Education students conducting a hands-on experiment

International

Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary)

#1 Melbourne university for science facilities

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
English requirements 6.0 IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
Campus
  • Burwood
Duration 4 years full-time
Intakes Trimester 1 View how to apply
Fees $44,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD View fees and scholarships

#1 Melbourne university for science facilities

Teaching placements arranged for you by Deakin

Trauma-informed practice built into the degree

Why choose science and teaching (secondary) at Deakin

Translate your passion for the sciences into a career that inspires others with Deakin’s Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary). Graduate with two degrees in four years, building broad science knowledge before specialising in a science major and choosing teaching methods from maths, science and food studies. Learn through hands-on lab work, placements, experiential learning and international study opportunities.  
 
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work and study. Ranked the #3 university in Australia and #13 university globally for education and educational research, Deakin is also the only university to embed the Berry Street Education Model, using trauma-informed strategies in all initial teaching degrees. Complete 60+ days of placements, arranged by us through a network of more than 1,400 schools. This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The Bachelor of Science (chemistry major) is RACI-accredited.

  • Internationally ranked

    Study at the #3 university in Australia and the #13 university globally for education and educational research.

  • Accredited course

    Graduate from a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) accredited course. The Bachelor of Science (chemistry major) is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

  • Science you can practice

    Learn in specialist science facilities, including biomedical and geographic information systems (GIS) labs at the #1 university in Melbourne for facilities and resources.

  • Classroom-ready experience

    Complete 60+ days in schools through Deakin's 1,400+ school network and experience one-on-one mentorship.

Connected to industry

Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.

Deakin international students walk through Burwood Campus.

Proven employability

Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Graduate qualified to teach in Victorian secondary schools, with science expertise and other teaching method areas. You may work across public, independent or private schools, with pathways into community, government and not-for-profit settings.

Secondary school teacher

Plan and deliver lessons for secondary students, assess learning and support their academic progress and wellbeing. Depending on your teaching methods, you may teach science, mathematics or food studies.

  • $103k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 5.4%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

Education officer

Develop and deliver learning programs, resources and workshops for schools, communities or public audiences.

  • $95k

    Typical salary in Australia

  • 3,852

    Jobs advertised

Workplace settings

  • Community services
  • Government agencies
  • Not-for-profit organisations
  • Schools

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.

Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.

As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.

Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.

Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.

Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.

To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.

Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.

There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.

*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.

What will I study in the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary)?

Begin your studies broadly, choose a major and complementary study area, then move into postgraduate teacher education and school-based practice.

Build your science base

Learn core scientific knowledge

Study across key areas of science and strengthen the maths or data skills needed to interpret evidence and solve problems.

Start shaping your degree

Begin a complementary sequence that helps define your second teaching area.

Learn professional habits early

Be guided through career planning, academic integrity, trauma-informed practice and lab or fieldwork preparation.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching, you must pass 36 credit points.

As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year. Most units are equal to one credit point.

Note:

To progress into the Master of Teaching (Secondary) level of studies of the course, students must have completed all 24 credit points of the undergraduate course, achieve a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of above 60 and meet the entry requirements for the Master of Teaching (Secondary). A WAM of less than 60 results in an alternative exit from D304 Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary)with the award: S320 Bachelor of Science

Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements

Units

Compulsory 0-credit point units

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

To be completed in the first year of study:

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

Core Units 

Ecology and the Environment
Cells and Genes
Essential Skills in Science
Physics for the Life Sciences
Communicating Science Ideas

Choose one from:

Community Science Project

or

Professional Practice

~Mathematics choose one from:

Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs

or

Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis

Plus 2 credit points of Chemistry as follows:

For students who have not completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent:

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

or

For students who completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent:

Chemistry for the Professional Sciences (^)

1 elective unit (science course grouped)

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

Please note: SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences is a required prerequisite when undertaking the Cell Biology and Genomics and Chemistry majors.

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

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

^Biology: One of Animal Biology, Cell Biology and Genomics, Human Biology, or Plant Biology

Chemistry

Environmental Science

Food 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 who commenced prior to 2021 and are undertaking studies in Geography should discuss unit selections with their enrolment officer.

