Education and Teaching

Education graduates move into roles such as early childhood educator, primary classroom teacher, secondary teacher based on their subject area, learning support, wellbeing roles, and pathway roles leading toward lead teacher or head of department. Southern Cross University Education Graduates also report strong employability being ranked #6 nationally for full‑time employment (PG) in education and training for the Good Universities Guide 2026.

Southern Cross University's Education degrees emphasise professional placements and authentic classroom experiences. Alumni frequently point to placements as the moment they “found their feet” and built real confidence and practical teaching strategies. Education graduate Jane Brennan describes placements as vital and shares how practice-based experiences shaped her teaching approach and student support strategies.

More than 90% of Southern Cross University graduates secure employment within four months of graduating (2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey), while earning above the national median salary. Education graduates enter a profession officially identified as being in national and regional shortage on the Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List, increasing demand for qualified teachers. Southern Cross University's strong focus on professional placements and classroom‑ready training supports graduates to transition quickly into employment in this high‑demand sector.

Southern Cross University is ranked Top 400 globally for Education Studies in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026. This ranking is underpinned by globally recognised research through initiatives such as TeachLab, which focuses on teacher education and school improvement, and the Sustainability, Environment and the Arts in Education (SEAE) Research Centre, leading international work in climate, Indigenous and social justice education.

Our alumni success stories reflect real career progression, including teachers taking on leadership responsibilities over time. Education graduate Jane Brennan began her career with a 12‑month teaching contract that evolved into more than a decade at the same school, where she progressed into a Head of Department leadership role. Her career reflects how Southern Cross University's strong placement experiences and personalised learning support help graduates build confidence, take on leadership responsibilities, and create lasting impact within school communities over time.