Course summary
You never forget your favourite childhood teacher. Here's your chance to be that person.
Our two-year Master of Teaching is geared towards making a positive and perhaps even life-long impact on the lives of your students.
As well as undertaking an extended education research project, you can choose to major in secondary teaching with specialisations in fields spanning English to Art, Mathematics to Music, Science to Dance and more. Professional experience placements are an integral part of your learning experience.
Employment opportunities are diverse, as graduates are qualified to teach in New South Wales and Queensland.
Applicants for the Master of Teaching must submit a 1,000-word personal statement outlining their non-academic capabilities. See education non-academic requirements for further information.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
2F/4P | Online | 1 |
You complete four research units that focus on an area of education that is significant to your field of teacher education.
You select the Secondary stream to become a secondary school teacher in up to two of the following subjects:
- English
- Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), which comprises modern history or geography, with the optional addition of ancient history, business studies, legal studies, economics, society and culture
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Science
- Technological and Applied Studies.
If you plan to teach in only one subject area in a secondary school, you can select two elective units from topics including social and emotional wellbeing; children's rights; casual teaching; teaching the gifted.
Please note: All teaching subjects are offered online, however some units require attendance at on-campus workshops.
To see what you need to have studied for a secondary teaching subject please see Master of Teaching Previous Studies Subject Guide.
Depending on your previous study, you may need to complete additional units, some of which may only be available on campus. All core education units can be studied on campus or online.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Demonstrate an advanced ability to research, synthesise and evaluate ideas and theories related to educational practice Demonstrate knowledge or research principles and methods related to the field of education and teaching practice Exercise critical analysis, problem solving and research based decision-making in school-based practice. Demonstrate application of advanced knowledge in relation to education practice and implement targeted research to inform best practice. |
| Creativity | Demonstrate cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories Demonstrate an ability use creative skills based upon understanding of research methodology in order to develop innovative and creative responses to challenges in an educational setting |
| Ethical practice | Demonstrate a knowledge of social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with what is expected of an education professional working in a learning community and with students, parents and carers Demonstrate an awareness of the need for student safety and support within professional frameworks Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the education profession |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Demonstrate advanced integrated knowledge and understanding of teaching area disciplines and curriculum frameworks Demonstrate a research based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective educational practice Use data informed decision making to inform professional decisions and generate theoretical propositions for improving teaching performance and educational practice |
| Lifelong learning | Demonstrate skills in advancing research and pedagogical practice Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice. |
| Communication and social skills | Demonstrate an advanced ability to communicate and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions which inform professional decision making to teaching professionals, parents and the wider educational community. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills applicable in professional educational settings |
| Cultural competence | Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contexts. Identify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement and behaviour including diverse groups of learners such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, migrants and students from non-English speaking backgrounds Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of inclusion and diverse learning needs Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self |
The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit. Most units have progressive assessment with grades typically allocated across a combination of assessment tasks due at different times during the study period. Some units may also include a formal examination at the end of the study period. Assessment requirements for each unit are advised in writing to students at the commencement of each study period with clear guidelines, due dates, and the weighting for each assessment task
Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Please note: Online students may be required to attend compulsory on or off-campus workshops.
Graduates will typically work as teachers in secondary schools nationally and internationally. Some graduates may pursue work in a range of education and non-education settings including roles such as education consultant, community education centre leader, university tutor or lecturer, environmental educator, zoo education officer, education exhibition organiser, education policy analyst, curriculum writer, children’s entertainment presenter, youth support worker, teacher of English overseas, private tutor, and children’s advocate leader.
You'll complete a program of practical in-school teaching experiences during the course, which enables you to put theory into practice as you observe and reflect on classroom dynamics. It also provides opportunities for you to become acquainted with the formal and informal aspects of what occurs in classrooms and schools and to demonstrate your independent and professional capabilities as teachers.
The Master of Teaching is currently undergoing its five-year reaccreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for national accreditation through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, but students need to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding accreditation requirements.
All Initial Teacher Education students across Australia need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANITE). At Southern Cross University the test needs to be successfully completed prior to undertaking the first professional experience placement.