The Master of Teaching (Secondary) program at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a secondary school teacher. This course is globally recognised, ranking among the top 50 in education worldwide. You will learn to create engaging and effective learning experiences, guided by experienced mentor teachers and informed by the latest research in pedagogy. Whether you are seeking a career change or building on a recent undergraduate degree, this program will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the classroom. You'll gain deep insights into adolescent learning and participate in extensive professional placements in real school settings. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to teach in one or two specialist areas, which are determined by your prior undergraduate studies and campus location. Available teaching areas include a broad range of subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, History, Physical Education, and Visual Arts. The program also offers pathways and scholarships for those interested in teaching in regional or disadvantaged communities, in partnership with various government education departments and organisations like Teach for Australia.
The Master of Teaching (Secondary) requires the completion of 160 credit points. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in educational theory, practical teaching skills, and professional experience. Students will undertake units in curriculum studies, effective teaching practices, and professional experience, including a mandatory literacy and numeracy diagnostic. There are also opportunities for specialisation, such as an internship pathway.
Graduates of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) are eligible for registration as secondary school teachers across government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. The diverse skills acquired also open doors to a variety of roles within and beyond the education sector.
Admission is governed by the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. ACU offers various access and equity schemes, including for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Fees may increase if the course duration is extended. Enrolment may be affected by non-payment of fees or breach of student visa conditions. Refund policies apply for deferred, suspended, or cancelled enrolments.
Graduates are eligible for registration as secondary school teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. To teach Religious Education in a Catholic secondary school, a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education or equivalent may be required, which can be studied concurrently at ACU.
You need an approved undergraduate degree that forms the foundation for your specialist teaching areas and must satisfy non-academic capabilities for initial teacher education. For English proficiency, an IELTS Academic overall score of 7.5 with no band below 7.0 is required, and a score of 8.0 in speaking and listening.
International tuition fees are approximately AUD 30,000 per year, based on a full-time study load. Estimated living costs in Australia are around AUD 21,041 per year.
The program is designed to be completed in 2 years of full-time study and includes a minimum of 60 days of professional experience.
Applications for the Semester 1 intake (March) open in August of the preceding year. Applications for the Semester 2 intake (August) open in April of the same year.
Graduates are eligible for registration as secondary school teachers in various school systems and can also pursue roles as Education Consultants, Adult Learning Specialists, or in Community and Advocacy Agency roles.
Yes, ACU offers several scholarships and pathways for aspiring teachers, including the Teach Now Victoria, All Points to Teaching, Turn to Teaching Internship Program (Queensland), and the Master of Teaching (Secondary)(Leading Learning) - Teach for Australia program.