Study Master of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Enquire Apply

Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

You're viewing degree information for Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Not an Australian student? Switch to International content

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill
Mawson Lakes

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
MMET

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed:
- A Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution with a competitive GPA, noting that admission is competitive and based on academic merit; and
- a major and preferably a minor (not essential) in the Learning Area in which they intend to specialise, aligned with the Australian Curriculum
To qualify for a Major Learning Area, applicants must have completed a minimum of six courses in a Learning Area that aligns with the Australian Curriculum. A maximum of two of those courses must have been completed at the first-year level and a minimum of two courses at the third-year level.

To qualify for a Minor Learning Area (not essential), applicants must have completed four courses in a Learning Area that aligns with the Australian Curriculum. A maximum of two of those courses must have been completed at the first-year level.

Critical information regarding Learning Areas entry requirements can be found here.

-----Additional entry requirements-----
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, applicants must also fulfil non-academic entry requirements. All applicants will be required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application. Complete information on content, format and submission is available here.

Applicants are advised that a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services is required for all preservice teachers prior to undertaking any professional experience placement or site visit that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance can be found on the Professional Experience Placement website.
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Brochure Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply

Due to program structure requirements, students commencing mid-year in the Health and Physical Education Learning Area will require 2.5 years to complete their program, with some semesters taken at a part-time load. Please note mid-year entry into the Health and Physical Education Learning Area is only available for domestic students.

Degree overview

Study a master’s degree that is solely focused on the learning and planning needs of adolescent students from Year 7 to Year 12.
Gain practical experience with supervised field placements – starting in your first year.
Benefit from flexible learning options, including part-time and some online study.
Enjoy further flexibility with a trimester degree structure, making it easier for you to prioritise field placements.
Learn with experienced secondary school teachers in collaborative learning classes.
Study a minor specialisation in Islamic pedagogy, TESOL, Integrated Teaching or Vocational Education.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
Find out how to become a secondary teacher and the pathways available with our How to Become a Teacher page.
UniSA is World top 150 in Education¹.
Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education².
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities³, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2024 THE Subject Rankings
²Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification is for students who have already completed a three-year bachelor's degree and would like to increase their employment prospects with a teaching qualification specialising in secondary education. The curriculum is solely focused on the education of children from Year Seven to Year 12.

Practical learning is a major component and you will complete 60 days of professional experience placements, starting in your first year.

The Secondary specialisation is taught at Mawson Lakes campus only.

Applications to this program are online via SATAC's postgraduate portal. SATAC codes:

Arts (visual) (drama) (music) (media) - 4CM114
English - 4CM116
Health and Physical Education - 4CM117
Humanities and Social Sciences - 4CM118
Languages - 4CM119
Mathematics - 4CM120
Science - 4CM121

If you wish to accelerate your studies you can complete this degree in 18 months. In order to do so, your year will have three study periods (rather than the usual two).

Find out how to become a specialist secondary teacher and the options available on our How to Become a Teacher page.

Please note that this degree uses a blended learning approach and parts of this degree may be studied online. Some on-campus, in-person attendance (seminars, workshops etc.) and/or placements apply.

The Australian Government is providing financial support for initial teacher education (ITE) students commencing full-time teaching degrees from 2024. You could be eligible for up to $20,000. Conditions apply. Find out more.

What you'll need

WWCC clearance

Preservice teachers will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check (WWCC) through the Department of Human Services (DHS). The clearance will be valid for five years. The WWCC must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DHS clearance process. If a preservice teacher fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity that a preservice teacher may require to complete the course of study. If preservice teachers cannot undertake a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity which is a compulsory part of the program, they cannot graduate with an Initial Teacher Education degree from UniSA.

Mandatory child-safe environments training

All education students who are completing any in-school or site (i.e. preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect (RRHAN-EC) prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia, child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child-safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child harm, abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All students undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and non-government schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (i.e. a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website.

Literacy and Numeracy Test

All preservice teachers must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) to be eligible for program completion and graduation. Preservice teachers will attempt LANTITE as they progress through their program. Preservice teachers will be required to successfully achieve both the literacy and numeracy components of LANTITE as a prerequisite for enrolment in their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of support for preservice teachers to help them achieve the required standard. Preservice teachers will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any preservice teacher who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will be counselled regarding options.

Please note new entry requirements and learning area specialisations.

What you'll learn

This degree has been designed to develop skilled, committed and flexible secondary school educators. The focus is on practical learning and you will gain the skills needed to teach across the core curriculum learning areas in schools from Year Seven to Year 12. There are four major study areas:

curriculum studies
professional experience
education studies
pedagogy

Courses studied will include on-campus lectures and workshops; some courses will also be offered fully online or with online support. Learning will be supplemented with online lectures, learning activities, readings and discussion boards.

During the degree you will participate in 60 days of supervised placements.

