Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education) (BEdSec&SpecEd) is an undergraduate teaching degree offered by Australian Catholic University with a minimum duration of four years full-time or the equivalent part-time. It carries 320 credit points and is approved for delivery at ACU's Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Strathfield campuses, and online. The handbook records that the online location is used only for the Internship specialisation, and only for students in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Queensland.

To qualify, a student completes 320 credit points from the schedule of unit offerings: 60 credit points of education studies units, 60 credit points of effective teaching units, 80 credit points in a first teaching area made up of 60 credit points of secondary discipline studies and 20 credit points of secondary curriculum studies, 80 credit points of special education specialisation units, 30 credit points of electives, 10 credit points from ACU's Core Curriculum, and the zero credit point ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education units. A named specialisation in Internship is completed as a separate 320 credit point pattern. The effective teaching sequence runs from Becoming a Teacher through to professional engagement and reflection, taking in curriculum and pedagogies and inclusive education.

Students must pass LNTE111 Literacy and Numeracy Test before attempting the second placement unit EDET200. Exit points include the Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies, the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation), the Bachelor of Educational Studies, the Diploma in Liberal Arts and the Certificate in Liberal Arts, although ACU notes none of these awards qualifies a student to teach in Australia.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
In addition, applicants in Victoria will be required to demonstrate suitability for teaching.
All applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:
- Australian Capital Territory: Prerequisites: Nil. Assumed Knowledge: Studies in English (T); Studies in Mathematics (T). To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Studies in Mathematics (T)
- New South Wales: Prerequisites: Nil. Assumed Knowledge: A minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English. To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2. Note: This course is structured to allow applicants to meet the three Band 5 entry requirements within the degree program by including a full year of discipline studies before applicants study how to teach
- Queensland: Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C). Assumed Knowledge: To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Mathematical Methods C
- Victoria: Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English; Mathematics: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion of two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics, OR Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics. To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Units 3 and 4: Mathematical Methods
Alternatively, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants may be selected following an interview with the course adviser and staff of the campus Indigenous Higher Education Unit. They should have a minimum of three years' work experience; or completion of year 12 or equivalent; or demonstrated relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.
Applicants for the 'All Points to Teaching' program must meet the employment-based criteria for that program in addition to the Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education) course entry requirements.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

International students

International applicants must meet the same academic requirements as domestic applicants, plus ACU's English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
ACU's handbook notes that the course is not offered to international students at Brisbane or Canberra in 2026.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in secondary school teaching and special education.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) / AITSL

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units100 units

EDES100

Understanding Learning and Teaching

EDES101

Educational Thought

EDES103

Understanding Learners and Their Contexts

EDES104

Digital Cultures and Capabilities

EDES105

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

EDES302

Professional Communication

EDET100

Effective Teaching 1: Becoming a Teacher

EDET201

Effective Teaching 2: Curriculum and Pedagogies

EDET200

Effective Teaching 3: Engaging Learners and Managing Learning Environments

EDET300

Effective Teaching 4: Students with Disability and Inclusive Education

EDET400

Effective Teaching 5: Assessment and Data Informed Practice

EDET401

Effective Teaching 6: Professional Engagement and Reflection

ARCH

Archaeology

BUSD

Business Studies

DETI

Design and Technologies

DRAM

Drama

ENGL

English

GEES

Geography, Environment and Society

HIST

History

MATH

Mathematics

MUSC

Music

SRLG

Study of Religions

THSD

Theological Studies

VISU

Visual Arts

BIOL125

Human Biology 1

BIOL126

Human Biology 2

BIOL206

Human Genetics

BMSC206

Introduction to Neuroscience

BMSC207

Microbiology and Immunology

BMSC306

Advanced Physiology

BMSC309

Advanced Cardiovascular Physiology

EDAR299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Visual Arts Education 1

EDAR399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Visual Arts Education 2

EDBI399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Biology Education

EDBU399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Business Studies

EDCB299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Commerce and Business Studies

EDCH399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Chemistry Education

EDCU399

Extension Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

EDDR299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Drama Education 1

EDDR399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Drama Education 2

EDEN299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in English Education 1

EDEN399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in English Education 2

EDEO399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Economics

EDGE299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Geography Education 1

EDGE399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Geography Education 2

EDHE299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Health Education 1

EDHE399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Health Education 2

EDHI299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in History Education 1

EDHI397

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Ancient History

EDHI398

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Modern History

EDHI399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in History Education 2

EDIT299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in ICT and Digital Technologies Education 1

EDIT399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in ICT and Digital Technologies Education 2

EDMA299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Mathematics Education 1

EDMA399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Mathematics Education 2

EDMU299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Music Education 1

EDMU399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Music Education 2

EDOE299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Outdoor Education 1

EDOE399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Outdoor Education 2

EDPE299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Physical Education 1

EDPE399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Physical Education 2

EDPI399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Politics and International Relations

EDPS299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Psychology Education 1

EDPS399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Psychology Education 2

EDRE299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Religious Education 1

EDRE399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Religious Education 2

EDRE440

Religion Studies Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

EDSI299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in General Science Education 1

EDSI399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in General Science Education 2

EDSS299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Humanities and Social Sciences Education

EDSO399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Society and Culture

EDTE299

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Design and Technologies 1

EDTE399

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in Design and Technologies 2

EDSE111

Attitudes and Inclusive Practice

EDSE410

Wellbeing and High Needs

EDSE411

Positive Behaviour Intervention Support

EDSE421

Early Interventions and Transitions

EDSE427

Partnerships: Inclusive and Diverse Learning

EDSE450

Understanding Adjustments, Technology and Communication Systems

EDSX400

Special Education Professional Experience

EDEN345

Literacy and Diversity Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

EDMA311

Intervention in Numeracy

EDCU150

Curriculum Foundations for Literacy and Numeracy

EDES206

Social Justice and Community Engagement for Educators

EDMH200

Supporting Teacher Mental Health: The First Five Years

EDFX204

Engaging with Global Communities Personal Professional Learning in International Education Contexts

EDES300

Comparative Education: Local and Global Contexts

EDAB441

Experiencing Aboriginal Knowings in Country

EDFD454

Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum

EDMA413

Statistics and Probability in the Middle School

EDRE429

Foundation Studies Teaching in Catholic Schools

EDST470

Secondary Technology and Engineering in an Integrated STEM Classroom

PHCC201

The Origins of the Sciences and Contemporary Challenges

THCC200

Justice in the World: Catholic Social Ethics in Global Perspective

THCC202

Sacred Land: Australian Indigenous Spiritualities and Catholic Thought

TPCC201

Ecology and Justice

TPCC202

Conflict, Violence and Peace-making

LNTE100

LANTITE - Literacy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students

LNTE101

LANTITE - Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students

INTSES

Internship

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education) take to complete?

The course has a duration of 208 weeks (approximately 4 years) as listed in the CRICOS registry.

What is the total estimated cost of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education) for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$142,496 in tuition fees, with no additional non-tuition fees listed, making the total estimated course cost AU$142,496.

Does this course include any practical work experience?

Yes, the course includes a mandatory work component totalling 640 hours, structured as 40 hours per week over 16 weeks, providing students with hands-on teaching experience.

At which campuses can I study the Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education)?

ACU's 2026 handbook lists the approved locations as Canberra (ACT), Blacktown and Strathfield (NSW), Brisbane (QLD), Ballarat and Melbourne (VIC), and Online. North Sydney is not an approved location for this course. The online location is used only for the Internship specialisation and is available to students in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Queensland.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

This course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights if it meets all criteria: it must be in 'Registered' status, be a Skills Level 1 qualification (which a Bachelor Degree is), have a duration of 92 weeks or greater (this course is 208 weeks), and its narrow Field of Education must align with the Skills Level 1 priority list. Eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at review time.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $72,000 to $90,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $105,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Early Childhood TeacherPrimary School TeacherSecondary School TeacherSpecial Education TeacherTeacher Librarian

Key Skills

Lesson planning and curriculum design aligned to the Australian CurriculumDifferentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needsClassroom management and positive behaviour supportFormative and summative assessment design and analysisInclusive education practices for students with disabilities and additional needs

Full Course Overview

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