^Students who study one of the four Biology majors must select course grouped electives for their second teaching method from non-biology majors.

Plus 4 credit points selected from:

The Brain and Learning
Literacy, Numeracy and Multi-Tier Systems of Supports (MTSS) Across the Curriculum

Plus 2 credit points selected from:

Culture, Diversity and Participation in Education
Education and Humanitarian Development
Education, Communication and Technology

Professional recognition

VIT Accreditation logo

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 student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

What to expect while studying

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.

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.

Casper requirements

Completion of Casper selection is required before commencing any units from the Master of Teaching (Secondary).

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.

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 standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

This course includes 60 days of supervised professional experience and requires students to successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment (DTPA) in their final year. If a student does not pass the DTPA, they must seek guidance from the Course Director.

Graduation from the course confirms that students have met the Graduate Teacher Standards and achieved all Core Content learning outcomes outlined in Schedule 2.

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.

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).

At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.

If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.

When can I start?

When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
BurwoodMelbourne

Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.

Course Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Science (S320)
Course Learning Outcomes
Master of Teaching (Secondary) (E779)

Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of the scientific disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and the environment within the chosen major area(s) of study to demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific facts, scientific practices and the edifice of science.

Apply technical knowledge and skills and use them in a range of activities, in a professional and/or academic setting within the major area(s) of study; this application of technical knowledge and skills being characterised by demonstrable in-depth knowledge of scientific methods and tools, and demonstrable proficiency in the utilisation of chosen major area(s) knowledge.

Use hypotheses, laws, facts and theories to investigate, test, analyse, and evaluate scientific data and demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to argue about characteristics and aspects of scientific theory in the advancement of science.

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 listening skills and the ability to use a range of communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer audience questions. Articulate the boundaries or limits of scientific information, experimental or field data, discuss error, probability, uncertainty, conclusions and arguments.

Judge how well to present essential details of scientific procedures, key observations, results and conclusions in a professional manner using appropriate style, language and references including local, national, and international contributions or contexts.

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.

Use well-developed technical skills, judgement and responsibility to independently locate, analyse, evaluate the merits of, synthesise and disseminate scientific literature, information, data and results.

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.

Locate and evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation or fieldwork investigations.

Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement to analyse, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles.

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.

Use initiative and creativity in planning, identifying and using multiple approaches to recognise, clarify, construct and solve problems taking into account relevant contextual factors.

Advocate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions to authentic real world problems.

Collaboratively and independently use evidence and research to identify, prioritise and creatively respond to problems that arise in professional learning and practice.

Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance.

Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices.

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 independently and collaboratively as a team to contribute towards achieving team goals and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts.

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.

Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with others to articulate the place and importance of science in the local and global 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.

Award granted

Bachelor of Science / Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Year

2027 course information

VTAC code
1400510313 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
D304
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
089567C 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

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry requirements

Select your academic background

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 don't meet the academic entry requirements, 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.

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 don't meet the academic entry requirements, 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.

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.

If you don't meet the academic entry requirements, 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.

English language requirements

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 6.0 (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)

Other requirements

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.

Admissions information

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.

Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2026.

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.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$44,800

for 1 yr full-time AUD

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.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

Scholarships

Most international students at Deakin receive a scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of study. Apply to Deakin and you will automatically be considered for a range of scholarships, with tuition fee reductions of up to 100% available.


Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Exceptional students may receive a 100% or 50% tuition fee reduction for the normal duration of their degree.


Deakin International Scholarship for Excellence

Students from select countries may receive a 25% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of the degree.


Deakin International 20% Merit Scholarship

Receive a 20% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of your degree.


Deakin College Foundation Pathway Scholarship

Progressing from Deakin College? You may receive a 10% tuition fee reduction for the duration of your course.


Southeast Asia Priority Bursary

Students from Southeast Asia may receive a one-off payment of up to $2,000.


Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

Apply directly through StudyLink Connect. Depending on your location, you may need to apply through a Deakin Authorised Agent, who can support and submit your application.

See our guide to applying to Deakin for application steps and requirements.

Apply through StudyLink Connect

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.

Apply through VTAC

Recognition of prior learning

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.