Students can also elect to study Australia's only minor specialisation in Islamic pedagogy, which will equip graduates with knowledge and inclusive practice through two courses in Islamic Pedagogy: Principles and Praxis, and Islamic Pedagogy: Quality Teaching and Learning. The Islamic pedagogy minor specialisation aims to promote effective and inclusive learning for teaching secondary students in Islamic schools or schools with Muslim students.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Learning Area 1.1		4.5	Note(s): 1
Learning Area 2.1		4.5	Note(s): 1
Middle Years of Schooling	EDUC 5269	4.5
Critical Perspectives of Education	EDUC 5249	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Study Period 4
Reflexive Practice and Professional Experience 1	EDUC 5271	9		Rule(s): 1
Learning Area 1.2		4.5	Note(s): 1
Study Period 6
Middle Schooling Pedagogies	EDUC 5268	4.5
Curriculum, Pedagogy and Democracy	EDUC 5152	4.5
Foundations of Learning and Development: A Child Centred Approach	EDUC 5261	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
Learning Area 1.3		4.5	Note(s): 1
Learning Area 2.2		4.5	Note(s): 1
Reflexive Practice and Professional Experience 2: Inquiry into Practice	EDUC 5294	13.5		Rule(s): 1
OR
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Reflexive Practice and Professional Experience 2: Inquiry into Practice	EDUC 5294	13.5		Rule(s): 1

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Arts Education Learning Area
Planning and Teaching for Effective Arts Learning	EDUC 5144	4.5
Professional Learning in Arts Education	EDUC 5145	4.5
Foundations for Specialist Arts Educators	EDUC 5143	4.5
English Education Learning Area
English for Secondary Teaching 2	EDUC 5164	4.5
English for Secondary Teaching 3	EDUC 5165	4.5
English for Secondary Teaching 1	EDUC 5163	4.5
Health and Physical Education Learning Area
Health and Physical Education for Secondary Teaching 1	EDUC 5167	4.5
Health and Physical Education for Secondary Teaching 2	EDUC 5168	4.5
Health and Physical Education for Secondary Teaching 3	EDUC 5169	4.5
Humanities and Social Sciences Learning Area
Humanities and Social Sciences for Secondary Teaching 1	EDUC 5171	4.5
Humanities and Social Sciences for Secondary Teaching 2	EDUC 5172	4.5
Humanities and Social Sciences for Secondary Teaching 3	EDUC 5173	4.5
Languages Education Learning Area (Languages other than English LOTE)
Curriculum Development for Languages Education	EDUC 5153	4.5
Interactions for Languages Education	EDUC 5176	4.5
Learning a New Language and Culture	EDUC 5284	4.5
Mathematics Education Learning Areas
Mathematics for Secondary Teaching 2	EDUC 5292	4.5
Mathematics for Secondary Teaching 1	EDUC 5184	4.5
Mathematics and Science for Senior Secondary Teaching	EDUC 5194	4.5
Science Education Learning Area
Mathematics and Science for Senior Secondary Teaching	EDUC 5194	4.5
Science for Secondary Teaching 1	EDUC 5197	4.5
Science for Secondary Teaching 2	EDUC 5193	4.5
Islamic Pedagogy Learning Area (available as a minor learning area only)
Islamic Pedagogy: Principles and Praxis	EDUC 5262	4.5
Islamic Pedagogy: Quality Teaching and Learning	EDUC 5263	4.5
Teaching English as a Second Language Learning Area (available as a minor learning area only)
TESOL Approaches and Strategies	EDUC 5199	4.5
Curriculum Development in TESOL	EDUC 5154	4.5
Integrated Teaching and Vocational Education (available as a minor learning area only)
Integrated Teaching and Mentoring in Schools, Communities and Workplaces	EDUC 5175	4.5
Integrated Teaching and Vocational Education in Schools	EDUC 5283	4.5
Outdoor and Environmental Education Learning Area (available as a minor learning area only)
Outdoor and Environmental Education Pedagogy 1- Middle Years	EDUC 5290	4.5
Outdoor and Environmental Education Pedagogy 2 - Senior Years	EDUC 5291	4.5
ELECTIVES
Integrated Teaching and Vocational Education in Schools	EDUC 5283	4.5
Islamic Pedagogy: Principles and Praxis	EDUC 5262	4.5
Online Learning Communities: Formal and Informal	EDUC 5239	4.5
Introduction to Digital Learning	EDUC 5243	4.5
Integrated Teaching and Mentoring in Schools, Communities and Workplaces	EDUC 5175	4.5
Learning English as an Additional Language	EDUC 5180	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Preservice teachers are required to take the two Reflexive Practice and Professional Experience courses in sequence. Reflexive Practice and Professional Experience days and blocks must be taken on a continuous full-time basis regardless of whether a preservice teacher is studying in a part-time or full-time mode.

