Overview
Prepare for a career as a secondary school teacher through intensive study and real work experience, with the Master of Applied Teaching (Secondary Education) at Victoria University.
The postgraduate teaching degree offers an employment-based, fast-tracked teacher-education program. It prepares you to register as a teacher in a range of disciplines, and involves significant learning in the workplace.
The program is made up of three intensive phases, each lasting six months. In the first, you'll learn from expert teachers at Victoria University, who will introduce the principles of good teaching practice and equip you with the knowledge and skills to enter your first school placement. The final two phases are work-based, letting you hone your craft in secondary schools, with additional study to support your practical learning.
This masters degree is open to students from groups that are under-represented in the teaching profession (see below). A scholarship and paid teaching internship will be offered to all successful applicants. For students who are not eligible or selected for this program, we offer the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).
By the end of the program, you will be ready to teach the subjects you studied during your previous bachelor degree, such as:
- arts
- design and technology (wood, metal and plastics, textiles, food, robotics)
- languages
- maths
- music
- outdoor education
- PE
- science.
Commonwealth Supported Places in 2023
Fees are heavily subsidised and HECS-HELP loans available for eligible students in 2023. Apply now or register your interest - there's never been a better time to study!
Support for under-represented groups
Any Australian citizen or resident from the following under-represented groups can be considered for this course:
- African-Australians
- Indigenous Australians
- CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities in rural and regional areas.
During the program, you will receive support towards achieving your goals from within your placement school and from a support group made up of representatives from our Indigenous unit, Moondani Balluk, partners Africause and Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre.
If you are selected to participate in the program, you will be offered a $15,000 Department of Education scholarship to help you manage expenses while you study. You will also be paid a 0.8 salary by the DET while you work in schools as part of the course.
100% fee-free study (scholarships for eligible students)
The Victorian Government is investing more than $93.2 million to deliver scholarships to support secondary teaching degree students with the cost of studying and living. Scholarships will be available to Victorian students who enrol in Victorian secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025, with further payments if they then work in Victorian government secondary or specialist school settings after they graduate.
Study & work towards your degree
The three 'phases' of this teaching degree are designed to ensure you gain all the practical and theoretical skills you need to launch your teaching career quickly and effectively.
Phase 1 is a study-intensive, academic period of five study units (subjects), taught by Victoria University teaching experts.
In phase 2, you will undertake paid work in a school setting at 0.6 or 0.8 time full-time equivalent as an education support officer. On days that you're not working in a school setting and during the summer/winter breaks, you will complete more university study.
In phase 3, you will undertake paid Paraprofessional work under a Permission to Teach registration in a school setting at a 0.8 full-time equivalent (0.6 teaching load + 0.2 paid study leave). On days that you are not working in a school setting and during the summer/winter breaks, you will complete more university study.
By the end of phase 3, with the Victorian Institute of Teaching's (VIT) 'Permission to Teach', you will be effectively working as a teacher.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), which means you will be eligible for registration to teach in Victoria.
Academic learning advice
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We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
Need some advice?
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Request a call backOther course options
This masters degree is open to students from groups that are under-represented in the teaching profession. A scholarship and paid teaching internship will be offered to all successful applicants. For students who are not eligible or selected for this program, we offer the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) and a range of other teaching courses.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Careers
Graduates of the Master of Applied Teaching (Secondary Education) who have passed the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) are eligible for registration as secondary teachers with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
You'll be ready to work as a secondary teacher in your chosen discipline area, according to your previous study, including:
- business
- computing
- creativity and the arts
- English
- health
- humanities
- languages other than English (LOTE)
- mathematics
- music
- outdoor education
- physical education
- psychology
- technology
- teaching English as a second language
- science
- student welfare.
You'll also be able to pursue careers in a range of education-related industries and organisations, that could include:
- special-education teacher
- educational-publishing editor or writer
- museum or gallery educator
- corporate learning and development
- tutor
- education-supply liaison officer
- outdoor education specialist
- student welfare officer.
Salaries & job prospects
Find salary information and employment predictions for secondary school teachers on the government job-data site, Labour Market Insights.
Find salary and other job information for special education teachers in Australia on Labour Market Insights.
This Master of Applied Teaching (Secondary Education) is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), the independent statutory authority for the teaching profession. It is a legal requirement for all teachers to be registered with VIT in order to be employed in a school or early childhood education and care service or Victorian children’s service.
Course structure
To attain the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) students will be required to complete 192 credit points in total consisting of:
168 Credit points of Core studies;
24 credit points of Capstone Studies;
EED6004: Capstone Research Investigation and EED7004 Engaging the Profession can only be taken towards the end of the course.
Students must successfully complete 60 practicum days in a secondary school.
Students are required to pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to be eligible to graduate from their Victorian Institute of Teaching-accredited program.
Course structure and units
Core Units:
-
- Unit code
- AEK7001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EED5102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EED6103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EED6104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EED6105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EED7001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EED7002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EED7004
- Credits
- 24
-
- Unit code
- EED7108
- Credits
- 24
-
- Unit code
- ETS5002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ETS5003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ETS5004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ETS5005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ETS5006
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Critically examine historical and contemporary issues in post-primary education at a local, national and international level; | ||
| 2. | Review different pedagogical theories and academic concepts of teaching that support the diversity of learners found in post primary educational settings; | ||
| 3. | Critically review curriculum materials and resources that support the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across the curriculum in schools with a view to promoting reconciliation in today's society; | ||
| 4. | Analyse the literacy and numeracy learning needs of students across the full range of abilities including students with disabilities and special learning needs; | ||
| 5. | Plan, implement and evaluate a range of educational practices that support the diversity of students in post primary education; | ||
| 6. | Analyse the efficacy of classroom teaching practices through reflective discussion that draws upon pedagogical theories; | ||
| 7. | Employ advanced skills in research to work with educational stakeholders in educational settings; | ||
| 8. | Apply knowledge and skills within classrooms and the school community to develop inclusive cultures of learning where all school students are supported to achieve. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in two discipline areas that meets AITSL specialised requirements available at:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/accreditation_guidelines_2021_17-feb-2021_contents_web_final.pdf?sfvrsn=9276dd3c_0
Applicants will also be asked to complete an assessment of their non-academic attributes. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from countries other than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland will be required to complete IELTS (or equivalent): Overall 7.0 with Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7.5.
All students need to pass a CASPer test or VU ANAA interview prior to admission.
All students need a 3.5 GPA average for entry into the course.
All applicants are required to present a 200 word statement outlining why they are interested in undertaking this course.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Additional information
This course is professionally accredited. Applications for credit can only be made on the basis of formal learning that is considered to be equivalent in a professionally accredited course at another institution.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
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Get help
- Visit a student service centre
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At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
