Master of Teaching

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
Duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
2 years full-time
Location
Gold Coast, Online
Gold Coast
Start date
March, July, October
February, June, October
Course code
1209001
Course abbreviation
MTeach
Credit points
192
Equivalent units
16
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview
Our two-year (or 18 months if fast tracked*) Master of Teaching program qualifies you to be a teacher in Australia, and many countries overseas. Teaching is a career in which you can make a positive and life-long impact on the lives of children and young people. 
You can choose to specialise in early childhood education, primary education, or secondary education.  

As well as undertaking an education research project, this course includes professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings, schools, and/or community sites. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed in Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

All primary and secondary students across Australia need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to undertaking the second professional experience placement.

Undertaking full-time study may be required from January to December (6 teaching terms) depending on your program of study.

Applicants for the Master of Teaching Primary or Secondary specialisations must complete an online questionnaire, including two 500-word written statements about your motivation and suitability for teaching and your involvement in learning and leadership activities. See education non-academic requirements for further information.

*depending on course and specialisation pathway and term commencement.

Our two-year (or 18 months if fast tracked*) Master of Teaching program qualifies you to be a teacher in Australia, and many countries overseas. Teaching is a career in which you can make a positive and life-long impact on the lives of children and young people. 
You can choose to specialise in early childhood education, primary education, or secondary education.  

As well as undertaking an education research project, this course includes professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings, schools, and/or community sites. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed in Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

All primary and secondary students across Australia need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to undertaking the second professional experience placement.

Undertaking full-time study may be required from January to December (6 teaching terms) depending on your program of study.

Applicants for the Master of Teaching Primary or Secondary specialisations must complete an online questionnaire, including two 500-word written statements about your motivation and suitability for teaching and your involvement in learning and leadership activities. See education non-academic requirements for further information.

*depending on course and specialisation pathway and term commencement.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

  1. Applicants’ qualifications must meet the requirements for admission for:
    1. secondary specialisation: Graduate study as advised by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptor 2.1.1 (Subject Content Knowledge) or be able to meet these requirements by completing no more than two units which on all occasions will be undertaken as part of the degree; or
    2. primary specialisation: Graduate study as advised by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptor 2.1.1 (Subject Content Knowledge), AND NSW Band 4 in Mathematics or equivalent.
    3. early childhood (Birth to 5 years) specialisation: Graduate study in an Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent.
  2. Applicants to the Primary or Secondary Specialisation must undertake the UAC or QTAC non-academic entry requirement test.

To meet the minimum English Language requirement for admission to this course, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

a. have completed approved qualifications where language of instruction was English as outlined in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2 – Section 2; or

b. have achieved within (2) years of the proposed start date, an overall score of 7.0, with no band below 7.0 in the English International English Language Test System (IELTS) test or approved equivalent as outlined in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2 – Section 2.

To register as a teacher in Australia the minimum English Language requirements are:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic)
    • A minimum score of 7 is needed in reading and writing
    • A minimum score of 8 is needed in speaking and listening.
    • This equates to an average band score of 7.5 across all four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, or
  • The International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR)
    • A score of Level 4 is needed in all four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, undertaken at approved testing sites where the assessment is teacher focused.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score7
Reading7
Writing7
Listening7
Speaking7

About the course

You will choose either an Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary specialisation and complete two research units that focus on a contemporary research problem in education that is significant to your field of teacher training.

The Early Childhood specialisation qualifies you to become an early childhood teacher (six-weeks to five-years-old).

The Primary specialisation qualifies you to teach kindergarten to Year 6 children. To see what you need to have studied for a primary key learning area please see Master of Teaching Previous Studies Subject Guide.

The Secondary specialisation qualifies you to become a secondary school teacher. 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 (some online units require attendance at on-campus workshops).

