Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Course code I91
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About this Course
Provides a nationally accredited initial teaching qualification for students who have already obtained a Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification in areas other than Education.
The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is a dynamic course dedicated to preparing future teachers for Secondary Education.
Designed specifically to develop professional knowledge in both theory and essential practice within real classrooms, graduates are provided with all the necessary tools to become successful and confident teachers.
This coursework program accommodates "principles and dimensions" of excellence and is delivered through mutually beneficial partnerships between the University and individual schools.
Upon completion, graduates are eligible to teach in a major and minor area of study in secondary schools in both the private and government sector. Graduates will have met the highest standards in personal ethics and practice which the profession demands.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code I91
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $4,650
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT PT | PT |
| Mount Lawley | PT | PT |
| South West | ||
| Online |
Location & Timetable
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. The course also has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
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The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have a discipline-specific bachelor or equivalent qualification relevant to the Australian Curriculum or other recognised areas of school provision. Professional experience cannot be accepted as an alternative to completion of the bachelor degree. These course-specific requirements supersede the minimum academic admission requirements for Band 6. Applicants must be able to demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in a particular discipline to enrol in a major area of specialisation (eg. a Major in their bachelor degree) and intermediate skills to enrol in a minor area of specialisation (eg. a Minor in their bachelor degree), and provide a resume, In addition to satisfying academic entry criteria, applicants for pre-service teacher education courses at Edith Cowan University must also satisfy non-academic criteria. Applicants' non-academic capabilities will be assessed based on completion of a Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry (NARTE) online questionnaire.
One or more of the specialisations in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the specialisation for more information.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
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International students must attain an IELTS Academic with an average level of 7.5 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components; and a score of 8.0 or more in the components of speaking and listening. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.
English competency requirements may also be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree or master degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, or
- Undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley
Course Structure
All nationally accredited Initial Teacher Education courses require students to undertake the LANTITE tests, as set by ACER, and meet the Standard in personal literacy and personal numeracy to be eligible to graduate. Due to updated accreditation requirements, students commencing study from 2025 onwards are required to attempt the LANTITE during their first year of study. If this is not feasible due to exceptional circumstances, students must submit a written explanation along with a plan to complete the test at the earliest opportunity. This will be documented.
This course includes a range of specialisations. Students must select two of these specialisations, one being a major study and the other a minor study. Students should select their major and minor areas of study (specialisations) based on their previous undergraduate studies. At the undergraduate level, study undertaken for a major study will be equivalent to a total of three quarters of a year of successful full-time higher education study taken over three years. Study undertaken for a minor study will be equivalent to a total of half a year of successful full-time higher education study, usually comprising sequential discipline study taken over two years.
The Health Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) specialisations are only available as areas of minor study. The Instrumental Music specialisation is only available as a minor area of study, and may only be undertaken by students who are completing the Music specialisation as their major area of study.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| EDU6230 | Classroom Management and Instruction | 10 |
| EDU6231 | Learning and Teaching: From Theory to Practice | 10 |
| Unit from Specialisation | Major Area of Specialisation | 10 |
| Unit from Specialisation | Minor Area of Specialisation | 10 |
| PPA6150 | First Professional Practice | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| EDU6332 | Diversity and Inclusion: The Differentiated Classroom | 10 |
| EDU6333 | Assessment and Reporting in Teaching | 10 |
| Unit from Specialisation | Major Area of Specialisation | 10 |
| Unit from Specialisation | Minor Area of Specialisation | 10 |
| PPA6250 | Second Professional Practice | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| EDF6203 | Aboriginal Contexts in Secondary Education | 15 |
| CUR6210 | Curriculum Enrichment for the Major Secondary Specialisation | 15 |
| EDU6120 | Literacy and Numeracy in Teaching and Learning | 15 |
| EDU6784 | High Impact Instruction for Students with Learning Difficulties | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| All students must complete the following two units (30 credit points): | ||
| PPA6460 | Final Professional Practice | 15 |
| TPA6130 | Teaching Performance Assessment | 15 |
In addition, students must choose one of the following three options (30 credit points each):
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| RES6101 ^ | Educational Research | 20 |
| EDU6195 ^ | Introduction to Research and Advanced Academic Writing | 10 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SPL6157 ^ | School-based Professional Learning: Internship | 30 |
OPTION 3: PROFESSIONAL LEARNING - GRADUATE CERTIFICATE MODE
In consultation with the Course Coordinator, students may select two Graduate Certificate of Education units totalling 30 credit points.
