Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts)

The combined Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) is an opportunity to share your creative passions and artistic sensibilities with the next generation. Learn from experienced mentors to gain the confidence and knowledge to teach visual arts while building your own skills in visual media. Develop expertise and broaden your knowledge in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and object design. Gain practical experience preparing and curating exhibitions or developing a commissioned artistic project. Enhance your skills over time, from observing your mentor teacher, to co-teaching, through to planning for and teaching multiple classes a day. You will study visual arts as a major alongside another specialisation from our Arts disciplines.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires students to pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test prior to completing the final professional experience placement.

All students in initial teacher education courses must meet the LANTITE test standard prior to graduation. You need to demonstrate once that you have met the standard for each test component (literacy and numeracy) before you undertake your final teaching placement. Test results are transferrable and do not expire.

If you have not met the standard for either component after your first attempt, it is very important that you contact the Course Coordinator immediately to discuss your options.

Areas of study

Secondary education, visual arts.

Career opportunities

Secondary teachers in Catholic, state and independent schools, institutes of technical and further education (TAFE), vocational education, community education centres, private colleges and special education settings systems; teachers and educators in community situations.

Practical experience

Four professional experience placements in a variety of school contexts. The professional experience is integrated into a variety of units in order to establish clear links between theory and practice. Students must obtain a Working With Children Check before the first professional experience placement.

Professional recognition

This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as a secondary school teacher in all states and territories. Students will develop knowledge and skills in the secondary curriculum and two specialist secondary teaching areas.

By selecting religious education and/or theology units, you will be eligible to teach Religious Education in Catholic and other faith-based schools.

Fees and charges

Visit the ACU website for general information about tuition fees.