Course Overview

About This Course

Course overview Guide students through adolescence and prepare them for a successful life ahead. This initial teacher education degree prepares you for a rewarding career in secondary school teaching and enables you to pursue specialist interests. You will develop the critical knowledge and skills to support and inspire future generations of learners. Undergraduate Degree Secondary Education Career outcomes With 158,500 secondary school teachers employed in Australia, and 5,100 new positions added in the past twelve months, this in-demand profession offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact across a range of subject areas.¹ Careers Secondary school teacher Policy development officer Special programs officer Trainer, mentor or coach Curriculum designer Industries Education (government and non-government) Training ¹ Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Professional accreditation and recognition This course is accredited in Western Australia by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia . Why study at Curtin? Teachers are in-demand There is a nation wide shortage of teachers, presenting you with strong job opportunities (Job and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List 2024) Work experience You will undertake 18 weeks of teaching practice, which includes a 10-week internship where you will be responsible for students' learning, under the mentorship of a qualified teacher. Professional recognition This course is recognised by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia and countries that recognise Australian teaching qualifications. Your student experience Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early. Learn about work-integrated learning Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes. Why choose Curtin Find your entry pathway to Curtin You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you. Explore your pathways Previous slide Next slide

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Perth

78 Murray St, Perth, WA 6000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Entry requirements To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria: any course-specific requirements course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway English language requirement. I am an international student Studying on an Australian student visa? See entry requirement details for international students. Guaranteed entry If you achieve the guaranteed ATAR/selection rank for this course and meet all other entry requirements, you’re guaranteed a place in this course. Course-specific requirements You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course. Prerequisite subjects Essential subjects Additional pre-requisites are required for the following majors: Mathematics Education - Mathematics Methods ATAR Science Education (Biology) - Mathematics Applications ATAR Science Education (Chemistry) - Chemistry ATAR and Mathematics Applications ATAR Science Education (Physics) - Physics ATAR and Mathematics Methods ATAR Desirable subjects Mathematics Applications ATAR is recommended for all majors; and additional prior study is recommended for the following majors: Mathematics Education - Maths Specialist ATAR Science Education (Biology) - At least one Science ATAR course from the list below* Science Education (Chemistry) - Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR Science Education (Human Biology) - Maths Methods ATAR and Chemistry ATAR; and Human Biology ATAR or Biology ATAR Science Education (Physics) - Maths Specialist ATAR and Chemistry ATAR Science Education (Psychology) - At least one Science ATAR course from the list below*

Desirable Science ATAR courses: Animal Production Systems, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Marine and Maritime Studies, Physics, Plant Production Systems, Psychology . Notes on prerequisite subjects None. Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses. English requirements You can meet this requirement through one of the following: a scaled score of at least 50 in WACE ATAR English, English Literature, or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD), or the IELTS score outlined in the table below. If you’ve completed a different English test or qualification, you may be able to use it to meet this requirement. Check accepted English tests, qualifications and required scores on our English language requirements page. IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) Writing 7 Speaking 8 Reading 7 Listening 8 Overall band score 7.5 Fieldwork requirements This course requires you to undertake fieldwork placements to complete your qualification. In order to undertake fieldwork, you must meet the following requirements Working with children Criminal record screening and clearance Entry pathways There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved. I have completed high school or secondary education You can apply with secondary education if you meet one of the following: Guaranteed ATAR/Selection rank 70 ATAR adjustment factors (Selection Rank) Equity ATAR adjustment factors recognise circumstances such as where you live, the school you attended or your background. These factors can raise your Selection Rank above your ATAR and are applied automatically through TISC. Learn more about StepUp to Curtin . ATAR/Selection Rank course profile See the ATAR and Selection Rank results from recent applicants who received an offer for this course, including the lowest, median and highest ranks. View ATAR breakdown I am studying at university or have completed higher education You can apply with university study if you meet the criteria of one of the following pathways: Curtin course switcher criteria To switch into this course, you need to have: Met the minimum admission criteria Met the additional ATAR prerequisites required if you are choosing any of the following majors Mathematics Education Major - ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent) Science Education Major (Physics) - ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent), and ATAR Physics (or equivalent) Science Education Major (Chemistry) - ATAR Mathematics Applications (or equivalent), and ATAR Chemistry (or equivalent) Science Education Major (Biology) - ATAR Mathematics Applications (or equivalent) Prerequisite Information The ATAR Mathematics Applications can be met with one of the following Curtin units: MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus MATH1015 Linear Algebra The ATAR Mathematics Methods prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin unit: MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus MATH1016 Calculus 1 The ATAR Chemistry can be met with the following Curtin units: CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry The ATAR Physics can be met with one of the following Curtin units: PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics Higher education course switcher criteria To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have: Met the minimum admission criteria; and Met the additional ATAR prerequisites required if you are choosing any of the following majors: Mathematics Education Major - ATAR Mathematics Methods or unit/s assessed as comparable to ATAR Mathematics Methods Science Education Major (Biology) - ATAR Mathematics Applications or unit/s assessed as comparable to ATAR Mathematics Applications Science Education Major (Chemistry) - ATAR Chemistry and ATAR Mathematics Applications or unit/s assessed as comparable to both those subjects Science Education Major (Physics) - ATAR Physics and ATAR Mathematics Methods or unit/s assessed as comparable to both those subjects I have work and life experience You can apply with work/life experience if you meet the criteria of one of the following pathways: Written English and either Multiple Choice Verbal or Quantitative will be assessed. This is accepted for all majors except Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I have completed vocational education (VET or TAFE) You can apply with vocational education if you’ve completed one of the following qualifications, or higher: Accepted VET studies include: AQF Certificate IV – Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required or AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma I don’t meet the criteria for any entry pathway If you don’t meet one of the above entry pathways, you may be able to enter this course through a bridging or enabling pathway. Explore our pathways Indigenous applicants If you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 17 or older, you might be eligible for an Indigenous enabling course. Explore Indigenous enabling courses Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken . Study credit and support You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances. Get credit towards your degree You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course. Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook . Special consideration If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances. Check if you’re eligible for special consideration . Additional information Application Requirements Please refer to our application requirements before applying for this Curtin course. Things to know before you apply This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability. Notes about this course Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information. General admission criteria Please note: Credit is rarely given on the basis of professional experience only in Initial Teacher Education degrees as graduates must meet registration requirements set by the accrediting bodies in each state/territory. Duration and availability This course is four years' full-time or equivalent part-time study. PHYSE Physical Education Major - Students being admitted in the Semester 2 intake should be aware that due to unit availabilities and prerequisites, it is not possible to complete in the four year full-time duration if choosing the major MJRU-PHYSE Physical Education Major (BEd Secondary). All other majors: Students who are admitted in the Semester 2 intake need to consult the most recent enrolment planners to be advised of the correct sequence of units for their chosen major to enable completion within four years. Notes for completion Students are required to provide evidence of successful completion of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students (LANTITE) prior to graduation/completing their course. The test is managed by ACER and details of the test (for example, sample questions, the Test Window dates, and registration) can be found at Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students . Students are responsible for meeting the costs associated with taking these tests, which are a national requirement applicable to all teaching graduates. Students are expected to successfully complete the LANTITE between the first and third professional experience units in their course. In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University. Other notes about this course This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability. All students are required to successfully complete four compulsory professional experience placements in schools as part of designated units throughout the course. These placements must be undertaken in registered schools where the language of instruction is English. Placements are undertaken on a full-time basis for the number of days shown in a continuous block and students need to plan carefully to ensure they are able to meet this commitment. The total number of days of professional experience in the course will satisfy all states' requirements for teacher registration. None of the four professional experience placements can be broken or split into shorter periods. No more than 50% of professional experience days may be undertaken in schools outside of Australia. Students will be required to have a current and valid Working with Children clearance as required by the state or country in which the placement provider is located. They will also need to meet any other relevant State requirements before engaging in any work with children or professional experience. If students have any doubt about their eligibility to acquire these clearances they should contact the local Teacher Registration Authority.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career outcomes With 158,500 secondary school teachers employed in Australia, and 5,100 new positions added in the past twelve months, this in-demand profession offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact across a range of subject areas.¹ Careers Secondary school teacher Policy development officer Special programs officer Trainer, mentor or coach Curriculum designer Industries Education (government and non-government) Training ¹ Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Professional accreditation and recognition This course is accredited in Western Australia by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia .

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) / AITSL

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much teaching practice will I complete during this degree?

You will complete four professional placements in schools totalling 720 hours of supervised teaching practice, undertaken in full-time blocks regardless of your study mode. These include: a two-week full-time block in the first year, a three-week full-time block in the second year, a three-week full-time block in the third year, and a block of one full school term (typically 10 weeks) in the fourth year. You may also be able to undertake a rural, interstate or overseas placement.

What majors can I choose for this degree?

You can choose from the following majors: English, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) (Geography), HASS (History), HASS (Economics), HASS (Politics and Law), Physical Education, Mathematics, Science (Biology), Science (Chemistry), Science (Human Biology), Science (Psychology), Science (Physics), The Arts (Drama), The Arts (Media Production and Analysis), and The Arts (Visual Arts). You can also complement your major with either a minor teaching area or an extension of your major teaching area.

Is this course professionally accredited?

Yes, this course is accredited in Western Australia by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, and is also recognised by countries that recognise Australian teaching qualifications.

What is the minimum ATAR required for guaranteed entry into this course?

If you achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 70 and meet all other entry requirements, you are guaranteed a place in this course.

What will I study beyond my chosen major?

In addition to your chosen major, you will study units that establish your understanding of teaching practice, such as educational psychology, Indigenous education, and teaching students with diverse learning needs. All units are mapped to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, ensuring you graduate with the relevant competencies required to teach successfully. Throughout your studies, you will also build a professional digital portfolio that showcases your teaching abilities to potential employers.

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

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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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