Note: International EAP3 students can progress to a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood specialisation) with an equivalent of IELTS 7.0.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$29,400 ($3,675 per unit)111196D
Gold Coast (Early Childhood Specialisation)Term  1, Term  3, Term  5$29,400 ($3,675 per unit)111196D
Gold Coast (Primary Specialisation)Term  1, Term  3, Term  5$29,400 ($3,675 per unit)110588G
Gold Coast (Secondary Specialisation)Term  1, Term  3, Term  5$29,400 ($3,675 per unit)110587H

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Master of Teaching students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:

and Primary and Secondary Specialisation students must also meet:

Permission to undertake a professional experience placement requires meeting all academic and non-academic requirements as stipulated by the University and relevant accreditation bodies.

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) in the Early Childhood Specialisation.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) in the Early Childhood Specialisation comprising 8 coursework units and 2 professional placement units.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) in the Primary or Secondary Specialisation.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Master of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) in the Primary or Secondary Specialisation.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Complete one of the following specialisations. Note 3

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
TCHR3001Early Childhood Matters
TCHR5003Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
TCHR5010Theory to Practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
TCHR6008Professional Experience: Early Childhood I Note 1
TCHR2003Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood
TCHR2002Children, Families and Communities
TCHR5001Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education
TCHR3004Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood
TCHR5009Theory to practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers
TCHR6011Professional Experience: Early Childhood II Note 1
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) after completing the 10 units listed above.
EDUC5013Inclusive and Special Education: The Responsive Teacher
TCHR6007Creative Arts for Early Childhood Education
TCHR6006Health, Wellbeing and the Environment in Early Childhood Education
EDUC6018Teachers as Researchers I
EDUC5001Education and Change: The Lifelong Learner
EDUC6019Teachers as Researchers II
EDUC6009Education and Indigenous Australians: Ways of Knowing and Being
EDUC3024Education and the Environment: More than Human

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC5012Education and Practice: Ways of Teaching and Learning
EDUC2014Mathematics Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC5003Teaching and Learning Literacy and Numeracy in Context
EDUC2011Creative Arts Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy
TCHR5005Professional Experience I - Primary Note 1
EDUC3013Science and Technology Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy
ENGL1004English: Literature, Language and Literacy
TCHR5006Professional Experience II - Primary Note 1
EDUC2012English Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2013Human Society and its Environments: Curriculum and Pedagogy
EDUC5013Inclusive and Special Education: The Responsive Teacher
EDUC6017Education for Impact: Into and Beyond the Profession
TCHR6009Professional Experience III - Primary Note 1
EDUC5011Education and ICT: Digital Disruptions
EDUC5001Education and Change: The Lifelong Learner
EDUC6018Teachers as Researchers I
EDUC2015Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy
EDUC6019Teachers as Researchers II
EDUC6009Education and Indigenous Australians: Ways of Knowing and Being

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC5012Education and Practice: Ways of Teaching and Learning
EDUC5003Teaching and Learning Literacy and Numeracy in Context
EDUC5011Education and ICT: Digital Disruptions
TCHR5007Professional Experience I - Secondary Note 1
EDUC3031Teaching Students from Diverse Backgrounds
EDUC6009Education and Indigenous Australians: Ways of Knowing and Being
TCHR5008Professional Experience II - Secondary Note 1
EDUC5013Inclusive and Special Education: The Responsive Teacher
EDUC6017Education for Impact: Into and Beyond the Profession
TCHR6010Professional Experience III - Secondary Note 1
EDUC6018Teachers as Researchers I
EDUC5001Education and Change: The Lifelong Learner
EDUC3032Classroom Management
EDUC6019Teachers as Researchers II
EDUC3024Education and the Environment: More than Human
AND, choose one unit below for your approved first secondary teaching area:
EDUC2002PDHPE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2003Mathematics: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2004Science: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2006Technologies and Design: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2019HSIE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
TCHR2001English: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC5007Music: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC5008Visual Arts: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC5009Performing Arts: Curriculum and Pedagogy I
AND, choose the second unit below for your approved first secondary teaching area:
EDUC3005PDHPE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3004Science: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3003Mathematics: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3020Technologies and Design: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3019HSIE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
TCHR3002English: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC6014Music: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC6015Visual Arts: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC6016Performing Arts: Curriculum and Pedagogy II
AND, if undertaking an approved second Secondary teaching area choose the two (2) Curriculum and Pedagogy units for the second Secondary teaching area. If undertaking a second Science, HISE or Technology and Applied Sciences teaching area the following two units must be completed. Note 2
EDUC2016Advanced Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I Note 4
EDUC3014Advanced Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II Note 4
OR, if not undertaking two Secondary teaching areas choose two (2) elective units from Education units or any University unit for which the prerequisites have been met.