^ Core Option
I91|10
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookSpecialisations you can study in this course
- Art Education
- Dance Education
- Design and Technology Education
- Digital Technology Education
- Drama Education
- English Education
- Food and Materials Technologies: Home Economics
- Health and Physical Education
- Health Education
- Humanities and Social Sciences Education
- Instrumental Music Education
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
- Learning Enrichment: Students with Additional Needs
- Mathematics Education
- Media Education
- Music Education
- Science Education
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Course notes
Important course notes
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Not all specialisations are available at every campus.
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This course does not follow the standard ECU academic calendar. Please check the School of Education calendar for start dates and practicum days.
Students have the opportunity to complete a fast-tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from Term 4 of that year. If students wish to complete the course in 18 months then they will be required to complete some units in summer school and winter school, as well as possibly overloading in one or two semesters in order to complete all units within the timeframe.
International students considering a post study visa application should be aware of the Department of Home Affairs Australian study requirements before choosing to take the FastTrack delivery option.
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Students will be a scholar in residence at the placement school for two- three days per week. There will be sessions scheduled at the University for their internship induction, and colloquium at the completion of their term at the placement school.
Attendance requirements
Host Schools and Centres will determine in consultation with the individual student the exact hours of attendance required.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
The Department of Education Western Australia and cooperating non-government schools have the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in schools. For these reasons, all Pre-Service teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of Professional Practice
Further information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience
Professional practice rules
During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teachers internship prior to completion of the internship. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from internship in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the scholar in residence may result in a Fail grade for this unit.
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Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Practice in schools. Because of its responsibility for the education, safety and well-being of children in schools, the teaching profession demands the highest professional standards and personal ethics.
Students will complete a 5-week block in PPA6150, a 5-week block in PPA6250 and 5 planning days and a 5-week block in PPA6460.
Attendance requirements
Generally host Schools and Centres require that the Pre-Service Teachers attend the placement on a
full time basis and otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement.
There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
The Department of Education Western Australia and cooperating non-government schools have
the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in schools. For these reasons,
all Pre-Service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Nationally
Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the
equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of
Professional Experience.
Further information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience
Professional practice rules
During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teachers placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional experience placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise teaching theory and practice in authentic situations.
- Apply communication and collaboration skills to design innovative curriculum, learning and assessment activities in secondary education.
- Reflect critically on a complex body of education knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of secondary teaching.
- Use high level self management skills to initiate, plan and execute an extended practicum.
Professional Recognition
CourseAccredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $4,650 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates will be eligible to teach in a major and minor area of study in secondary schools in both the private and government sector. Secondary school teachers may also work in industry, TAFE, community organisations, private tutoring, consultancies, personnel training, administration and public relations.
Possible future job titles
Secondary Teacher, Art Teacher, Computing Teacher, Dance Teacher, Design and Technology Teacher, Drama Teacher, English Teacher, Health and Physical Education Teacher, Home Economics Teacher, Humanities and Social Science Teacher
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
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Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
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Student stories
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I could not be happier with my experiences as a student during my Master of Teaching degree at ECU
I felt supported by the unit coordinators, lecturers, and tutors – they were knowledgeable, approachable, compassionate, and willing to share their knowledge and incorporated their prior teaching experiences into the course content. Duncan Wild, ECU Master of Teaching (Secondary) graduate.
Quick guide to uni-speak
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The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
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ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
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CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
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A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
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Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
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If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
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If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
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Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
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A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
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We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
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These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
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An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
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Do you have any questions about the Master of Teaching (Secondary)?
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Course Entry
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ECU Experience
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