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Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Swinburne Online’s Master of Teaching (Secondary) offers a flexible, practical, and future-focused pathway into secondary education and related fields.

  • Enhance your knowledge of curriculum teaching, innovative learning, and equity and diversity in education 
  • Gain hands-on experience with supervised school placements 
  • Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) 
  • Benefit from flexible online study with structured support from Online Learning Advisors and a student advisor team available 7 days a week 
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

2 years full time

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Icon Start Dates

Jan, Apr, Jul, Sep

Start Dates

Icon Units

14

Units

Icon Fees

$3,306

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Overview
Structure
Entry Criteria
Fees
Career Outcomes
Online Study
Overview
Structure
Entry Criteria
Fees
Career Outcomes
Online Study

OVERVIEW

What is the Master of Teaching (Secondary)? 

Swinburne Online’s Master of Teaching (Secondary) is a postgraduate degree that combines in-school teaching experience with online coursework. This course gives you the practical teaching strategies and curriculum depth you need to teach young people in secondary schools. 

With the Department of Education’s drive to increase teaching positions and placements, now more than ever, there is a need for teachers in Australia. 

Who is this course for? 

  • Career changers: Those looking to move into secondary teaching who already hold an undergraduate degree and want a clear, supported pathway into the profession. 
  • Non-teaching professionals: graduates from non‑education fields who want to apply their subject expertise in a secondary school setting and get a teaching qualification. 

How you’ll study 

  • The Bachelor runs across three Teaching Periods per year.  
  • Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week, per unit  
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per teaching period.  
  • You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.  
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content. 

What you’ll learn

  • Curriculum Knowledge: Learn how to best teach the national and state curriculum in various classroom contexts 
  • Learning environment design: Use educational technology to create interactive classrooms that keep students engaged and active 
  • Interpersonal and leadership development : Develop the skills to explore educational leadership and policy, while navigating relationships with colleagues, students and their families. 
  • Teaching Pedagogy: Analyse core teaching practices including:  literacy and numeracy – as they are best applied across a range of subject areas. 
  • Assessment Strategies: Engage with diagnostic, formative and summative assessment methods to evaluate student progress and inform teaching practice.
  • Indigenous Education Perspectives: Build and strengthen your understanding and application of knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, identity, languages, histories, status, challenges, place-based pedagogies, contributions and perspectives in education settings. 
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Strengthen your understanding of equity and diversity in education. Why it matters, and a teacher’s responsibility to cultivate an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all students.

Professional accreditations

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘Balancing work, family, and study was never easy, but the flexibility of online learning meant I could make it work. I’ve gained the confidence and skills to step into teaching.’

Kathryn, Masters of Teaching (Secondary) Swinburne Online Education graduate

3.7/5

3.7% ▴The education sector is growing, and there is an expected increase of 3.7% for Secondary School Teachers in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

The Good Universities Guide 2024

  • Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.
  • VIT Accredited Initial Teacher Education: This course meets all professional standards for Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.  
  • Integrated into the final placement, the GTPA is highly valued by school leaders, positioning graduates as classroom-ready and a preferred choice for recruitment. 

‘Balancing work, family, and study was never easy, but the flexibility of online learning meant I could make it work. I’ve gained the confidence and skills to step into teaching.’

Kathryn, Masters of Teaching (Secondary) Swinburne Online Education graduate

3.7/5

3.7% ▴The education sector is growing, and there is an expected increase of 3.7% for Secondary School Teachers in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

  • Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.
  • VIT Accredited Initial Teacher Education: This course meets all professional standards for Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.  
  • Integrated into the final placement, the GTPA is highly valued by school leaders, positioning graduates as classroom-ready and a preferred choice for recruitment. 

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Master of Teaching (Secondary) you must complete 16 units in total made up of: 

  • 13 Core Units  
  • 1 Placement (Credited) 
  • 2 placements (not for credit) 

Your two not-for-credit placements are embedded into specific theory units, which will set you on a strong path to put theory into practice as you develop your teaching skills. 

How do professional placements work? 

Professional experience placements are a core part of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) and are completed alongside your online study.  

These include: 

  • Three professional experience placement units  
  • Placements are completed in secondary school settings under the guidance of an approved Supervising Teacher. 
  • You’ll source your own placements but can ask for guidance from learning advisors. 

What you'll study:

 

Understanding Theories of Teaching, Learning and Development

Curriculum Development, Assessment and Responsive Pedagogy

Transformative Technologies in Education

Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum

Understanding Indigenous Education & Perspectives

Assessment and Data

Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Innovation for Education

Educational Leadership and Policy

Building and Sustaining Positive Relationships

Teacher Professionalism and Ethical Conduct

Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy 1

Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy 2

Professional Experience 1

Professional Experience 2

Supervised Professional Experience 3: Ready to Teach

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

To gain entry to this course, applicants must have completed a recognised bachelor degree relevant in one or more areas of the Primary curriculum and meet the English language requirements.

Applicants are required to hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification that includes at least a major study in one approved secondary teaching area (equivalent to one-year full-time equivalent study), and a minor in at least one other recognised teaching area (equivalent to half a year of full-time study) is also required.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate prior study can be considered in your teaching area(s) method(s) assessment.

For approved teaching areas, please visit the Victorian VCE study design and ACARA subject areas.

If your Bachelors degree was completed in a non-English speaking country, you may need to complete an approved English Language Proficiency test, in line with Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) requirements.

You will also need to complete the CASPer suitability tool in line with the AITSL and government Initial Teacher Education (ITE) requirements.

If you miss the last CASPer test date for our upcoming intake, we have an alternative pathway available to ensure you can commence your studies without any delays! You can find more detailed information about the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies pathway in the tab to the left.

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Master of Teaching (Secondary)? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies

The Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies is a supported non-accredited pathway into the Master of Teaching (Secondary), designed specifically for students who miss the last CASPer test date, to ensure you can still commence your studies in our upcoming intake, without any delay.

The entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies are the same as the Master of Teaching (Secondary), except for the requirement of the CASPer suitability test.

You’ll study the same units in the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies as you would in the Master of Teaching (Secondary), meaning the units you have completed in the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies will be credited towards your teaching degree.

Your Graduate Certificate typically takes up to 6 months to complete if you’re studying full-time, or part-time equivalent. You will gain knowledge in a range of areas, including educational theory, systems and practice. You will also develop broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts impacting primary Education in Australian and global contexts.

Have more questions about the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies or your eligibilty for the Master of Teaching (Secondary)? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Additional requirements

Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results. All applicants must sit a selection assessment for non-academic personal and professional attributes.

Applicants applying to transfer from an initial teacher education course from another Provider must disclose all LANTITE (National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students) attempts.

Applicants who have unsuccessfully attempted the LANTITE three or more times will not be eligible to receive an offer.

English Language Literacy

Evidence of English language proficiency is not required if the applicant has completed a bachelor degree in English in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or Republic of Ireland.

For bachelor degrees completed in other countries, the following criteria applies:

IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0 and a score of no less than 7.5 in speaking and listening; or

Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 75% and all skills 70% or above

TOEFL iBT: minimum score 95 (Reading no less than 20, Writing no less than 22)

Or equivalent measures available at the Swinburne English Language Requirements page.

The date of the assessment must be no more than two years prior to the time of application for registration.

Need more info?

We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Specialist Teaching Areas:

To undertake the Master of Teaching (Secondary) you are required to qualify for two specialist teaching areas, with at least one being a major teaching area. 

MAJOR TEACHING AREA 

  • A major will be equivalent to three-quarters of a year of prior full-time study, usually comprising sequential discipline study taken over three years. In most programs, this equates to six units, with no more than two at first-year level and at least two at third-year level. 

MINOR TEACHING AREA 

  • A minor will be equivalent to half a year of prior full-time study, usually comprising sequential discipline study taken over two years. In most programs, this equates to four units, with no more than two at first-year level. 
  • Select each tab below to see the full list of specialist teaching areas offered at Swinburne Online. 
  • Geography 
  • History 
  • Humanities and Social Sciences 
  • Philosophy 
  • Politics 
  • Religion and Society 
  • Sociology 
  • Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Environmental Science 
  • Food Studies 
  • Health and Human Development 
  • Mathematics 
  • Physical Education (must be a major) 
  • Physics 
  • Psychology 
  • Science 
  • Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Environmental Science 
  • Food Studies 
  • Health and Human Development 
  • Mathematics 
  • Physical Education (must be a major) 
  • Physics 
  • Psychology 
  • Science 
  • Digital Technologies 
  • Product Design and Technology 
  • Systems Engineering 
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Media
  • Music (must be a major)
  • Theatre Studies
  • Visual Art (must be a major)
  • Visual Communication Design
  • English 
  • Languages (must be a major) 
  • Literature 

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $3,306* 
  • There are 14 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units. 
  • *Note: Uni fees may change each year. 
  • FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes. 
  • Discover more information about HELP loans. 

