Study Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) (Mount Gambier) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to 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)

Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
Mt Gambier

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
LHSE

SATAC Code
474092 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
Refer to program schedule and notes
More info

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 73.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 73.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
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, about their motivation to teach, addressing the topics: 'Explain what you think teaching involves. Outline the personal and academic qualities you possess that will enable you to become an effective teacher. Describe your attitude to learning and provide an example of something you have learned that was meaningful'. Complete information on content, format and submission is available here.

Applicants are advised that a successful Child Related Employment Screening from the Department of Human Services is required for all students prior to their undertaking any professional experience/practicum placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the UniSA Education Futures Child Related Employment Screening web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance may also be required for other courses, eg to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation or visits, unless the students are already registered teachers.
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge

Refer to program schedule and notes
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

This degree is based at the Mount Gambier campus, with the flexibility to also study online.
Focusing on the learning and development of students from Years 7 to 12.
Major in English*, Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology (sub-major only) or Digital Technologies (sub-major only).
Get practical experience with field-based placements starting in your first six months.
Graduate career-ready when you complete 100 days of professional placements throughout your degree.
Learn with experienced secondary school teachers in collaborative learning classes.
Build professional knowledge through education and curriculum studies, school, community and industry-based experiences.
Graduate career-ready and with Honours in just four years. The addition of Honours will set you apart from your competitors and provide increased employment opportunities.
UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia¹ and World top 150 in Education².
UniSA is ranked No.1 in SA for graduate careers in education³.
Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education⁴.
UniSA is No.1 in SA for starting salaries in Teaching⁵.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁶, 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.

¹2022 QS Subject Rankings ²2024 THE Subject Rankings³ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Teacher Education – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.⁵2021 Good Universities Guide – Teacher Education (Undergraduate).⁶UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

*Please note that these subject areas require you to have completed the following prerequisites: SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods is a pre-requisite for the Major in Mathematics. SACE Stage 2 English or Stage 2 English Literary Studies is assumed knowledge for the major and sub-major in English.

Snapshot

The Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) is a four-year professional teaching degree that will equip you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to thrive as a contemporary educator in secondary school settings.

As well as real-world experience, you will be given the opportunity to fine-tune your learning as you focus on two subject areas (Learning Areas) aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Your selected major and sub-major will enable you to teach in both of these subject areas up to Year 12.

Choose from subject areas (Learning Areas):

English*
Humanities and Social Sciences
Psychology (sub-major only)
Digital Technologies (sub-major only).

You can also select from a range of elective subjects including:

Teaching in Regional and Rural Locations
Integrated Teaching and Vocational Education in Secondary Settings
Constructions of Wellbeing and Identity

*Please note that this subject area requires you to have completed the following prerequisites: SACE Stage 2 English or Stage 2 English Literary Studies is assumed knowledge for the major and sub-major in English.

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 $40,000. Conditions apply. Find out more.

What you'll learn

You will learn the skills and develop the knowledge to teach adolescent students from Years 7-12 in the major and sub-major subjects of your choice. You will have the opportunity to develop a broad and coherent body of knowledge through the following three components of the program:

curriculum studies – includes courses that introduce and consolidate the specific teaching content of your major and sub-major learning areas
professional experience courses – placement courses, which allow you to develop and practice your professional knowledge and skills in secondary classroom settings
education studies – includes courses that explore more broadly what it means to be an educator of adolescent students

Your studies will culminate in a Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment, where you will be able to reflect on your developing professional understanding and practice as a new teacher. This reflection will be an invaluable resource to support continuous improvement in your teaching.

You will also be expected to participate in professional experience in secondary school settings. Placements are taken on a continuous full-time basis at designated times during the year, as organised by the University in partnership with the schooling sectors.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Professional Experience 1: Introduction to Educators' Practices	EDUC 1081	4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2,3,4
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Sub-Major		4.5	Note(s): 7,8
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Learning, Teaching and Inquiry 1: Identity, Diversity and Adolescence	EDUC 1109	4.5	Note(s): 1
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Sub-Major		4.5	Note(s): 7,8
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1)
Teaching and Learning in Aboriginal Education	EDUC 2061	4.5	Note(s): 1
First Semester (Study Period 2 or 3)
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Sub-Major		4.5	Note(s): 7,8
Sub-Major		4.5	Note(s): 7,8
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Experience 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy	EDUC 2062	4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2,3,4
Learning, Teaching and Inquiry 2: Pedagogy, Curriculum and Inclusivity	EDUC 2086	4.5	Note(s): 1
Curriculum Major 1		4.5	Note(s): 3,4
Curriculum Sub-Major 1		4.5	Note(s): 3,5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Professional Experience 3: Informed Planning (HP)	EDUC 3086	9	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2,3,4
Learning, Teaching and Inquiry 3: Creating Positive Secondary Learning Environments	EDUC 3085	4.5	Note(s): 1,10
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Sub-Major		4.5	Note(s): 7,8
Sub-Major		4.5	Note(s): 7,8
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1)
Honours Educational Research: Theory, Literature and Policy	EDUC 4224	4.5	Note(s): 1,10
First Semester (Study Period 2 or 3)
Honours Research Methodology: Methods and Ethics	EDUC 4239	4.5	Note(s): 1,10
Major		4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Curriculum Sub-Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 3,5,10
Curriculum Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,10
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Experience 4 (Honours): Inquiry into Practice	EDUC 4245	13.5	Note(s): 2,10	Rule(s): 2,3,4,5

