Master of Teaching and Graduate Diploma of Teaching Previous Studies Subject Guide

Required previous studies

A major in Aboriginal Studies in areas such as:

• Aboriginal Peoples’ relationship to Country, Contact,
• Colonisation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
• Government policies affecting Aboriginal Peoples including Segregation, Assimilation and Aboriginal Self-Determination
• The Land Rights movement and the recognition of native title
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature and oral expression
• Aboriginal languages and cultures

What you will teach

Similarities and diversity in Aboriginal identities, communities and cultural practice and expression.

Understanding of Aboriginal Peoples’ ongoing contribution to, and interaction with, the wider Australian society.

Diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural, political, social and economic life.

Government policies, legislation and judicial processes and their impact of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and international Indigenous Peoples

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies Major)
• Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

Required previous studies

A major in ancient history in areas such as;

• Ancient history
• Archaeology
• Historiography
• One unit in medieval or modern history must be included

What you will teach

Ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Near East, Greece, Rome and China, including personalities and historical periods.

Role of archaeology and science in investigating the ancient past.

Nature of history and past societies, including their material culture.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (Ancient History Major)

Required previous studies

A major in agriculture in an area such as;

• Agriculture science
• Agriculture technology
• Horticulture
• Agronomy
• Primary industries
• Rural science including studies of plants and animals
• Animal care agriculture enterprises
• Chemical safety

What you will teach

Nature and role of agriculture including:

• Physical, chemical, biological, social, historical and economic factors that interact in agriculture production systems.
• Management of production systems.
• Impact of innovation, ethics and current issues on Australia’s agricultural systems.
• Sustainable and ethical agricultural practices, in particular animal welfare and ethics.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Science (Agriculture Minor/Major)
• Bachelor of Agriculture
• Bachelor of Agricultural Production and Management
• Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Rural Science

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

Major in science including four units in Biology, including at least two units at 200 level or above.

Appropriate discipline units may include, but are not limited to units in: Anatomy, Animal biology or physiology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Cell biology, Genetics or Endocrinology/Metabolism, Epigenetics, Evolution, Ecology, Genomics, Human biology or physiology, Immunology, Physiology, Plant biology or physiology, Mathematical biology, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Virology, Zoology.

Desirable but not essential are courses in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental science, Physics, Ecology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Cellular biology, Environmental biology, Botany, Human physiology, Anatomy and Bio informatics.

What you will teach

• Biological science
  • Multi-cellular organisms
  • Ecosystems
  • DNA and genes
• Physical science
  • Energy transfer through different mediums can be explained using wave and particle models

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Required previous studies

A major in business related studies including:

• At least one unit of finance or accounting
• One unit of business management
• Remaining units drawn from
• Business law (Australian/English)
• Economics
• Human resource and management
• Industrial relations
• Marketing
• Finance
• Accounting
• Business management

What you will teach

• Business and economics systems, Organisations and management
• Information procedures, nature of business
• Enterprise and ventures, entrepreneurship and marketing management
• Work environments, human resource management
• Financial management, business plans

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Arts with a Business major

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

Major in science including four units in Chemistry, including at least two units at 200 level or above.

Appropriate discipline units may include, but are not limited to units in: Organic, Inorganic and Physical chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials science or related courses.

Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate chemistry content.

What you will teach

• Atoms that are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons; natural radioactivity
• Chemical reactions involve rearranging atoms
• Chemical reactions, including combustion and the reactions of acids
• The Periodic Table

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

A major in dance including all of the following;

• History and analysis of dance
• Performance with a technique base in modern/contemporary dance and/or ballet
• Applied anatomy and kinesiology
• Composition and choreography

Dance studies must be developed as a discrete discipline.

Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

• Socio-historic context of dance and its impact on practices of performance and composition.
• Range of dance analysis models.
• Broad and critical knowledge and understanding of the study of dance including theory and practice.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (Dance Major)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)

Please note: International students in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Master of Teaching programs are not eligible to select Secondary Dance as a teaching area.

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

Major in Design-related study, including some of the following:

• Architecture
• Fashion Design
• Graphic Design
• Industrial Design
• Interior Design
• Landscape Design
• Product Design

Must include two (2) units of practical application in designing and producing in one or more of the following technology-related areas such as:

• Agriculture
• Computing
• Engineering
• Food technology
• Industrial technology (woods, metals, plastics)
• Graphics/multimedia
• Textile design

Including evidence of the use of tools, equipment and techniques to a high level in the production of working solutions to design challenges.

