#2 in Australia for education and educational research*
#11 in the world for education and educational research*
Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching
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
# Online - Please see notes below
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 6 June 2025
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 will 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 will 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 MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- E737
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary), you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- ELN010 Australian Literacy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- ELN011 Australian Numeracy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 12 credit points of core units
- one of:
- option 1: Research Project
- 2 credit points of research project units
- 2 credit points of course electives from the list below
- option 2: Research Paper
- 4 credit points of research paper units
- option 1: Research Project
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester, for four consecutive trimesters (including compulsory study in Trimester 3), allowing students to complete in 1.5 years calendar years.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
12
Core and Professional experience credit points
4
Research pathway and Elective credit points
16
Total credit points
Core units
Professional Experience Placement Units*
*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
Plus 2 credit points of course electives
Option 2: Research Paper
Elective units
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*
# Some units within this course have face-to-face intensives. Please refer to individual unit entries in the handbook, as well as the Online Unit Site, for accurate advice around this requirement; and
This course requires students to undertake studies throughout the Trimester 3 academic period (core unit ECN733).
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
Students will be required to apply for and 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.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience office.
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.
Participation requirements
This course includes 80-days of supervised professional experience, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment (DTPA)*. 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 who do not pass the DTPA must seek advice from the course director.
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 or higher 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.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a 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)
- completion of a 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)
Further information on assessment of MALT methods can be found at MALT teaching methods.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- completion of a bachelor or master degree in a recognised English-speaking country (clause 27)
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0) speaking and listening 7.5
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65) speaking and listening 73
- completion of DUELI English for Teaching program, with a WAM of 60
Non-academic requirements
All applicants must sit the Casper test. 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 how to register for Casper and deadlines for sittings for VTAC applications and direct applications.
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.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2024.
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 (RPL) 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
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 you have.
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.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is intending to introduce the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to assist eligible students with costs related to mandatory placements in higher education courses for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work.
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
Victorian Government education scholarship
You may be eligible to receive up to $9,000 as part of the support provided by the Victorian government to become a secondary teacher. Visit vic.gov.au for details.
Employment-based pathway program
The Victorian Government-funded Teach Today Employment Based Pathway builds your experience in schools while studying to become a qualified secondary school teacher.
Victorian Government placement grants
Grants ($140 - $420 per day) are available to support completing a teaching placement in an eligible regional or remote Victorian government school. Visit the Victorian Government Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant program.
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.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to Deakin through our application portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, visit how to apply. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
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).
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.
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Applied Learning and Teaching (E537)
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.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
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 will 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 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.
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 at Faculty Board June 2019
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Footnotes
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.