https://www.deakin.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0009/619893/23911_master-applied-learning-and-teaching_hero.jpg

Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)

Postgraduate coursework

Explore inclusive and holistic approaches to teaching, focusing on the middle and upper years, and graduate ready to inspire secondary students.

Domestic student information

Key facts

Duration

2 years* full-time, or part-time equivalent

* full-time students may complete in 1.5 calendar years with compulsory study in trimester 3

Locations

Please note online students will be required to attend intensives on campus

Online

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 1 June 2023

Current Deakin Students

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

Course overview

Inspire students through applied, inclusive and holistic approaches to teaching by studying the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary). Enter this VIT-approved course with an undergraduate degree in at least one discipline area, or via our new Graduate Certificate of Adult Vocational Educational and Training with your industrial experience, and graduate with the qualifications to teach in secondary schools and other youth settings like VCAL.

Want to go beyond textbook teaching to make a lasting impact on your students?

The Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) focuses on the middle and upper years of schooling and has a strong emphasis on experiential and applied learning pedagogies that enhance student engagement. With expertise in applied methods of teaching, you can work more effectively with your students by connecting theory and classroom discussions to real-world relevance. On top of that, you’ll be trained to teach students in a holistic manner, moulding their studies to their personal strengths, interests and goals.

You’ll thrive under the personalised support of our experienced course academics, access sought-after professional development opportunities and develop your skills through authentic learning, all on the way to becoming a world-class educator.

The course is designed for professionals from other backgrounds who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with future generations and seeking a career change. As a result, the course covers foundational topics, including an introduction to teaching for middle and later years, as well as advanced study areas like applied learning practice and teaching strategies for vocational pathways. In addition, you’ll choose elective units that match your interests and enhance your teaching practice. With themes including social justice, equity in the workplace and personalised learning, electives offer a broader perspective of education and highlight the need for cultural diversity and inclusivity in Australian education participation.

A highlight of the course is the practical learning opportunities that prepare you to teach with confidence and conviction. Every student in the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) will undertake at least 75-days of professional experience in schools. This valuable experience allows you to develop your teaching methods, interact with students and work alongside experienced teachers with a wealth of knowledge to pass on.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)
Year

2023 course information

Deakin code
E737
Level
Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
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 9.

Course structure

To be awarded a Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary), students are required to successfully complete 16 credit points comprising:

11 core units (12 credit points)

4 credit points in one of the following two configurations:

  • Option 1: Research Project 
    • EDX701, EDX707 plus 2 credit points of course electives from the list A below
  • Option 2: Research Paper
    • EDX701, EDX712, EDX703, EDX704
  • AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Plus: 75-days of professional experience in schools, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment. This must be complete in the final year of study. 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 2 zero (0) credit point units ELN010 and ELN011 as part of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to graduate from their course.

Core units

  • Australian Literacy Test Zero (0) credit points
  • Australian Numeracy Test Zero (0) credit points
  • Applied Learning: Theories and Practice
  • Later Years Teaching Strategies (Years 10-12)
  • Teaching Literacy and Numeracy
  • Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
  • Youth Identities and Diversities
  • Introduction to Teaching: Middle Years
  • Introduction to Teaching: Later Years
  • Professional Experience Placement Units*

  • Orientation to the Teaching Profession
  • Teaching Strategies for Vocational Pathways
  • Middle Years Teaching Strategies (Years 5-9)
  • Teaching in the 21st Century: Transition to Practice (2 credit points)
  • *please note unit rules for order in which these must be completed

    Plus 4 credit points in one of the following two configurations:

    Option 1: Research Project

  • Research Design Development and Method
  • Independent Research Project for Professional Practice
  • Plus 2 credit points of course electives

    Option 2: Research Paper 

  • Research Design Development and Method
  • Theory and Methodology in Education Research
  • Research Paper A
  • Research Paper B
  • Course Electives List A

  • Personalising Learning
  • Designing Engagement for Learning
  • Social Justice and Difference
  • 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:
      • Online*

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Online*

    Notes:

    i. Some units within this course have face-to-face intensives. Please refer to individual unit entries in the handbook, as well as CloudDeakin, for accurate advice around this requirement; and

    ii. This course requires students to undertake studies throughout the Trimester 3 academic period (core unit ECN733).

    Additional course information

    Students are required to apply for a Working with Children Check. 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.

    Workload

    Successful students typically spend about 150-hours in learning and assessment for each one credit point unit. The time required to prepare evidence for credential assessment varies based on the student's existing documentation. 

    Entry requirements

    Entry information

    Admission to study postgraduate coursework at Deakin is based on recognition of your professional experience and previous qualifications.

    Admission is based on:

    Completion of an additional selection tool for non-academic attributes AND either:

    • Bachelor degree in a different discipline, including successful completion of Major  studies in at least one curriculum area recognised by the regulatory authority (Victorian Institute of Teaching); OR
    • Graduate Certificate of Adult Vocational Education and Training (GCAVET), AND an approved Certificate of Proficiency/Completion of Trade with relevant industrial experience not less than eight years including their apprenticeship)

    For further information on assessment of secondary methods see Specialist teaching methods

    Applicants who intend to teach in a state other than Victoria should seek confirmation from the relevant employing authority that the content and structure of their initial degree will qualify them for employment in that State on satisfactory completion of this course.                 

    All applicants must complete an additional selection tool for non-academic attributes. Deakin University is using the Casper assessment tool. Casper is an online, video-scenario based situational judgement test, designed to measure non-academic suitability for teaching.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Graduate Entry Teaching (GET) courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.

    Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.

    For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library

    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.

    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 - full-fee paying place
    $23,800 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $4,125 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)

    Learn more about fees.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above.

    Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:

    • If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
    • If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.

    One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

    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.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $48,361.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2023 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    Estimate your FEE-HELP

    FEE-HELP payments

    per pay cycle

    Take-home pay
    after FEE-HELP and tax

    per pay cycle

    Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments

    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) (16 credit points), based on the 2023 fees.
    • is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
    • of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Applications can be made directly to the University through the Deakin Application Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Research Information

    Students are able to undertake 1 of 2 options for research training and research in the course. Each option has a common foundation that is based on an introductory unit of 1 credit point in research design and method. This research study is then further supported by 1 of the 2 research options:

    • Option 1: application of the research training through a 1 credit point research based project for professional practice
    • Option 2: advanced research training of 1 credit point of either quantitative or qualitative research methods; and Research Paper (2 credit points).

    Entry pathways

    For graduate-entry initial teacher education courses, applicants may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if additional Australian professional accreditation requirements are also met.

    Students may seek an alternate exit after the successful completion of 4 credit points, please refer to the Graduate Certificate of Applied Learning and Teaching course entry for further information.

    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

    Career outcomes

    The Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) equips you with the advanced professional knowledge, skills and attributes required of educators working in high schools and other youth learning contexts where applied and vocational learning are implemented.

    As a graduate, you’ll have the qualifications required to teach in:

    • secondary schools (in subject areas relevant to your undergraduate study areas)
    • the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
    • the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in Australia (pending your specialist teaching area).
    For more information go to DeakinTALENT

    Professional recognition

    This initial teacher program is approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) against the National Graduate Teacher standards for the purposes of teacher registration in Victoria.

    Graduates intending to apply for registration in Victoria should carefully check all VIT requirements relating to this process.

    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.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

    Course Learning Outcomes

    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Critically analyse and apply specialist knowledge of current theories of young people’s social and cognitive development, along with theories of learning and curriculum to plan, teach, assess and reflect for effective design and innovative learning programs.

    Communication

    Make critical use of professional judgement to engage in effective and inclusive interpersonal communication in order to create positive learning relationships with students, parents, colleagues and other stakeholders.

    Digital literacy

    Identify, evaluate and implement a range of digital teaching and learning resources and technologies to facilitate creative but safe student engagement in learning with responsible and ethical practice.

    Critical thinking

    Identify, synthesise and critically evaluate context-specific information to make informed judgements to improve students’ learning.

    Problem solving

    Research authentic challenges and opportunities of professional practice to develop and evaluate innovative responses through drawing on relevant literature and professional practice.

    Self-management

    Work and learn independently whilst participating actively and effectively as a member of the teaching profession.

    Teamwork

    Work collaboratively and effectively within interdisciplinary teaching teams in order to enhance professional practice of self and others.

    Global citizenship

    Exercise self-knowledge and ethical responsibility to engage effectively with diverse learners and communities in local and global contexts.

    Approved by Faculty Board June 2019