Bachelor of Secondary Education degrees

The Bachelor of Secondary Education is a four-year degree that allows students to become high school teachers in their chosen discipline. The degree prepares students for the schools and classrooms of today by developing deep content and pedagogical knowledge - that is, what to teach and how to teach it - within a globalised society.

Students will study subjects aligned with their major discipline while also developing key professional knowledge about how the brain works, psychology and adolescent development, classroom management and relationships, Aboriginal education, inclusion, special education, technology, and pedagogy.

This degree is underpinned by quality professional experience placements in schools and other educational settings where students work with classroom practitioners to combine theory and practice. Most majors within the Bachelor of Secondary Education can be undertaken with an approved minor in order to pursue eligibility for a NESA second teaching area.

All initial teacher education students will need to meet the benchmark set by the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students before their final professional experience placement and graduation. Literacy and numeracy test details.

Areas of study

Bachelor of Secondary Education (Biology): Education theory and practice, biology. Bachelor of Secondary Education (Chemistry): Education theory and practice, chemistry. Bachelor of Secondary Education (Earth and Environmental Science): Education theory and practice, earth and environmental science. Bachelor of Secondary Education (Health and Physical Education): Education theory and practice, personal development, health education from a socio-cultural perspective, and physical education. Bachelor of Secondary Education (Mathematics): Education theory and practice, mathematics. Bachelor of Secondary Education (Physics): Education theory and practice, physics.

Career opportunities

Teaching in government and non-government secondary schools and related occupations in commercial, industrial and government areas.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). For further information on the status of this and other teacher education degrees, refer to Teacher accreditation on the NESA website.

Practical experience

Extensive professional experience throughout your degree will allow you to learn by applying your skills in the classroom. You will also have opportunities for rural and international professional experiences, to study overseas with UOW's international exchange and study abroad partners, and to join international cultural immersion programs.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Wollongong current fee information.