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs. 

  • University-funded scholarships 
  • Government-funded scholarships 
  • Private scholarships and prizes 

Scholarships are available for both new and current students. 

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships 

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more. 

How it works: 

  1. Check eligibility
  2. Gather the relevant documentation
  3. Produce a personal statement
  4. Obtain your references
  5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships. 

Credit for prior study: 

  •  Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee 

  • Domestic students also contribute to annual student services and amenities fees. Visit Student Services and Amenities Fees for more information.

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Where can a Master of Teaching (Secondary) take you? With a Master of Teaching (Secondary), you can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in secondary education, supported by strong employment outcomes across Australia. Average salaries via SEEK $110,000 average salary: The typical annual earnings for secondary school teachers in Australia. 69% full-time employment: Most Australian secondary teachers are employed in secure, ongoing full-time roles. With a Master of Teaching (Secondary), you can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in secondary education, supported by strong employment outcomes across Australia. Average salaries via SEEK.

$100,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Teach young learners in a high school classroom as they explore discipline areas within their education, and begin to form an understanding of their future direction in life.

Teach young learners in a high school classroom as they explore discipline areas within their education, and begin to form an understanding of their future direction in life.

$90,000 to $120,000 Average Salary

Develop and enhance learning experiences and materials, primarily for educational or training settings. Focus on creating engaging and effective learning content, often using technology, to meet specific learning objectives.

Develop and enhance learning experiences and materials, primarily for educational or training settings. Focus on creating engaging and effective learning content, often using technology, to meet specific learning objectives.

$110,000–$120,000 Average Salary

Become a highly skilled education professional focused on improving teaching quality, designing educational frameworks, and enhancing student learning outcomes.

Become a highly skilled education professional focused on improving teaching quality, designing educational frameworks, and enhancing student learning outcomes.

$150,000–$160,000 Average Salary

Hold executive accountability for the entire school, including strategic vision, financial and human resource management, stakeholder engagement, and legal/safety compliance.

Hold executive accountability for the entire school, including strategic vision, financial and human resource management, stakeholder engagement, and legal/safety compliance.

Why study the Master of Teaching (Secondary) with Swinburne Online?

  • Practical Experience: The degree includes multiple teaching placements, giving you real-world experience and ensuring you are classroom ready. 
  • Transferable Skills: Develop leadership, communication, and assessment skills, as well as a strong understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. 
  • Focus on technology: Prepare yourself for technology-rich classrooms and help students adapt to rapidly changing technologies. 
  • Unique development opportunities: Access professional placements in a diverse range of educational communities.  

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each Swinburne degree is purpose-built for online learning. 

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed. 
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates. 
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere. 
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms. 
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it. 
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions. 

 

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Your online classroom: Canvas

Canvas is Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime! 

What you’ll use Canvas for: 

  • Explore all your units and modules 
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time 
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates 
  • Receive assessments and feedback 
  • Track your study progress 
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile 
Entry Criteria icon

Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

 Your Online Campus: The Student Hub 

The Student Hub is where you manage enrolment, access support services, and manage study-related administration. 

What you’ll use the Student Hub for: 

  • Manage your enrolment and any course administration 
  • Keeping up with fees, key dates, and study information 
  • Accessing library and technical support 
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more 
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What student support is available at Swinburne Online?

What student support is available at Swinburne Online? 

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.  

You’ll have access to: 

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have. 
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing 
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management 
  • Study Buddies –connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated 
  • 7 day support – to assistant you at any time 

Indigenous Student Services 

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. 

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available through the Moondani Toombadool Centre includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 
  • Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more. 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre. 

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Education degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.

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