What you will teach

• Explore and develop technologies in the context of a design project.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Technology
• Bachelor of Architecture

Required previous studies

A major in drama including all of the following preferably in Australian Drama;

• Performance
• Production
• Theory

Drama studies must be developed as a discrete discipline.

Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

Theory and performance for forming, presenting and responding across a range of heritage and contemporary dramatic forms and styles.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Creative Arts with a Dance Major
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama)

Please note: International students in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Master of Teaching programs are not eligible to select Secondary Drama as a teaching area.

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

Major in science including:

• Three units in Earth or environmental science and one unit of biology

Appropriate discipline units may include, but are not limited to, units in: Geological sciences such as structural geology, tectonics, sedimentary environments, energy resources, hydrogeology, geophysics, and geochemistry.

What you will teach

The theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activity and continental movement

• Global systems, including the carbon cycle

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Environmental Science

Required previous studies

• Major study in English with at least 3 units of a strong core of textual studies, including literature
  Other units may include studies in:
  • Communications
  • Creative Writing
  • Linguistics
  • Drama or performance art studies

What you will teach

• Language: knowing about the English language
• Literature: understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating literary texts
• Literacy: expanding the repertoire of English usage
• Language variation and change
• Language for interaction
• Text structure and organisation
• Expressing and developing ideas
• Phonics and word knowledge

Suggested undergraduate degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (English Major)

Required previous studies

A major in engineering in an area such as;

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Mechatronic engineering
• Or relevant studies of the application of
• Engineering principles and methods
• Management and problem-solving in engineering contexts
• Responsibilities of engineers in society
• Design thinking and problem-based thinking as used in the engineering profession

What you will teach

Application of engineering knowledge and skills to a broad range of engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, mechatronic, bio-medical and aeronautical engineering.

Application of mathematical and engineering skills and knowledge associated with the study of engineering, its practices and associated methodologies.

Solution of engineering problems involving the synthesis and analysis of information, self-directed learning, communication, management and collaborative skills.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Civil Engineering
• Bachelor of Science (Engineering Major/Minor)

Required previous studies

Major in Food drawn from areas such as:

• Dietetics
• Nutritionist
• Food Technology
• Food Science and other relevant studies.

The major must include studies of the Australian food industry, food manufacture, food product development and nutrition.

What you will teach

• Nutrition, diet and health in Australia, food availability and selection
• Food Industry, production, processing, packaging storage and distribution of food and the marketing of food
• Practical skills in food preparation, cooking, presentation and experimenting with food

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Food Technology

Required previous studies

• Major in Geography including units in physical and human geography

Units in Earth and environmental science may be considered upon review of units for appropriate discipline knowledge

What you will teach

• Place
• Space
• Environment
• Interconnection
• Sustainability
• Scale
• Change
• Geographies of interconnections
• Environmental change and management
• Geographies of human wellbeing

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Environmental Science

Required previous studies

Major in graphic or multimedia design or equivalent discipline, including studies of technical illustration, industrial design, graphic design or multimedia design, including computer-aided design (CAD).

What you will teach

• Develop skills in designing and developing software solutions, project management and communication.
• Animation

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Graphic Design
• Bachelor of Multimedia Design

Required previous studies

Major in Industrial Design, Industrial Technology, Technics or mechanical, civil, electrical and software engineering.

The major must include studies in areas such as:

• Timber
• Metals
• Polymers
• Composites
• Electronics
• Technical drawing
• Engineering using resistant materials*

* Additional study may be undertaken in Industrial technology automotives — at least two units of automotive studies; Industrial technology building and construction — at least two units of study in building and construction; Industrial technology electronics — at least two units of study in electronics; or Industrial technology multimedia — at least two units of study in multimedia.   

What you will teach

The importance of design, management and production through the production of practical projects.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Industrial Technology
• Bachelor of Engineering

Required previous studies

A major in engineering technology studies or relevant discipline including studies of technology, engineering, project-based learning and CAD/CAM.

What you will teach

Solution of engineering problems involving the synthesis and analysis of information, self-directed learning, communication, management and collaborative skills, design and construct solutions to engineering problems, modify designs and follow a planned construction sequence in the development and production of projects, apply the principles of mechanics and electricity to calculate solutions to design solutions, carry out experiments to demonstrate engineering and electrical principles, and use materials in design and production based on an understanding of their properties.

