based educational organisations defined as those organisations affiliated with a religious group or established Church.
Graduate Certificate in Religious Education For primary and secondary school teachers who want to teach religion.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$4440 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Melissa Cain

National Head of Discipline for Secondary Education, School of Education

Dr Melissa Cain (SHFEA) is a senior lecturer in the School of Education at Australian Catholic University, Brisbane teaching units on Inclusive Education and Arts education. She is National Head of Discipline for Secondary Education and Course Coordinator for the suite of secondary teaching courses in Queensland. Melissa's doctorial research centred on the challenges teachers in Australia and Singapore face when implementing culturally diverse Arts education. Melissa's current research examines the voices of students with vision impairment at mainstream schools, learning the creative arts online, and the impact of teaching and learning in modern global times. Melissa has received several higher education teaching awards and is the recipient of the Callaway Doctoral Award. 

Dr Kylie Kerr

First Year Course Coordinator (Melbourne), School of Education

Dr Kylie Kerr is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne. Her research interests include the aims of education, Humanities education, and the role of education in human flourishing. Having taught Philosophy, English and the Humanities, Dr Kerr began her research career with an exploration of a Deweyan contribution to positive education. Her PhD work used qualitative methods to critically examine the philosophical underpinnings of positive education practices, including adolescent beliefs about success, the good life, and the purposes of schooling. Dr Kerr has subsequently explored the value of Humanities education and its contribution to flourishing, the nature of resilience, the teaching of controversial issues in schools, and the transformative role of education in nurturing global flourishing. 

Testimonial

Gerard

"I enjoy the freedom of university and ACU has given me the opportunity to be responsible for my own learning. I have also loved studying what I love. In comparison to high school, where your schooling is quite structured, ACU allows you to invest your time in subjects that you enjoy. My course also provided me with great communication skills due to the increase in classroom engagement in my teaching classes."

Gerard
Education (secondary) student
 

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