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Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Undergraduate degree

Translate your passion for science into a career that inspires others. Graduate as a qualified secondary school educator with two degrees in four years.

Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching

Top 5 for education in Australia*

60 days of supervised teaching placements

Key facts

ATAR

Burwood:
66.6
Lowest selection rank

Duration

4-years full-time or part-time equivalent   

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Translate your passion for the study of sciences into a career that inspires others, with a Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Deakin. Create unique course combinations with science specialisations and graduate as a qualified secondary school educator.

This industry-led combined degree allows you to fast-track your studies and graduate with two degrees in just four years.  You will explore a broad range of science disciplines before focusing on a specialisation.

At the same time, develop the attributes, discipline-specific knowledge and professional behaviours required to practise as a secondary school teacher in Australia. Learn by doing and build practical experience through hands-on lab work, professional placements, work-integrated learning and international study experiences.

Are you ready to join Australia’s largest profession?

Start with Deakin’s Bachelor of Science and choose two science majors that will lead to your postgraduate specialisations. Create unique course combinations that when paired with teaching core unit, customise your degree and boost your employability. Study disciplines including:

  • biology or general science
  • chemistry or general science
  • environmental science or general science
  • mathematics.

During your postgraduate studies, Deakin’s Professional Experience Program is a key part of your course, ensuring you have the practical skills needed from day one of your teaching career. Working with more than 1400 schools across Australia, we will arrange at least 60 days of placements for you in schools where you will learn from experienced teachers. You will have access to specialised teaching spaces on campus to prepare for teaching.

Take part in our study abroad and work-integrated learning programs and gain invaluable experience you won’t find in the classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to be a part of our Global Science and Technology Program* or develop industry-relevant skills through our professional learning placements.

Before beginning your Master of Teaching, prospective education students need to successfully complete the Casper test – an online, video scenario-based test that lets you demonstrate your suitability for a teaching career.

* Overseas study programs to be confirmed in 2022 and beyond, subject to government travel restrictions.

Read More

Course information

Award granted

Bachelor of Science / Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Year

2023 course information

VTAC code
1400510311 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code
D304
CRICOS code?
089567C Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Undergraduate
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9.

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary), students must complete a total of 36 credit points of units comprising of:

Bachelor of Science studies

Students must complete: 

1.  7 credit points of core science units (noting that students undertaking D304 are not required to undertake SLE209 Science and Society – core unit in the single degree S320 Bachelor of Science.)

2.  2 credit points of units as follows: 

  • Students who have not completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent take SLE133 and SLE155
  • Students who completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent take SLE155 and 1 credit point elective (must be Science course grouped)

3. 1 credit point Mathematics unit as follows, one of;

SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs or;

SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis.

4. One approved Bachelor of Science major sequence of at least 6 credit points selected from:

  • One of Animal Biology, Cell Biology and Genomics, Human Biology or Plant Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Mathematical Modelling

5.  5 credit points of Science course grouped elective units chosen from a second Bachelor of Science major listed above*

6. Level 3 - at least 6 credit points

7. Students must complete all three compulsory 0-point units:

  • Academic Integrity AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in order to graduate from their course.

    SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit point compulsory unit) and;

    STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

    8.  4 credit points selected from:

    • EDU201 Educational Psychology
    • EDU202 Educators and Learners
    • EDU203 Literacy, Numeracy and Education
    • EDU303 Education, Communication and Technology
    • EDU301 Culture, Diversity and Participation in Education
    • EDU302 Education and Humanitarian Development

    Following successful completion of the first 3 undergraduate levels of the course, students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) above 60 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. A WAM of less than 60 results in an alternative exit from D304 with award S320 Bachelor of Science

    A Working with Children Check and completion of Casper selection is required before commencing school experience in Trimester 3 of Year 3.

    * Students wishing to pursue studies in Geography should discuss unit selections with their enrolment officer

    Master of Teaching (Secondary) studies

    Students must complete:

    • 7 core units (8 credit points)
    • 2 curriculum study units in first teaching method area
    • 2 curriculum study units in second teaching method area

    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.

    Students are also required to complete below two zero (0) credit point units ELN010 and ELN011 as part of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) and

  • Academic Integrity AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in order to graduate from their course.

