Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
0102077
IELTS
7.0 minimum score in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking
Fees (first year)*
$28728
Start dates
February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

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 embedded professional experience over a total of 80 days in secondary schools.

Year 2: 15 days, 15 days. Year 3: 15 days. Year 4: 35 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 (excluding QLD) 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 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy , including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

 If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

 an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)

an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

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 international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed. 

Find out more about English language programs 

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program 

Find out more about Diploma pathways 

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

  • Unit fee: $3591
  • Average first year fee: $28728
  • Estimate total cost: $114912

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

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

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200210553

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

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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