Learning and Teaching Specialisation Secondary

The Learning and Teaching Specialisation in Secondary Education at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is designed to prepare educators for a rewarding career in secondary school teaching across various disciplines. This program provides prospective teachers with comprehensive pedagogical knowledge, practical teaching skills, and a strong understanding of curriculum development aligned with current educational standards. The course curriculum emphasizes innovative teaching strategies, classroom management, assessment techniques, and inclusive education practices to ensure graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of students in contemporary classrooms. Throughout the program, students engage in supervised teaching placements, offering real-world experience that bridges theoretical learning with practical application. This clinical component enables aspiring teachers to develop confidence, professionalism, and a reflective approach to their teaching practice. The program also integrates the principles of lifelong learning, leadership, and educational research, fostering critical thinking and adaptability. Graduates of the Learning and Teaching Specialisation in Secondary Education are prepared to work in a variety of educational settings within Queensland and across Australia, capable of contributing positively to student engagement and achievement. The program aligns with national teacher education standards and is accredited by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), ensuring that graduates meet the professional requirements for registration as secondary school teachers. With a focus on innovative, student-centered learning, the program aims to develop capable, compassionate, and culturally responsive educators who can inspire and support the next generation of learners. The USQ's supportive academic staff, modern facilities, and active engagement with the education community provide an enriching learning environment for students pursuing careers in secondary education.

Program structure

Courses to be studied

Core courses4

Plus 4 x Specialisation courses4

Plus 75 Days of professional experience

Total8

Course codeCourse name

Core courses: 

EDC2100Managing Supportive Learning Environments 

EDC4000Professional Placement and Portfolio 

EDG2000Designing for Learning 

EDG3000Designing for Diversity 

Secondary Specialisation: 

EDS2401Middle Phase Curriculum and Pedagogy

EDS3450Senior Phase Curriculum and Pedagogy

EDS4250Literacies Across the Curriculum

EDV3500Competency Based Training and Assessment

or

EDX3250Adolescence: Issues and Challenges

Entry requirements

• 3-year bachelor degree or equivalent in a discipline other than education
• applicants for the Secondary pathways must demonstrate discipline knowledge in two defined teaching areas in their first degree or other studies by submitting a completed Teaching Areas form (PDF 517 KB)with their application. 

NOTE

A compulsory induction must be undertaken prior to your first semester of study. This will be in February for Semester 1 commencement or June for those commencing in Semester 2.

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

International entry requirements

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 7.5 (no component lower than 7.0 in any of the four skills areas, and a score of no less than 8.0 in speaking and listening)
• TOEFL (paper based): 625
• TOEFL (electronic): 263
• TOEFL (internet based): 107
• Pearson (PTE Academic): 73

Pre-requisites

• 3-year bachelor degree or equivalent in a discipline other than education
• applicants for the Secondary pathways must demonstrate discipline knowledge in two defined teaching areas in their first degree or other studies by submitting a completed Teaching Areas form (PDF 517 KB) with their application. 

A compulsory induction must be undertaken prior to your first semester of study. This will be in February for Semester 1 commencement or June for those commencing in Semester 2.

The University of Southern Queensland offers a comprehensive financing structure for its Learning and Teaching Specialisation Secondary program, designed to accommodate a diverse range of students both domestically and internationally. Tuition fees for domestic students are structured to be competitive within the Australian higher education landscape, with detailed figures available on the university’s official website. For the 2023 academic year, the approximate annual tuition fee for domestic students enrolled in postgraduate coursework programs, including the Learning and Teaching Specialisation Secondary, is around AUD 13,000 to AUD 15,000. International students are subject to higher tuition fees, typically ranging from AUD 22,000 to AUD 25,000 per year. These fees are indicative and subject to annual adjustment, taking into account inflation and other economic factors.

Students have several options to finance their studies at USQ. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for eligible domestic students, which significantly reduces tuition costs as the government subsidizes part of the tuition fee. Students enrolled in CSPs are only responsible for the Student Contribution Amount, which varies depending on the unit and its corresponding field of education. For example, units related to education could have a Student Contribution Amount in the range of AUD 318 to AUD 644 per unit.

The university encourages students to explore government loans such as HECS-HELP for eligible domestic students, which allows paying tuition fees upfront or deferring payment until income exceeds a certain threshold. International students, however, generally pay their fees upfront or through approved payment plans arranged with the university or authorized financial institutions.

USQ offers various scholarships to assist with financing, including merit-based scholarships, equity scholarships, and international student scholarships. These can reduce tuition fees or provide financial support for living expenses. Applicants are advised to check the specific scholarship criteria on the university website and apply accordingly.

Additionally, students often supplement their funding through part-time employment, with many international students working up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during breaks, in accordance with visa stipulations. The university provides support through career services and employment portals to assist students in finding suitable work opportunities.

Payment plans are available for students wishing to spread their fee payments over the duration of their studies, reducing immediate financial burden. Furthermore, some students may access financial assistance through external funding agencies, family support, or private loans.

Overall, the University of Southern Queensland offers a variety of flexible financing options tailored to meet the needs of a diverse student body studying the Learning and Teaching Specialisation Secondary. The combination of government subsidies, scholarships, payment plans, and potential part-time employment opportunities makes higher education financially accessible for many students.

The Learning and Teaching Specialisation Secondary at the University of Southern Queensland is designed to prepare graduates for a career in secondary education, focusing on developing effective teaching strategies, curriculum design, assessment techniques, and classroom management skills specific to the secondary school setting. The program aims to equip students with the pedagogical knowledge and practical experience required to deliver engaging and inclusive learning experiences for diverse student populations in secondary schools. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical placements, students gain insights into contemporary educational practices, policies, and technologies that enhance teaching effectiveness. The specialization encompasses core topics such as educational psychology, curriculum development, and innovative teaching methodologies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of secondary education environments. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, communication skills, and lifelong learning, fostering reflective practitioners committed to student success and continuous improvement. The university collaborates with secondary schools across the region to provide student teachers with extensive on-the-ground teaching experience, enabling them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings under the supervision of experienced practitioners. Graduates of this program are eligible for registration as secondary teachers in Queensland and are prepared to work across a variety of subject areas, depending on their specialization. The program also encourages engagement with research and development in education, supporting graduates in contributing to the advancement of teaching practices. Overall, the Learning and Teaching Specialisation Secondary at USQ aims to produce competent, confident, and innovative educators ready to make a positive impact in secondary schools and contribute to the broader educational community.