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Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Become an inspiring secondary school teacher ready to help students tackle rapidly changing technologies.

  • Join an industry with a high job satisfaction (3.7/5 stars)
  • Gear yourself towards technology-rich classrooms
  • Enhance your knowledge of curriculum teaching, innovative learning, and equity and diversity in education
  • Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

2 years full-time

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Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct

Start Dates

Icon Units

14

Units

Icon Fees

$3,210*

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OVERVIEW

Make a difference in the lives of young people.

With an increased demand for secondary school teachers, as well as a strong focus on preparing students for enriching, technology-centric careers, Swinburne Online’s Master of Teaching is an excellent option for those who want to help meet this demand and make a difference in the lives of young people. The higher demand is also thanks to the Department of Education’s drive to increase positions and placements, which bodes well for future teachers.

Master of Teaching (Secondary) blends in-school experience with online course work, aiming to equip you with a holistic skill set that balances teaching methods with care for student’s well-being. The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is also uniquely designed to run across four teaching periods a year, to better align with Victorian school terms and dates.

As a Swinburne Online student, you will also have access to unique development opportunities as part of the Access Quality Teaching Initiative. Through this initiative you will be placed in professional experience placements in regional, remote and/or lower socio-educational advantage schools in Victoria, giving you valuable experience with a diverse range of educational communities.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible for provisional registration by the Victorian Institute of Teaching as a secondary teacher, or (by reciprocal arrangements) with teacher education authorities in other states.

This course not available to international students.

Key Learnings Include

  • Curriculum Knowledge: Learn how best to teach the national and state curriculum in various classroom contexts.
  • Learning Environments: Create innovative learning environments that harness the power of educational technology to facilitate dynamic learning.
  • Interpersonal & Leadership Skills: Develop communication skills to explore educational leadership and policy, while navigating relationships with colleagues, students and their families.
  • Assessment Strategies: Use both qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to evaluate student progress and extend student learning.
  • Teaching Pedagogy: Analyse core teaching pedagogies – which focus on literacy and numeracy – as they are best applied across a range of subject areas.
  • Indigenous Education Perspectives: Develop an understanding of contemporary and historical Indigenous education perspectives, as a means to better engage with and advocate for Indigenous children and their families.
  • 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

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‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

3.7/5

Secondary School Teachers rate their job satisfaction at 3.7 out of 5 stars.

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.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

3.7/5

Secondary School Teachers rate their job satisfaction at 3.7 out of 5 stars.

Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Primary) you must complete 14 units in total made up of:

  • 13 Core Units
  • 1 Credited Placement
  • 2 Not-for-credit placements

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.

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

Applicants require 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). 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.

Students will also require a valid Working with Children Check from the appropriate state authority. A Police Check may also be required by a school prior to a placement. For a list of each state’s requirements, see the careforkids website.

CASPer suitability tool

From 2018, under the new AITSL and government Initial Teacher Education (ITE) requirements, all students applying to ITE courses across Australia will need to meet suitability for teaching (non-academic selection) criteria.

If you’re looking to apply for our Master of Teaching (Secondary) course, you will need to complete the CASPer suitability tool.

Get in touch with a Course Consultant to find out more information.

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 no fewer than 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
  • Accounting
  • Applied Computing
  • Business Management
  • Economics
  • Industry and Enterprise
  • Legal Studies
  • Design and Technologies
  • 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 $3,210*.
  • There are 14 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more 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.

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:

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

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (average annual salaries via SEEK):

$103,000 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.

$92,000 Average Salary

Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses.

Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses.

$105,000 Average Salary

Develop integrated online course content for secondary school students, ensuring content is accessible and pedagogically sound.

Develop integrated online course content for secondary school students, ensuring content is accessible and pedagogically sound.

Prepare for a career the right way.

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) a strong choice for those seeking a flexible, practical, and future-focused pathway into secondary education and related fields.

  • Hands-On 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.
  • Future-focused Foundation: Prepare yourself for technology-rich classrooms and help students adapt to rapidly changing technologies.
  • Career Opportunities: Beyond classroom teaching, you can pursue roles in curriculum development, educational leadership, and online learning design.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • 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 where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

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.