Start Date
February

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
LHSE

SATAC Code
434003 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
Refer to program schedule and notes
More info

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

Degree overview

  • Focusing on the learning and development of students from Years 7 to 12.
  • Select two subject areas that align with the Australian Curriculum to be able to teach in secondary settings up to Year 12.
  • Get practical experience with field-based placements in a variety of settings, including metropolitan and rural schools, starting in your first six months.
  • Graduate career-ready when you complete 100 days of professional placements throughout your degree.
  • 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.
  • Learn with experienced secondary school teachers in collaborative learning classes.
  • Access the state-of-the-art Samsung SMARTSchool located at Magill Campus, as well as teaching and learning facilities including maker spaces, laboratories, and performing art theatres.
  • 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 Rankings
3ComparED (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 #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

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.

Subject areas (Learning Areas) are:

  • Arts - Visual Arts, or Drama and Creative Arts
  • English*
  • Humanities and Social Sciences - Geography and History
  • Languages* - French, Italian, Japanese, Languages Education (for proficient speakers only) and English as an Additional Language or Dialect (sub-major only)
  • Mathematics*
  • Psychology (sub-major only)
  • Science* - Physics, Chemistry, or Biology
  • Technologies - Design and Technology, Food and Textile Technologies, or Digital Technologies (sub-major only)
  • Outdoor Education (sub-major only)

Note: You can choose to complete a major and sub-major in the one Learning Area e.g. major Physics and sub-major Chemistry.

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

  • Teaching Children with Disabilities
  • Teaching in Regional and Rural Locations
  • Health Risks and Relationships Education
  • Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners
  • Integrated Teaching and Vocational Education in Secondary Settings
  • Peers, Relationships and Health
  • Constructions of Wellbeing and Identify
     

This degree is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Depending on your selected subject areas (Learning Areas), you may also study at the Magill, City West or City East campuses.

*Please note: students who are seeking to undertake a major or sub-major in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry will require the following prerequisites:

  • Mathematics: SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods or equivalent
  • Chemistry: SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent
  • Physics: SACE Stage 2 Physics or equivalent

In addition, SACE Stage 2 Language is assumed knowledge for the Major in Languages; and SACE Stage 2 English or SACE Stage 2 English Literary Studies is assumed knowledge for the Major in English. Students are assumed to have studied the above prior to enrolling into the program and selecting one or more of the relevant Learning Areas. Assumed knowledge is an advantage but not essential for entry into a program.

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

What you 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): 3,4,10
Curriculum Sub Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 3,5,10
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): 1,11
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Major 4.5 Note(s): 6,8
Sub-Major 4.5 Note(s): 7,8
Sub-Major 4.5 Note(s): 7,8
Major 4.5 Note(s): 6,8
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1)
Honours Educational Research: Theory, Literature and Policy EDUC 4224 4.5 Note(s): 1,11
First Semester (Study Period 2 or 3)
Honours Research Methodology: Methods and Ethics EDUC 4239 4.5 Note(s): 1,11
Major 4.5 Note(s): 6,8
Curriculum Sub-major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3,5,11
Curriculum Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3,4,11
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Experience 4 (Honours): Inquiry into Practice EDUC 4245 13.5 Note(s): 2,11 Rule(s): 2,3,4,5

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

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)

Why this Degree

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.

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

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.

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.

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 yow 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.

* Some majors and sub-majors require prerequisite or assumed knowledge. SACE Stage 2 Physics or equivalent is a prerequisite for the major and sub-major in Physics; SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent is a prerequisite for the major and sub-major in Chemistry; SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods or equivalent is a prerequisite for the major and sub-major in Mathematics; SACE Stage 2 French is assumed knowledge for the major and sub-major in French; SACE Stage 2 Italian is assumed knowledge for the major and sub-major in Italian; SACE Stage 2 Japanese is assumed knowledge for the major and sub-major in Japanese; SACE Stage 2 English or Stage 2 English Literary Studies is assumed knowledge for the major and sub-major in English.

Alternative Pathways

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

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.

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

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

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.

Student services

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.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

Dr Jill Colton

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Jill Colton
Portrait image for Dr Jill Colton

Dr Jill Colton

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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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