    Bachelor of Science structure

    Core Units

  • Ecology and the Environment
  • Cells and Genes
  • Essential Skills in Science
  • Physics for the Life Sciences
  • Communicating Science Ideas
  • Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)
  • Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)
  • Plus 1 credit point from:

  • Community Science Project
  • or

  • Professional Practice
  • Plus 1 credit point from:

  • Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs
  • or 

  • Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Plus 2 credit points as follows:

  • Chemistry in Our World
  • Chemistry for the Professional Sciences (^)
  • Or

  • Chemistry for the Professional Sciences (^)
  • And

    1 elective unit (science course grouped)

    ^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent)

    Major sequences - Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability

    Students must complete 6 credit points from one of the following:

    One of Animal Biology , Cell Biology and GenomicsHuman Biology, or Plant Biology

    Chemistry

    Environmental Science

    Mathematical Modelling

    Plus 5 credit points of Science course grouped elective units chosen from a second Bachelor of Science major listed above*

    *Note: Students wishing to pursue studies in Geography should discuss unit selections with their enrolment officer.

    Plus 4 credit points selected from: 

  • Educational Psychology
  • Educators and Learners
  • Literacy, Numeracy and Education
  • Culture, Diversity and Participation in Education
  • Education and Humanitarian Development
  • Education, Communication and Technology
  • 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 (4 units for dual/double), across 1 or 2 learning areas.

    Note: D304 permits a choice between learning areas 2 or 3 from the Secondary Curriculum learning areas of 1:English, 2:Mathematics, 3:Science, 4:Humanities, 5:Languages, 6:Health and PE, 7:The Arts.

    Learning Area 2: Mathematics

    Single method: Mathematics

  • Mathematics Curriculum Inquiry
  • Mathematics Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • Learning Area 3: Science

    Single method: One of Science, Biology, Chemistry, Env. Science

  • Science Curriculum Inquiry
  • Plus one of

  • Biology Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • Chemistry Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • Environmental Science Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • General Science Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • Dual method: Two of Science, Biology, Chemistry, Env. Science

  • Science Curriculum Inquiry
  • Sustainability and Environmental Education
  • Plus two of

  • Biology Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • Chemistry Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • Environmental Science Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • General Science Curriculum Inquiry Senior Years
  • Master of Teaching (Secondary) structure

  • Australian Literacy Test (zero (0) credit points)
  • Australian Numeracy Test (zero (0) credit points)
  • 7 core units (8 credit points)

  • Language, Literacies and Learning
  • Numeracy, Social Justice and New Pedagogies
  • Health, Wellbeing and Inclusive Education
  • Promoting Student Wellbeing
  • Professional Experience Placement Units*

  • Orientation to the Teaching Profession
  • Building Capacity in Professional Experience
  • Reflecting On Practice in Professional Experience (2 credit points)
  • *please note unit rules for order in which these must be completed

    Plus two Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a first teaching method area

    Plus two Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a second teaching method area

    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.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • 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).

    Additional course information

    Students are required to apply for a Working with Children Check before commencing school experience in Trimester 3 of Year 3. Apply online as a volunteer at https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

    For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience office.

    Course duration - additional information

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    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.

    Working with Children Check

    Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.

    Participation requirements

    Professional Experience Placements are a compulsory component of the course and a requirement for registration as a graduate teacher. Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Students are required to check the placement calendars published on the Professional Experience Office website each year. Placement takes priority over employment and placement periods are generally block placements of 5 full time days per week over 2-5 weeks.

    Course delivery is blended and students are required to dedicate time to weekly engagement with located or online teaching and learning activities and resources. This is recommended at combined total 8-10 hours per week per unit including active learning/engagement either face to face or online, and independent study.

    Some units will require students to attend schools or institutions for site-based learning and teaching experiences. Some units will require students to attend schools or institutions for site-based learning and teaching experiences. Some units can only be completed face to face at Burwood or as online study. Students are advised to check the unit delivery options for each required unit. 

    Need help?

    Ask a question about studying at Deakin

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    Entry requirements

    Current or recent Year 12

    If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

    VCE 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

    This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    Higher education study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Personal statement

    All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    VET study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Personal statement

    All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Personal statement

    All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 30 in any English, any Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.

    You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.

    Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    Credit for prior learning is not available for any work experience whether paid or unpaid, qualified or unqualified teacher or teacher aide against the academic professional experience units. 

    You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $7,595 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply through VTAC

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in August.

    In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.

    Contact us

    Download the course flyer

    To learn more about what the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.

    Entry pathways

    View pathways into the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) with our pathways finder.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

    Top 32 for education worldwide*

    Top 1% of universities worldwide^

    Top 10 university in Australia^

    #1 university in Victoria for student satisfaction#

    Career outcomes

    As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science/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
    • not-for-profit organisations

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT

    Professional recognition

    This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as an initial teacher education program against the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) program standards and the Australian professional standards for graduate teachers. Graduates of this course who are intending to apply for registration in Victoria or interstate may be required to provide further information. Applicants are advised to check the registration requirements in their state or territory, carefully. 

    The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the respective local branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

    Course learning outcomes

    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.

    Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.

    *QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
    ^ARWU Rankings 2022
    #Year on year, our undergraduate students are the most-satisfied students of all Victorian universities. Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).