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

Humanities and Social Sciences for Education

English for Education

Digital Technologies for Education

Psychology for Education

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Electives
Teaching in Rural and Regional Locations	EDUC 4208	4.5
Constructions of Wellbeing and Identity	EDUC 1083	4.5
Integrated Teaching and Vocational Education in Secondary Settings	EDUC 3090	4.5
Curriculum courses for Digital Technologies
Digital Technology Curriculum 1	EDUC 2099	4.5
Digital Technology Curriculum 2	EDUC 4246	4.5
Curriculum courses for English
English Curriculum 1	EDUC 2084	4.5
English Curriculum 2	EDUC 4232	4.5
Curriculum courses for Humanities and Social Sciences
HASS Curriculum 1	EDUC 2085	4.5
HASS Curriculum 2	EDUC 4233	4.5
Curriculum courses for Psychology
Integrated Teaching and Vocational Education in Secondary Settings	EDUC 3090	4.5
Psychology Curriculum 1	EDUC 2102	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Accreditation requirements mandate that preservice teachers in a four-year program undertake supervised professional experience of no less than 80 days in a formal education setting. Pteachers are assessed against the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Graduate Standards and are awarded a non-graded pass (NGP). The Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) has 100 days of placement.

2. Preservice teachers are required to complete the four Professional Experience courses in sequence. All 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.

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 Education Degree from UniSA.

4. Preservice teachers enrolled in programs in UniSA Education Futures and who are completing any in-school or site 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 nongovernment schools 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. This course is part of the Education Studies component of the program which comprises 6 courses (27 units).

2. This course is part of the Professional Experience component which comprises 4 courses (31.5 units).

3. This course is part of the Curriculum Studies component of the program which comprises 4 courses (18 units).

4. Preservice teachers select the Curriculum Course from their major subject area as listed above.

5. Preservice teachers select the Curriculum Course from their sub-major subject area as listed above.

6. Preservice teachers must select a major comprising 36 units from the list above. The majors will generally proceed sequentially over the four years of the program. Prerequisites will normally apply as the preservice teacher progresses.

7. Preservice teachers must select a sub-major comprising 27 units from the list above. The sub-majors will generally proceed sequentially over the four years of the program. Prerequisites will normally apply as the preservice teacher progresses.

8. Some majors and sub-majors require pre-requisite or assumed knowledge. SACE Stage 2 English or Stage 2 English Literary Studies is assumed knowledge for the major and sub-major in English.

9. In third year, preservice teachers must complete one Elective from the Electives list above.

10. This course may be used to calculate the honours grade for the program.

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 (independent study). 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:

professional experience placements
presentations
reports
essays
examinations
digital portfolios
websites
videos.

Why Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) (Mount Gambier)

This degree prepares you from day one for the practical nature of your role as a secondary educator across the schooling years of 7-12. You will be equipped with the professional skills and knowledge to meet the learning needs of adolescent learners and teach in two subject areas up to Year 12. You will undertake 100 days of professional placements in secondary schools, providing you with the confidence and networks to succeed as a secondary educator.

The addition of Honours offers a higher level qualification, which will set you apart from your competitors and provide increased employment opportunities due to your ability to think critically and strategically, to problem solve and to undertake classroom-based research.

Real-world connections

Practical workplace learning is a major focus of this degree, as we want to ensure you’re prepared with the skills and experience to be an effective educator. Throughout your degree, you will complete 100 days of field-based placements in secondary school settings and can be involved in community and industry experiences. A range of practical experiences will equip you with the skills and confidence needed after graduation and will also help to build community and industry networks and relationships.

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. 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

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

Career outcomes

Your career

The Honours program will equip you with an additional qualification and specialised skills, which will enhance your employment prospects if you choose to continue into teaching. Careers to consider include:

secondary school teacher
senior coordinator
education consultant
youth support officer
education policy adviser

Note: Graduates can apply for teacher registration in South Australia, interstate and some overseas countries. Applicants should note that there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and other registration and regulatory authorities.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
continue your application when you are redirected through to the SATAC website
address the non-academic entry requirements

-----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.

*Please note that these subject areas require you to have completed the following pre-requisites: SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods is a pre-requisite for the Major in Mathematics.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Education Studies (Secondary)

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

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UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

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Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

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. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered 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.

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.

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Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) (Whyalla)

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Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

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Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

This degree is only available to Australian students

Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) (Mount Gambier)

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge