Master of Teaching (Secondary)

About

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is an accelerated program designed for students wanting to become a qualified secondary school teacher in 1.3 years. Students studying full-time will be eligible to start teaching in secondary school after only one year of study.  It is specifically designed to support students in their transition into first-year teaching and to nurture future leaders of the profession.

The program aims to provide a strong initial year of preparation for teaching in secondary schools and graduates will gain accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and will be eligible to work in all Australian states as well as internationally. The first three stages of study are undertaken either full-time or part-time equivalent. The final stage of the program is usually undertaken part-time over two terms while in the first year of teaching.

Special requirements and policies apply to this course.

Note: Due to UNSW's quota system for Commonwealth-supported and fee-paying courses, students should apply as soon as possible. The quota system ensures enrolment is maintained at a level which maximises the quality of the UNSW teaching and learning experience.

Applications received after UAC's main closing date will be considered, however the university cannot guarantee that they'll be processed in time for the start of your preferred term. Offers to courses may close if a faculty's offer quota is reached. Applicants will be considered for preferences in future offer rounds in the 2023–24 UAC admissions period or can reapply in the following admissions period.

Program structure

• 36 units of credit in core educational areas
• 24 units of credit in one double or two single teaching specialisations
• 18 units of credit in professional practice including up to 80  days of supervised teaching practice in up to three different secondary schools, including a 20- day internship
• 18 units of credit in elective areas of study from the Master of Education.

Applicant suitability

Before continuing with this application, it is recommended that you review the Master of Teaching (Secondary) degree page where you can find an information pack to assess whether this program is suitable for you. You can select either two single teaching method plans or one double teaching method plan. To ensure that you select compatible teaching methods, please see the information pack via the above link.

Select either two single teaching method plans or one double teaching method plan. To ensure that you select compatible teaching methods, review the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Information Pack.

Teaching specialisations

The program requires students to study one double or two single methods to prepare them for their secondary teaching specialisation(s). Methods offered are:

• Double method: English, Mathematics, Music, Visual Arts
• Single method: Indigenous (Aboriginal) Studies, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Drama (Theatre and Performance Studies), Earth and Environmental Science, Economics, English, English as an Additional Language or dialect (EAL/D), Investigating Science, a language* (French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean), Geography, Graphics and Multimedia Technology, History – Ancient, History – Modern, Legal Studies, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Science, Society and Culture, Visual Arts.

Prospective English, Mathematics, Music or Visual Arts teachers may select a double or two single methods. Other prospective teachers select two single method courses.

* A very high level of competence in spoken and written English is required to participate in this program. Find out more about English language requirements

Professional experience

Teaching practice is undertaken in at least two and up to three different secondary schools under the supervision of experienced teachers. Students must be available five days a week during normal school hours during these periods. Part-time students are also required to undertake the Professional Experience component in a full-time block.

Applicants are required to have completed the following prior to the first week of the program: Working with Children Check, Anaphylaxis Training and Child Protection Awareness Training.

The successful completion of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) is required prior to the FINAL school placement. Visit the school of education website for further information about professional experience. The LANTITE tests can be completed prior to applying for / commencing the UNSW Master of Teaching (Secondary).

Admission criteria

Appropriate undergraduate degree from a recognised institution with adequate background studies in relevant teaching discipline/s as follows:

• Main teaching specialisation – a major (three years of study, six semester-long* courses with no more than two courses at level (year) 1 and at least two courses at level (year) 3
• Second teaching specialisation – a minor (two years of study, four semester-long* courses with at least two of these at level (year) 2 or above).

* Semester-long – a semester or session is a teaching period. Generally, there are two main sessions (semester 1 and semester 2) in an academic year, usually of 13 weeks teaching/study, plus an examination period, or equivalent. Some institutions offer shorter Summer and Winter sessions during the breaks between the major sessions. Some academic years are divided into four teaching periods.

For more detailed information on background studies, visit the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) website.

Personal statement

You must submit a personal statement which outlines your suitability for secondary teaching. Your statement should be no more than 150 words and include your reasons for wanting to be a teacher and why you are best suited for that role.

Upload your personal statement as a PDF within the UAC application.

Your application cannot be considered without this information.

English language proficiency requirements

Either of the following:

• HSC minimum Band 5 in Standard English, English as an Additional Language or Dialect or Advanced English or equivalent
• IELTS (Academic) – 7.5 overall with a minimum of 8.0 in Speaking and Listening and a minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing (or equivalent).

If your prior study was undertaken in a non-English speaking country, you may be asked to provide evidence of meeting the English language proficiency requirements, with an accepted English test. Refer to UNSW English Language Requirements for more details.

Please note you must comply with the NESA English Language Proficiency Requirements and provide the necessary evidence when you apply for provisional and conditional accreditation.

Fees and charges

^ Indicative annual course fees for 2023. Visit UNSW's website for further information.

Australian Government financial assistance

UNSW Sydney scholarships and financial assistance

Equity Scholarships through UAC

Further information

Read the full course details on the UNSW Sydney website.

Chat online with a UNSW Future Student Adviser or call (+61 2) 9385 1844

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Our School of Education is a research-intensive school and a key player in the professional preparation and development of teachers and other educational professionals in Australia and internationally.

Visit the School of Education website.