Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Secondary teachers have the unique opportunity to nurture, teach and empower students at a critical period of their development. Learn how to inspire high school students to make the most of their education and excite their passions for the subjects you teach. Study a degree in secondary education, and you'll be at the forefront of tomorrow, helping to shape and enable future generations.

Combine your passion for education with your chosen areas of interest – choose your teaching specialisations from a range of NESA Accredited Teaching Areas. Gain in-depth knowledge, expertise, confidence, and the skills to be an exceptional teacher.
University of Newcastle education graduates are both qualified high school teachers and highly skilled specialists who work across teaching and non-teaching roles in education and related industries.

Students entering education programs must meet any additional requirements as determined by the NSW Education Standards Authority and Australian Government teacher education policy. Our education degrees are accredited with the NSW Education Standards Authority. Refer to Your accreditation on the NSW Education Standards Authority website.

Our programs are designed with pathways to cater for students from a variety of educational backgrounds, including applicants who have met the NSW Education Standards Authority requirement of three HSC Band 5s (including one in English). For those applicants who may not have met the NSW Education Standards Authority requirement on entry, and who otherwise meet the University of Newcastle academic entry requirements, there are pathways which enable you to meet the teacher education milestone by the completion of the first year of study (80 units) in the program. For further information, refer to Admission into teacher education degrees on the University of Newcastle website.

Visit the AITSL website for further information on current Australian Government teacher education policy.

Areas of study

Secondary education and teaching in the following areas: Aboriginal studies, ancient history, biology, business studies, chemistry, computing information systems and software design, design and technology, earth and environmental science, economics, English, food technology, geography, health and physical education, industrial technology engineering, industrial technology graphics and multimedia, industrial technology timber and metal, information processes and technology, investigating science, languages (Chinese, French, German, Japanese), legal studies, mathematics, modern history, physics, society and culture, special education, studies of religion, teaching English as a second language (TESOL).

Note: Not all study areas are available on each campus and are subject to change. All teaching areas are offered predominantly at the Newcastle (Callaghan) campus. Teaching areas also available at the Ourimbah campus include Aboriginal studies, drama, English, modern history, society and culture. Online delivery is also available for some courses and some courses are delivered from the Newcastle City campus. Students may study across the two campuses if they wish to broaden their study area choice. Online delivery is also available for some courses and some courses are delivered from the Newcastle City campus.

Career opportunities

High school teacher, special education teacher, health and fitness trainer, community educator, education publication writer or editor, educational materials developer, English as a second language teacher, educational researcher, education policy analyst, education consultant, curriculum developer, curriculum evaluator, educational administrator.

Professional recognition

Accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Practical experience

All students will complete three formal placements during their program that directly relate to their chosen teaching areas or specialisations and have the opportunity to engage with school observations and Teach Outreach activities throughout the duration of their program.

In the first year of the teaching program, students are orientated to the school context via school observations/visits and can engage with Teach Outreach volunteer (non-teaching) opportunities throughout their program. Students complete a 20-day placement in a secondary school in their second year of the four year program; a 20-day placement in a Diverse setting (e.g. international, inter-state, sport and rec facilities, schools outside of the Newcastle/Central Coast, alternate educational settings) in their third year; and an internship of 50 days in school in their final year (in their major area of teaching).

You can also take advantage of:

• SimTeach – live simulation experience where student teachers can practice instructional strategies with avatars operated by a real human.
• SimSchool – a computer-generated classroom environment designed to introduce student teachers to the language of education and behavioural interactions of classrooms.
• SimCave – a 360° immersive environment that provides student teachers with the best of immersive learning experiences and the potential to use new digital media for deeper, creative and cultural learning.

In order to attend a placement in a NSW Department of Education facility or other NSW School or Service, all students must meet all the education placement requirements.

Honours

Students who complete their first two years of the program with at least a credit grade point average have the option to internally apply for admission to the Research Honours program for their final two years.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.