Course overview
Combine your passion for the arts with inspiring the next generation by studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary), at a university ranked #3 in Australia and #13 globally for education and educational research. Choosing arts means backing your future: one in four Deakin arts graduates hold leadership or managerial roles.
Accelerate your studies and graduate with two versatile degrees in just four years. With 14 arts majors, including history, media studies, performing arts and more, you can complement your teaching expertise while expanding your career options. Both streams include practical learning, with 60+ days of professional placements in schools arranged for you.
In arts you can take a study tour, study overseas, complete industry projects, intern with one of our 600+ employers or coordinate your own. We are also the only university to embed the Berry Street Education Model - trauma informed strategies, into all initial teaching degrees.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
Bachelor of Arts / Master of Teaching (Secondary)
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510303 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- D303
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 089566D Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9
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Choose a Deakin degree for vital industry experience on placements, hands-on learning in world-class facilities and guidance from industry-expert academics. We offer lifetime career support and are the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary), you must pass 36 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- 2 Arts majors (8 credit points each)
- 4 credit points selected from:
- EDU204 Literacy, Numeracy and Multi-tier Systems of supports (MTSS) across the curriculum
- EDU210 EDU210 The Brain and Learning
- Plus 2 credit points selected from:
- EDU303 Education, Communication and Technology
- EDU301 Culture, Diversity and Participation in Education
- EDU302 Education and Humanitarian Development
- 4 credit points of course elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points of at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points of at level 3
- 12 credit points from the Master of Teaching (Secondary) (E763) (minimum WAM required*)
- ELN010 Australian Literacy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- ELN011 Australian Numeracy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- ETI010 Trauma Informed Practice (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of course electives from two teaching specialist areas
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts (A310) and Master of Teaching (Secondary) (E763) must be satisfied.
Eligibility*
Following successful completion of the first 3 undergraduate levels of the course, students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) above 60 and meet the entry requirements for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) will progress to the postgraduate level of the course. Students cannot progress to the postgraduate level of study without completing all 24 credit points at undergraduate level. An alternative exit from D303 with an A310 Bachelor of Arts award is available to students with a WAM of less than 60.
To complete this course in 4 years full time, students commence the Master of Teaching (Secondary) in Trimester 3 of their third year.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note:
- Students undertaking a major in Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, International Relations, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Religious Studies or Sociology must select 2 credit points of units in 1 of the others of these or from the A310 major of History among their electives.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
Students to select:
- 2 approved Arts major sequences of at least 8 credit points each selected from the following listing:
Humanities: One of below majors, plus select 2 credit points of units from one other of these disciplines (or History)
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Anthropology | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Indigenous Studies | Online~ |
| International Relations | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Middle East Studies | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Philosophy | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Politics and Policy Studies | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Sociology | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
~ The Indigenous Studies major sequence is offered in the online mode only. International on-campus students must first seek approval from Student Central with a course map plan to ensure they do not exceed one-third (or equivalent) of their course completed online and meet all other course and enrolment rules.
English: one of the below
| Area of Study | Availability |
| English - Children's Literature | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| English - Literature | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
Languages Other than English (LOTE)*
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Chinese | Online |
*Arabic, Indonesian and Spanish Major Sequences, only available to students who commenced prior to 2027.
History
| Area of Study | Availability |
| History | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
Religious Studies
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Religious Studies | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
Media Studies
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Media Studies | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
Performing Arts
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Performing Arts | Burwood (Melbourne) |
Visual Arts and Photography
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Visual Arts and Photography | Burwood (Melbourne) |
- Plus 4 electives selected from another Arts major discipline listed above
- Plus 4 four credit points as specified below:
Plus 2 credit points selected from:
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first year of study:
Units
Professional experience placement units*
(*please note unit rules for order in which these must be completed)
- Plus
2 Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a first teaching method area
And
2 Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a second teaching method area
Secondary curriculum study units
All Secondary candidates will have 2 methods (disciplines) as reflected in their undergraduate major and minor sequences related to the Australian Curriculum.
Candidates undertake 2 curriculum studies units (as prescribed) per method (four units in total), across one of two learning areas.
Note: D303 permits a choice between the following learning areas: English, Humanities, History, LOTE, The Arts, Religious Education.
