Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)

The Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of New England is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in secondary education. This degree equips future educators with the essential pedagogical knowledge, practical teaching skills, and subject expertise needed to inspire and impact young learners in secondary school settings. The program combines theoretical foundations with extensive practical experience through supervised teaching placements, ensuring graduates are confident and competent in delivering quality education across a range of disciplines. Students have the opportunity to specialize in various secondary subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, History, or Languages, aligning their academic interests with their professional aspirations. The curriculum emphasizes contemporary teaching methodologies, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and inclusive education practices, including addressing diverse learning needs and promoting equitable learning environments. Throughout the course, students engage in reflective practice, collaborative learning, and innovative pedagogical approaches to prepare for the challenges of modern classrooms. The program also fosters professional growth by involving industry partnerships, workshops, and seminars led by experienced educators and education experts. Graduates of the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) program at UNE are well-prepared to meet registration requirements for secondary teachers and are highly sought after by employers. The university’s commitment to excellence in teaching education ensures that graduates leave with not only academic competence but also the confidence and ethical foundation to serve as positive role models and leaders in their communities. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to register as secondary school teachers in various Australian states and territories, contributing meaningfully to the development and success of future generations.

Course Aims
The Master of Teaching (Secondary) and the nested Graduate Diploma in Education aim to provide candidates with:

(i) a professional qualification that meets the requirements of the NSW Institute of Teachers; and

(ii) UNE Graduate Attributes:

* - knowledge of discipline;
* - communication skills;
* - global perspective;
* - information literacy;
* - life-long learning;
* - problem solving;
* - social responsibility; and
* - team work.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

* satisfy the seven elements prescribed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership:
* know their students and how students learn;
* know their subject/content and how to teach that content to their students;
* plan for and implement effective teaching and learning;
* create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments;
* assess, provide feedback and report on student learning;
* continually improve by engaging in professional learning; and
* continually engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community.

Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Knowledge of discipline is reflected by graduates demonstrating mastery and skills of subject content relevant to the teaching profession.

Communication Skills

This attribute is taught and assessed by means of oral, written, numerical and graphic communication. Furthermore, various media and other forms of communication appropriate to Secondary school classroom levels are used. Communication skills are developed through the presentation of well-reasoned arguments in lessons and assignments.

Global Perspectives

This attribute is demonstrated through an awareness of the multicultural nature of global perspectives in the wider community.

Information Literacy

Information literacy is specifically taught in the core ICT unit and is also an integral part of most units. Graduates learn to acquire, evaluate and use information from a wide range of media forms in teaching.

Life-Long Learning

Students acquire the necessary skills to develop, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies. Furthermore, this attribute is practised with an emphasis on graduates who are encouraged to seek out curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is taught and practised throughout this degree by a number of alternatives. Graduates are taught to conceptualise problems in their subject area and formulate solutions. Information is gathered and analysed to solve pertinent problems that relate to the teaching profession.

Social Responsibility

Upon graduation students will be able to appreciate and acknowledge the social and ethical implications of their actions. They are able to contribute responsibly to the wider community and appreciate the importance of broader social issues.

Team Work

Graduates develop the skills necessary to take initiative and lead peers and other people. In addition there will be opportunities for graduates to negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others whilst participating in team-based activities.

The Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) program at the University of New England is designed to prepare students for careers as secondary school teachers across a range of subjects. To successfully complete this degree, students must fulfill a combination of core curriculum requirements, professional experience components, and subject-specific coursework. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of secondary education environments. Students are required to undertake foundational courses in educational principles, adolescent development, and curriculum design, along with subject disciplines such as English, Mathematics, Science, or Humanities and Social Sciences, depending on their chosen specialization. Professional experience placements form a significant part of the program, allowing students to apply their learning in real classroom settings under supervision, typically accumulating over 80 days of teaching practice throughout their studies. These placements are scheduled to develop teaching competencies, classroom management skills, and assessment techniques. Additionally, students must complete coursework in inclusive education, educational technology, and assessment and reporting to ensure they are prepared to address various student needs and incorporate modern technology into their teaching practices. The program also emphasizes research skills, encouraging critical analysis of current educational issues through coursework and projects. Successful completion of the program requires passing all required coursework with a specified minimum GPA, completing the designated professional placements, and demonstrating the capacity to meet the professional standards set by the university and relevant accreditation bodies. Ongoing assessments, such as assignments, presentations, and practical teaching evaluations, contribute to the final qualification. Graduates of the program will be eligible for registration with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and will be prepared for employment in secondary schools across New South Wales and beyond. The program duration typically spans four years of full-time study, although part-time options may also be available, tailored to individual student circumstances.

The University of New England offers a comprehensive range of financing options to support students enrolled in the Secondary Teaching program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various funding sources to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs. The university provides several scholarships and grants based on academic merit, leadership qualities, community involvement, and financial need. These scholarships are competitively awarded and may significantly reduce the overall cost of education.

In addition to scholarships, students can access government-funded loans and assistance programs, such as the Australian Government’s FEE-HELP scheme, which allows eligible students to defer their tuition fees and repay them through the tax system after graduation. This scheme provides flexible repayment options tailored to the graduate’s income level, easing immediate financial burdens during studies. The university also offers payment plans and financial counselling services to help students manage their finances effectively.

Part-time work opportunities are available both on and off-campus, enabling students to earn income while studying. The university’s career services and job placement centres provide guidance on internships, casual employment, and part-time roles aligned with students’ career aspirations. Moreover, UNE occasionally collaborates with educational agencies and industry partners to facilitate sponsored placements and funded projects, which can further offset study costs and provide practical experience.

International students have access to similar financial support mechanisms, including scholarships tailored for international applicants, along with visa-specific funding options. They are advised to consider additional costs such as health insurance and flight expenses, and to budget accordingly. Overall, the university strives to make its Secondary Teaching program accessible through various financial assistance programs, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial stress.

The Teaching (Secondary) program at the University of New England is designed to prepare students for a career in secondary education, equipping them with the necessary pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and practical experience to become effective and inspiring educators. The program typically covers a broad range of subjects, enabling graduates to teach in various secondary school disciplines. It combines theoretical coursework in educational theory, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and classroom management with extensive practical placements in secondary schools. Throughout the program, students engage with contemporary educational issues and inclusive teaching practices to ensure they are prepared to meet diverse student needs.

The program often includes coursework related to child and adolescent development, educational psychology, and the use of technology in education, facilitating a well-rounded understanding of the secondary education landscape. Practical placements usually constitute a significant component, providing students with real-world teaching experience under the supervision of experienced mentors. This hands-on approach aims to build confidence, classroom management skills, and lesson planning proficiency.

Students may have the opportunity to specialize in particular subject areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, or the Arts, depending on their interests and career goals. The program is designed to meet accreditation standards set by relevant education bodies, ensuring graduates are eligible for registration and employment in secondary schools across different regions.

Career pathways for graduates include teaching positions in government and private secondary schools, curriculum development, education consultancy, and roles within educational administration. The program also emphasizes lifelong learning and professional development, encouraging graduates to continually update their skills and stay informed about evolving educational trends and policies.

Admission requirements often include a relevant undergraduate degree and a satisfactory level of academic achievement in the chosen discipline. The University of New England’s focus on flexible learning options, including online and part-time pathways, enables students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Overall, the Teaching (Secondary) program aims to develop reflective, innovative, and skilled educators who can contribute meaningfully to the educational success of their students and the wider community.