2. Accreditation requirements mandate that preservice teachers in a two year program undertake supervised professional experience of no less than 60 days in a formal education setting. In South Australia this includes preschool settings. Preservice teachers are assessed against the Teachers Registration Board (SA) professional teaching standards and are awarded a non-graded pass (NGP).

3. Preservice teachers will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check (WWCC) through the Department of Human Services (DHS). The clearance will be valid for five years. The WWCC must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DHS clearance process. If a preservice teacher fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity that a preservice teacher may require to complete the course of study. If preservice teachers cannot undertake a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity which is a compulsory part of the program, they cannot graduate with an Initial Teacher Education degree from UniSA.

4. Preservice teachers enrolled in programs in UniSA Education Futures and who are completing any in-school or site (ie preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements, must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Abuse and Neglect prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All preservice teachers undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and non-government schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (ie a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website. For more information go to the UniSA Education Futures Pre-requisites and Requirements web page.

5. All preservice teachers must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) to be eligible for program completion and graduation. Preservice teachers will attempt LANTITE as they progress through their program. Preservice teachers will be required to successfully achieve both the literacy and numeracy components of LANTITE as a prerequisite for enrolment in their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of supports for preservice teachers to help them achieve the required standard. Preservice teachers will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any preservice teacher who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will be counselled regarding options.

Notes

1. Learning Area courses 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 must be chosen from the preservice teacher's major learning area while courses 2.1 and 2.2 are chosen from their minor learning area. Not all learning areas are available every year. Please check with your Program Director for availability.

2. This course should be selected from the Electives list above. Students with a Health & Physical Education major learning area will complete course "EDUC 5141 Advanced Pedagogies in Health and Physical Education" as their elective.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

presentations
projects
essays
critical reviews
research proposal, presentation and report

Why Master of Teaching (Secondary)

We are South Australia's largest tertiary provider for education degrees. Practical learning is a major focus and you will gain industry experience starting in your first semester.

As Australia’s university of enterprise:

we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 33,000 students
One of the World's Top Young Universities.¹

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

¹Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Real-world connections

Workplace learning is a major focus and throughout your studies, you will complete 60 days of field-based placements. This practical experience will equip you with the skills and confidence needed after graduation and will also help you to build industry networks and relationships. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Online study

Part of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use discussion forums for team work and communication

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.

Study Teaching at UniSA

Hear from UniSA graduate and secondary school teacher, Joshua Lamb, about his experience studying the Master of Teaching (Secondary) at UniSA and how it has helped him reach his career goals.

Career outcomes

Your career

Teachers have a passion for learning and a dedication to the social, emotional, academic, physical and psychological development of students. Well-developed interpersonal skills, patience, as well as impeccable organisational and communication skills are key attributes of successful educators.

The demand for teachers is strong¹. Graduates are able to gain employment as secondary teachers in schools and related educational fields in metropolitan and regional centres nationally and internationally. Employers include:

Department for Education
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA)
Independent Schools Association (AISSA)

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020

Professional accreditation and recognition

Successful completion of this program provides a recognised academic qualification which will enable graduates to apply for teacher registration in South Australia, interstate and some overseas countries. Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.

Industry facts

In 2016 there were 3,798,226 students enrolled in schools across Australia, representing an increase of 47,253 on 2015 figures¹.

¹Proportion of Students, by Affiliation, States and territories, 2016-Schools, Australia, 2016 Graph Data

Employment in secondary school teaching in Australia is projected to increase by 10,500 (7.8 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

make note of the relevant SATAC code listed below, then click Apply at the top of the page
continue your application when you are redirected to SATAC's postgraduate portal
address the non-academic entry requirements

SATAC codes:

Arts Education - 4CM114
English Education - 4CM116
Health and Physical Education - 4CM117
Humanities and Social Sciences - 4CM118
Languages Education - 4CM119
Mathematics Education - 4CM120
Science Education - 4CM121

-----Additional entry requirements-----

In accordance with national teacher education program standards, please note that as part of your SATAC application, you are also required to meet non-academic entry requirements.

All applicants who wish to commence study in our Education degrees are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement in addition to your SATAC application. This supports the national priority to ensure those entering the teaching profession have the personal qualities to best support learners and graduate as classroom ready, high quality teachers.

The Teaching Capabilities Statement complies with the national Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) initial teacher education program standard of academic and non-academic entry requirements. Further information can be found on the Entry Requirements page.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

My vision is to work collaboratively to equip graduates with qualities that promote learner achievement and wellbeing, which transfers to productive citizenship.

Dr Jill Colton

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Jill Colton

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

The diverse opportunities and experiences provided by the University enabled me to begin enriching students’ lives through Music Education just months after completing my degree. The course was taught by passionate and experienced staff and encompassed elements of practical and theory work that mirrored many of the pedagogical approaches used in the 21st century classroom.

Laura Possingham

Master of Teaching (Secondary)