English
Humanities
History
*A student who is completing Humanities and History would replace the second offering of EHU701 with EMM743 Teaching Strategies for the Middle Years
Language Other Than English (LOTE)
The Arts
Single method: One of Dance, Drama, Media, Music or Visual Arts
Second Arts method: One of Dance, Drama, Media, Music or Visual Arts
Religious Education
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
A Working with Children Check and completion of Casper selection is required before commencing any units from the Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Students will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course in Year 3, Trimester 3. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.
Interstate applicants must check the requirements and meet all conditions for undertaking professional experience in schools for their state or territory before undertaking professional experience placements as part of this course.
Inherent requirements
It is expected that all students will be able to abide by, and ensure their behaviour is in accordance with the Victorian Institute of Teaching Code of Conduct.
Immunisations
Immunisation and/or vaccination requirements will be communicated by the Professional Experience Office in line with the Department of Education and Training's directions at the time of placement.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience Office.
Teacher Education Graduation requirements
Students undertaking an initial teacher education course must pass an approved literacy and numeracy test in order to be eligible to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Learn more about the literacy and numeracy test.
Participation requirements
Students are required to complete units in Trimester 3 of the third year of study.
Please note that this combined degree course is comprised of 36 credit points (24 counted towards the Bachelor of Arts and 12 counted towards the Master of Teaching (Secondary). The structure of the course utilises the University's trimester model, allowing students to fast-track their studies to complete in a minimum of 4 calendar years (9 teaching periods), with the Master's component completed over 1 calendar year (3 teaching periods).
Trimester 3 in the third year will become compulsory for all students (3 consecutive teaching periods).
This course includes 60-days of supervised professional experience, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment. Successful completion of this course indicates that a student has met the expected standard of performance for each of the Graduate Teacher Standards.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
Non-academic requirements
Students will need to sit the Casper test towards the end of their bachelor degree before beginning the Master of Teaching (Secondary) component.
Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes.
Learn more about Casper.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2024.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$41,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Career outcomes
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction.* With us you can step-into your future with confidence. Teaching courses at Deakin lead to a career that can make a profound and lasting contribution to the future by positively educating and influencing the lives of students. Teaching is one of the largest profession in Australia, with more than 200,000 teachers working across 10,000 schools, teaching more than three million students. It’s a rewarding career that offers creativity, flexibility and opportunity.
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary), you will be qualified to teach in secondary schools within Victoria, in the private, independent, or public education sectors.
Your specialisations and advanced knowledge will also open doors to roles in community services, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025. Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) based on overall employment for domestic undergraduates
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as a nationally accredited course and students are eligible to apply for registration with VIT upon graduation. If you intend to apply for registration in Victoria or interstate you may be required to provide further information.
Applicants are advised to check the registration requirements in their state or territory, carefully.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts (A310) | Course Learning Outcomes Master of Teaching (Secondary) (E779) |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. | Contribute to critical, professional debates about education theory; local, national and global trends; curriculum; Indigenous and intercultural perspectives; and legal, professional and ethical codes and standards, and critique and apply these understandings to inform their own practice. |
| Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. | Apply critical thinking, pedagogical knowledge and effective interpersonal, oral, written and multimodal communication skills to demonstrate empathy, foster learner agency, establish positive and inclusive learning-friendly environments, and build effective professional partnerships and trust with families/caregivers, teaching colleagues and other stakeholders. |
| Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. | Act in accordance with the ethical and legal frameworks and policy that inform responsible and ethical practice in digital environments, and critically discuss, evaluate and employ a range of appropriate digital literacies, resources and technologies for professional/community/learner engagement and agency. |
| Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. | Contribute to critical and professional debates about education trends, theory, policy and research and use these understandings to critically reflect on and evaluate own teaching practices and diverse learning data sets to make informed evidence-based judgements for enhancements and innovations to improve learner agency and outcomes. |
| Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. | Collaboratively and independently use evidence and research to identify, prioritise and creatively respond to problems that arise in professional learning and practice. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. | Engage autonomously and responsibly with critical self-reflection, self-assessment and feedback from others, to inform their own learning, plan for professional development and to balance academic demands with self-care /self-management. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. | Actively and collaboratively participate in, and/or lead learning communities, involving learners, families, community members, colleagues and the broader profession to deepen understandings of education and to optimise learning and learner well-being. |
| Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. | Apply culturally responsive, critically reflective and embodied self-knowledge of decolonial praxis in the design, delivery and evaluation of teaching and learning that honours and respects the educational expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and diverse learners, families and communities. |
Approved at Faculty Board
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
