Course information for - 2027 entry
International
  • Domestic

Offered at 0 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Overview

Combine secondary education and exercise science to share your passion for health and fitness with the next generation. Learn from world leading experts how to be an effective classroom teacher while building your knowledge of how the human body works, from a psychological, anatomical, physiological, motor control and biomechanical perspective, with a focus on the role of exercise in health, wellbeing and performance. Expand your skills over time, from observing your mentor teacher, to co-teaching, through to planning for and teaching multiple classes a day. You can also choose to study another specialisation from our arts disciplines as part of this double degree.

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.

Professional experience

Students are required to complete 4 units:

EDET100: Effective Teaching 1: Becoming a Teacher - 15 days

EDET201: Effective Teaching 2: Curriculum and Pedagogies - 20 days

EDET301: Effective Teaching 3: Engaging for Positive Learning and Environments - 20 days

EDET402: Effective Teaching 6: Reflective Practice for Teaching and Learning - 25 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.

The current requirements are for a minimum of 80 days of professional experience that occurs in structured supervised settings. 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.

Community engagement

You will complete a community engagement unit, EXSC223 Sport, Exercise and Health in Action: Engaging with Community, with a minimum of 25 hours of direct service or equivalent.

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 schools as a PE, HOPE and HPE teacher, including Catholic, government and independent settings
  • institutes of technical and further education (TAFE)
  • vocational education
  • community education centres
  • private colleges
  • special education settings

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 (New South Wales)

  • Education Studies units EDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching 10 cp
  • Secondary Curriculum units EDCU150 Literacy and Numeracy for Secondary Teachers 10 cp
  • Physical Education units BIOL125 Human Biology 1 10 cp
  • Physical Education units EXSC109 Games and Sports Skills 10 cp
  • Education Studies units EDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts 10 cp
  • Education Studies units EDES106 Contemporary Learning Cultures and Contexts 10 cp
  • Physical Education units EXSC142 Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science 10 cp
  • Physical Education units EXSC187 Growth, Motor Development and Ageing 10 cp

Commencing Semester 1 (Victoria and Queensland)

Commencing Semester 2 (New South Wales)

Commencing Semester 2 (Victoria and Queensland)

Graduate statement

Insight

As a BEd graduate, you have insight into your professional practice within educational and community contexts, founded on understandings of learners and their learning, teaching practices, the content and pedagogies of selected teaching areas, and the foundations of education as a multi-disciplinary field in pursuit of social justice, equity and the common good. You apply learning and teaching practices in the context of educational centres and/or school contexts, facilitating quality learning environments and experiences to support learning for diverse learners, including students with disability. You engage in critically reflective practice that builds self-awareness and self-efficacy as a professional committed to life-long learning and development. You appreciate the role of education in promoting human flourishing though equity, diversity and inclusion. 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 a BEd graduate, you recognise human dignity as a universal truth for all peoples, cultures and communities. Your appreciation of diversity is established through critical self-inquiry that builds self-awareness and empathy that is demonstrated through engagement in professional and community contexts. You understand, respect and value different perceptions of knowledge and learning and can integrate Indigenous Knowings into teaching areas to promote reconciliation. You collaborate effectively in culturally diverse contexts to establish safe, supportive and inclusive learning experiences and environments.

Imagination

As a BEd graduate, you use your imagination to plan engaging learning experiences using a range of effective teaching strategies that are inclusive and accessible for all students. You apply critical and creative thinking to implement innovative, evidence-based approaches to teaching and pedagogical decision-making to meet the needs of diverse learners. You appreciate and use technological innovations and can design creative solutions in the ethical and professional use of technologies to support teaching and learning across a range of learning environments.

Impact

As a BEd graduate, you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice, human dignity and the common good through your commitment to professional practice within teaching and learning contexts. You apply your pedagogical and curriculum knowledge to plan and implement high-quality learning that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable. You demonstrate ethical citizenship through your contributions to educational and community contexts.

AQF framework

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has completed the course requirements for the courses listed below may graduate with the corresponding qualification. However, none of these qualifications qualify the holder to teach in Australia.

  1. Undergraduate Certificate in Educational Studies
  2. Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  • Diploma in Exercise Science

A student who does not satisfy the LANTITE requirements may exit the course through an appropriate pathway, provided they meet the criteria for that award.

Additional course information

Requirements for working with children: All students must apply for and obtain background checks as required by Federal and State/Territory laws, including the Working with Vulnerable People check, Working with Children check and National Police check, before they will be permitted to participate in the Professional Experience Program. International students must bring police check documentation from their own countries. All students who have lived in another country for 12 months or more must provide a police check from that country for that period.

Entry requirements

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, which includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement and meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements.

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

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent.

StatePrerequisites
New South Wales

Prerequisites: Nil

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

Assumed Knowledge: 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.

Recommended studies: Health and Movement Science 11-12; plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Queensland

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

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

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 the ACU Foundation Studies program 

Find out more about Diploma pathways 

Further study

Graduates with bachelor degrees may be eligible for entry into honours courses or to a range of postgraduate coursework programs, eg graduate certificates and graduate diplomas and, through these qualifications and/or with relevant work experience, to master’s degree programs.

Fees

Course costs

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.

In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay other non‑tuition costs. Further information on non‑tuition fees is available on our Fees and Scholarships page.

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

Domestic applicants

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 Nicki Brake

Senior Lecturer in Personal Development, Health and PE

Dr Nicki Brake is a Senior Lecturer in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) in the Faculty of Education and Arts and is the NSW Course Adviser for First Year students in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) suite of degrees. Nicki has extensive teaching experience, with over 25 years teaching PDHPE and Dance Education. Nicki has particular interest in student and teacher wellbeing and is passionate about enabling and empowering all people to optimise their own health.

Dr Wade Naylor

Lecturer, School of Education QLD - Brisbane

Dr. Wade Naylor (MInstP) is a former Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics at Osaka University (2010-2015), where he served as the physics course adviser for the Chemistry-Biology Combined Major Program. During this time, he taught international students and supervised Masters and PhD candidates in the Department of Physics. After moving from Japan to Australia in 2015, Wade transitioned from andragogy to pedagogy, becoming a certified Queensland teacher in 2016. He also worked as a sessional academic at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Currently, Wade is a lecturer in Physics, Mathematics, and STEM education at ACU, with research interests in Physics Education Research (PER) and understanding misconceptions in physics and STEM through Concept Inventories (CIs). He is also a visiting senior researcher at the Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, where he actively contributes to improving student outcomes through PER initiatives. 

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEST,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs