The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is a pre-service teacher education course which requires two years of study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Law.

A Lutheran pathway is available for students wishing to teach in that system. Further information regarding the Lutheran pathway is available from the Lutheran pathway coordinator.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from the University (other than in education or teaching) or an approved qualification from another approved tertiary institution, and have studied two of the following teaching/curriculum areas:

Specialisations normally offered are: Business Education, English, Drama, Mathematics, Information Technology, Modern languages (restricted to Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, German and Modern Greek), Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences), Visual Arts, Health Education, Physical Education, History, Geography, Legal Studies, Politics, Psychology and Womens’ Studies.  Not all teaching specialisations are offered every year.  Applicants are advised to check availabilities before applying by contacting the School of Education on 8201 3345.

Note that in South Australia, to teach to year 10, four undergraduate semester topics in the teaching area are needed; to teach to Year 12, six undergraduate semester topics in the teaching area are needed.

Course aims

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) aims to qualify graduates who apply an advanced/specialised body of content and pedagogical knowledge, skills and dispositions to:

  • plan, implement and advocate transformative teaching and learning in the secondary years
  • enact policies and practices that take account of social and individual difference, ensuring that all young people learn in [safe, supportive, just] environments
  • work independently and collaboratively with young people, colleagues and communities to construct and assess inclusive and intellectually challenging curriculum in the secondary years
  • engage in critical reflection and continuing professional learning through a variety of pathways including research-based projects

Learning outcomes

On completion of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) graduates will be able to:

  • synthesise in-depth, current knowledge and an integrated understanding of the theories, content and processes of learning and teaching in the secondary years
  • articulate advanced knowledge and reflexivity regarding young people’s development and individual and social differences, including for Indigenous Australians
  • apply the cognitive, technical and creative skills and dispositions to create and maintain mutually respectful and socially just learning environments for all young people
  • communicate respectfully with young people, colleagues, parents and communities to enhance professional practice and student learning in secondary schools
  • apply the cognitive, technical and creative skills to construct and assess inclusive and intellectually challenging curriculum in the secondary years
  • demonstrate and apply sound knowledge of research principles and methods to complete a research based project in (secondary) education
  • commit to ongoing professional learning to do with new discourses, debates and issues in education as they arise in the secondary years
  • demonstrate dispositions towards relational and transformative education and a strong sense of themselves as agents, advocates and leading professionals in the secondary years.

Credit

Limited credit may be granted for recognition of prior studies undertaken at the University or other approved tertiary institutions. Further information is available on this page.

Program of study

To qualify for the Master of Teaching (Secondary), a student must complete 72 units of postgraduate education studies as set out below, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic. Except with the permission of the Board: 

  • no compulsory topic may be taken more than twice; 
  • teaching practicum topics may not be attempted more than once.

Students should note that teaching practicum topics require full-time commitment for their duration. 

Core - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

 EDUC9120  Introduction to Teaching and Research in the Education Profession  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9122  Researching Learners and Learning (Secondary)  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9128  Curriculum Studies A1: Understanding Curriculum Development in the Middle Years (4.5 units)
 EDUC9132  Professional Experience: An Introduction (Secondary Schooling) (0 units)
 EDUC9133  Literacies for the Middle and Secondary Years (4.5 units)
 EDUC9220  Relationships for Learning and Teaching  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9226  Professional Issues in Secondary Education (4.5 units)
 EDUC9227  Curriculum Studies B1: Developing Curriculum in Context in the Middle Years (4.5 units)
 EDUC9233  Professional Experience 1 (Secondary)  (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics

36 units comprising:

 EDUC9305  Curriculum Studies A2: Senior Years Specialisation 1 (4.5 units)
 EDUC9306  Curriculum Studies B2: Senior Years Specialisation 2 (4.5 units)
 EDUC9308  Professional Experience 2: Assessment for Registration (Secondary) (4.5 units)
 EDUC9400  Critical Indigenous Pedagogies  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9401  The Reflective Professional in Action  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9404  Numeracy and ICT  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9406  Differentiation and Inclusive Educational Practices (4.5 units)
 EDUC9767  Assessment in Education (4.5 units)