Notes

Note 1: This unit involves a professional experience placement.
Note 2: Enrolment in additional secondary curriculum pedagogy units requires Course Coordinator approval.
Note 3: Students must complete the specialisation approved upon admission.
Note 4: Students undertaking two teaching areas in Science, HSIE or Technology and Applied Sciences undertake these units for the second teaching area, as approved by the Course Coordinator.

Unit groups

First Curriculum & Pedagogy Teaching Unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC2002PDHPE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2003Mathematics: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2004Science: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2006Technologies and Design: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC2019HSIE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC5007Music: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC5008Visual Arts: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I
EDUC5009Performing Arts: Curriculum and Pedagogy I
TCHR2001English: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy I

Second Curriculum & Pedagogy Teaching Unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC3003Mathematics: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3004Science: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3005PDHPE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3019HSIE: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC3020Technologies and Design: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC6014Music: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC6015Visual Arts: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II
EDUC6016Performing Arts: Curriculum and Pedagogy II
TCHR3002English: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy II

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

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.

Course Learning Outcome

Demonstrate an advanced ability to research, synthesise and evaluate ideas and theories to transform and disrupt thinking in educational practice

Demonstrate knowledge of research principles, theories and methods related to the field of education and teaching practice.

Exercise critical analysis, problem solving and research based decision-making in educational practice.

Demonstrate application of advanced knowledge and understanding of diverse ways of knowing and learning in educational contexts to inform connected and compassionate ways of teaching.

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise knowledge for innovative and creative responses to local and global challenges in an educational setting.

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 understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to professional practice.

Demonstrate disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary understandings in relation to curriculum content and frameworks.

Demonstrate a research based understanding of pedagogical principles for effective assessment practices and supportive learning environments.

Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice.

Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills by interpreting and transmitting knowledge, in professional educational settings.

Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contexts.

Demonstrate proactive and inclusive strategies for diverse groups of learners.

Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the impacts of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of the students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.


Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

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.

Career opportunities
Graduates from the early childhood specialisation are qualified to teach in early childhood services. Graduates from the Primary specialisation are qualified to teach in primary schools (kindergarten/prep to Year 6).
 
Graduates from the Secondary specialisation are qualified to teach in their chosen learning areas in secondary schools.
Professional placement

Early Childhood Specialisation: you will undertake 60 days of professional placement during this course in two environments - a preschool setting and an infant and toddler setting.

Primary/Secondary Specialisation: you complete a program of 60 days professional experience in school during the course, which enables you to put theory into practice as you observe and reflect on classroom dynamics. 

Professional experience provides opportunities for you to become acquainted with the formal and informal aspects of what occurs in classrooms and schools or early childhood settings and to demonstrate your independent and professional capabilities as teachers.

Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, including a Working with Children Check, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Professional recognition

The Master of Teaching is accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), and approved by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) for Primary and the Secondary initial teacher education in accordance with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Authority (ACECQA).

Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, however, students are advised to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding overseas accreditation requirements.

Primary and Secondary Initial Teacher Education students across Australia need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). Early Childhood Initial Teacher Education students do not have to do the LANTITE.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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