Project-based learning including dismantle and assemble mechanisms to understand how they work, safely use hand and power tools, materials, finishes and equipment, select and use personal protective equipment, and design and production/manufacture including automation, mechanisation, control technology and CAD/CAM, including both additive and subtractive technologies.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Civil Engineering
• Bachelor of Science (Engineering Major/Minor)

Required previous studies

Major in Computing or computing technology studies, including at least 2 units that develop skills in information and communications technologies and information systems:

• Database design including relational databases and communication systems/networking
• Coding and systems management, and
• Skills in designing and producing digital products including non-visual programming languages

What you will teach

• Computers and related information technology
• The use of hardware and software to complete a range of practical experiences

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Information Technology

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

A major in science including two units of general, interdisciplinary or applied science and one unit in each of chemistry, physics, earth and environmental science, and biology.

What you will teach

• Develop knowledge and understanding of cause and effect
• Develop knowledge and understanding of models, theories and laws
• Develop knowledge and understanding of science and technology
• Develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues involving science

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Environmental Science

Required previous studies

A major in law or legal studies including the Australian legal system.

Applicants who studied overseas may not have covered the Australian legal system in their studies, this will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

What you will teach

• The legal system
• Crime and society
• Civil obligations, contracts and torts
• Technology, sport, property and family
• Law in changing society

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

Required previous studies

A major in language including study of spoken and written language. Units counted towards the major must be above an introductory level of study.

Where the language is an Aboriginal language there will be specific cultural requirements.

Native speakers of a language must hold an undergraduate degree and may obtain verification from an Australian University indicating that their level of competency in reading, writing, speaking, listening and culture is equivalent to the completion of a major in that language.

Please note: International students in the Master of Teaching program are not eligible to select Secondary Languages as a teaching area.

What you will teach

• Language and culture which enables participation in a range of productive and receptive interactions.
• Intercultural awareness that allows effective communication across languages and cultures.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (Languages Major)

Required previous studies

Major in pure or applied mathematics (must include one unit of algebra and one unit of calculus).

One unit only of statistics may be counted, provided it is studied as a stand-alone unit.  

Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical content.

What you will teach

• Number and algebra
• Measurement and geometry
• Statistics and probability
• Number and place value
• Fractions and decimals
• Real numbers
• Money and financial mathematics
• Patterns and algebra
• Linear and non-linear relationships

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor in Mathematics
• Bachelor of Science (Major in Mathematics)
• Bachelor of Engineering
• Bachelor of Arts (Major in Mathematics)

Required previous studies

A major in science in an area such as;

• Marine studies
• Biology
• Earth and Environmental science
• Discipline relevant to project-based learning in Marine Studies and Aquaculture Technology

Project-based learning must be a component of the pedagogical study associated with this teaching area.

Teachers must ensure that they have the required first aid, permits, licenses or certifications for any project-based activity.

What you will teach

Role and impact for the individual consumer, society and the environment in marine and aquaculture technology endeavours.

The maintenance of biodiversity and the sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

Practice of design and problem solving in the marine and aquaculture technology.

Use of digital tools for management, designing and producing in marine and aquaculture technology.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Marine Science Major)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Science (Marine Science Major)

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

A minor in mathematics, including one unit of algebra and one unit of calculus and a minor in physics. Only in units of statistics may be counted. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical or physics content.

What you will teach

• Nature of various forms of mathematical proof, including mathematical induction, deduction and reductio ad absurdum
• Study of calculus involving topics such as ordinary differential equations, multiple integrals, limits and continuity, and real or complex variable analysis
• Application and use of physics, implications of physics for society and the environment, and current issues, research and development in physics
• Models, theories, laws, structures and systems related to the physical world

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Science with a major in Mathematics and Physics

Required previous studies

Major in History in areas such as:

• Australian History
• Contact and Aboriginal history
• Early modern history
• Historiography
• Modern history
• One unit in Ancient history or medieval history must be included

What you will teach

• The making of the modern world
• The Industrial Revolution
• Progressive ideas and movements
• Movement of peoples
• Australia and Asia
• Making a nation
• World War I and II
• The modern world and Australia
• Rights and freedoms
• The globalising world
• Popular culture
• Migration experiences
• The environmental movement

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (Modern History Major)

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

Major in Music, Including all of the following:

• Musicological study (music history and analysis) in a range of musical styles
• Periods and genres with a strong component of contemporary and Western art music
• Compositional techniques
• Music performance studies (a minimum of four units and preferably Australian Music) and
• Creation of music compositions in a variety of genres and styles

The study of music and music practice must be developed as a discrete discipline.

Vocationally-orientated courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

• The elements of music: Rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture
• Types of music: songs and instrumental genres, music in film and media, contemporary and new music trends, and folk and art music from varied cultures, traditions and times
• Improvise and arrange music
• Manipulate combinations of the elements of music
• Practise and rehearse
• Plan and organise compositions
• Perform music

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Arts (Music single- or double-major)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music Major)

Please note: International students in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Master of Teaching programs are not eligible to select Secondary Music as a teaching area.

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

A major in personal development and/or health studies (with a socio-cultural perspective) and/or physical education. 

WITH

At least three units of study in health education, including mental health, sexual health, relationships, drug education, child protection education, gender studies and risk-taking behaviour 

AND

At least three units of study in physical education, including contemporary physical activities, dance, gymnastics, games and sport.

Vocationally-oriented courses, coaching certificates, umpiring/refereeing accreditation in sports and physical activities are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

• Alcohol and other drugs
• Food and nutrition
• Health benefits of physical activity
• Relationships and sexuality
• Safety
• Active play and minor games
• Challenge and adventure activities
• Fundamental movement skills
• Games and sport
• Lifelong physical activities
• Rhythmic and expressive movement activities

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Human Movement Studies (Education Major)
• Bachelor of Sports and Exercises science (Education Major)

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

A major in science, including four units in physics, including at least two units at the 200 level or above.

Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate physics content.

What you will teach

Application and use of physics, implications of physics for society and the environment, and current issues, research and development in physics.

Models, theories, laws, structures and systems related to the physical world.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Physics Major)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science (Physics Major)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws (Physics Major)

Required previous studies

A major in social sciences including at least one unit of sociology and the remaining units drawn from areas such as Aboriginal studies, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, civics, cultural studies, government, history, philosophy, politics, religion studies, social communication, and sociology.

What you will teach

Interactions of persons, societies, cultures and environments across time.

Continuity and change, personal and social futures and strategies for change.

Role of power, authority, identity, gender, technologies and globalisation in societies and cultures.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Laws

Required previous studies

A major in computing or computing technology including at least two units that develop skills in the design and development of software for example programming in a computer-based language and system analysis, design, development and testing.

What you will teach

• Programming Fundamentals
• The Object-Oriented Paradigm
• Programming Mechatronics
• Secure Software Architecture
• Programming for the Web
• Software Automation
• Software Engineering Project

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Major)

Required previous studies

A major in studies of religion including comparative religions and culture.

What you will teach

Religion and belief systems, and ethics over time.

Nature of religion and belief systems in local and global contexts.

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Religion Studies

Required previous studies

A major in textile or equivalent discipline, including textile technology and fashion design, and also including studies of design, properties and performance of textiles and the Australian textile industry.

What you will teach

• Fabrication colouration, historical design, cultural design factors and contemporary designers
• Fibres, yarns, fabrics, innovations and emerging textile technologies, environmental sustainability, current issues and the Australian Textile Industry
• Practical Experience

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Applied Fashion

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies

Major in Visual Arts, including all of the following:

• Practical Studies in 2-dimensional art forms such as drawing, printmaking, photography, visual design, graphics and multimedia
• Practical Studies in 3-dimensional art forms such as ceramics, sculpture, installation and site-specific works
• And/or 4-dimensional art forms such as animation, filmmaking, web-based art, game design, time-based works, graphics and multimedia
• Art theory/history (minimum one year)
• Studio art making practice (minimum one year)

The study of Visual Arts must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally orientated courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

• Manipulate materials, techniques, technologies and processes to develop and represent their own artistic intentions
• Develop and refine techniques and processes to represent ideas and subject matter
• Plan and design artworks that represent artistic intention
• Present ideas for displaying artworks and evaluate displays of artworks

Suggested Degrees

• Bachelor of Visual Arts
• Bachelor of Art and Design

Please note: International students in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Master of Teaching programs are not eligible to select Secondary Visual Arts as a teaching area.

Required previous studies

A major in economics.

What you will teach

• Introduction to Economics: The nature of economics and the operation of an economy
• Consumers and Business: The role of consumers and business in the economy
• Markets: The role of markets, demand, supply and competition
• Labour Markets: The workforce and role of labour in the economy
• Financial Markets: The financial market in Australia, including the share market
• Government in the Economy: The role of government in the Australian economy
• The Global Economy: Features of the global economy and globalisation
• Australia’s Place in the Global Economy: Australia’s trade and finance
• Economic Issues: Issues including growth, unemployment, inflation, wealth and management
• Economic Policies and Management: The range of policies to manage the economy

Suggested Degrees

•    Bachelor of Economics
•    Bachelor of Business