Key facts
IELTS band score of 7 (with no band less than 7) and speaking and listening of 7.5
2 years full time (4 years part time) – 16 credit points
Deakin courses can also be studied part time over a longer period.
International campus based students undertake their studies at Burwood (Melbourne)
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
The Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) course is a professionally accredited initial teacher education course that prepares graduates for employment in primary and secondary teaching, along with a range of other education-related fields.
The course includes core primary curriculum subjects including:
- English/literacy
- mathematics
- science
- humanities and social sciences
- the arts
- technology
- health and physical education
Primary secondary teaching preservice teachers will also fulfil the requirement to specialise in a primary curriculum area with a strong focus on pedagogies and transition through middle years to secondary schooling.
Alongside core studies in education and primary curriculum, you will complete 2 secondary curriculum studies from:
- English
- TESOL
- languages other than English
- drama
- dance
- media
- visual arts
- music
- humanities
- commerce and business
- geography
- history
- mathematics
- health
- physics
- biology
- chemistry
- science or environmental science.
Practical teaching experiences throughout your Masters of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) course will ensure you have the practical experience you need to launch into your teaching career.
Read MoreCourse structure
The Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) is typically 16 credit points.
The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) – your professional experience and previous qualifications – which can save you time and money
To qualify for the award of Master of Teaching (Primary & Secondary), students must complete the following:
- 11 core units (12 credit points)
- 2 curriculum study units in a first teaching method area
- 2 curriculum study units in a second teaching method area
All Secondary will have two methods (disciplines) as reflected in their undergraduate major and minor sequences related to the Australian Curriculum. At point of selection, students are advised which methods they will need to complete based on their undergraduate major and minor sequences.
In addition there is one 0 Credit Point Compulsory Unit for All Students in the Faculty of Arts and Education and two 0 Credit Points Compulsory Units for All Primary and Secondary Initial Teacher Education Students.
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- Australian Literacy Test ELN010 LANTITE Literacy (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- Australian Numeracy Test ELN011 LANTITE Numeracy (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
This course includes 80 days of supervised professional experience, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment.
^EPR units have early enrolment dates so that Professional Experience Placements can be arranged. Please check the PEO website.
11
Core units
4
Curriculum study units
15
Total units
Core units
Two Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a first teaching method area
Two Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a second teaching method area
Secondary Curriculum Study Units
All Secondary candidates will have two methods (disciplines) as reflected in their undergraduate major and minor sequences related to the Australian Curriculum.
Candidates undertake two curriculum studies units (as prescribed at selection) per method (four units for dual/double), across one or two learning areas.
Learning Area 1: English
Single method: English
Duel Method: English/EAL
Learning Area 2: Mathematics
Single Method: Mathematics
Double Method: Mathematics only
Learning Area 3: Science
Single method: One of Science, Biology, Chemistry, Env. Science, Physics
Dual method: Two of Science, Biology, Chemistry, Env. Science, Physics
Plus two of
Learning Area 4: Humanities
Single method: Humanities - Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Economics, Business, Legal Studies or Global Politics
Single method: Humanities - History
Dual method: Humanities with History - one of Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Economics, Business, Legal Studies or Global Politics - plus History
Dual method: Humanities - two of Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Economics, Business, Legal Studies or Global Politics - without History
Learning Area 5: Languages
Single method: Languages - Language Other Than English (LOTE)
Single method: Languages - TESOL
Dual method: Languages - LOTE and TESOL
Learning Area 6: Health and PE
Single method: Health
Learning Area 7: The Arts
Single method: Arts - One of Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Arts
Single method: Arts - Media
Dual method: Arts - Two of Dance, Drama, Media, Music or Visual Arts
Double method: Arts - Music, Drama, Visual Arts or Dance only
Key information
2020 course information
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
New course version commencing 2020
Additional course information
Successful Applicants are required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional experience placements in education settings, as part of this course. For more information see: http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
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.
The Working with Children Check (Check) and a Police Check are different checks. Under the Working with Children Act 2005 (the Act) if you are doing child-related work and are not exempt, you must have a Check even if you already have a Police Check. The Police Check is not an assessment by a government agency. https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/organisations/victorian-teacher-information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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 may be made for students with a disability or further needs. Click here for more information.
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 cloud 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 can only be completed face to face at Burwood or as Cloud study. Students are advised to check the unit delivery options for each required unit.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
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
Admission to study postgraduate coursework at Deakin is based on recognition of your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor degree in a different discipline. Secondary Teaching applicants must meet the requirement for prior studies from disciplines that enable them to qualify for either two single teaching methods or one double method, in secondary teaching areas offered at Deakin University (see list above in Course structure). For further information on assessment of secondary methods see https://www.vit.vic.edu.au/registering-as-a-teacher/teaching-programs/self-assessment-for-secondary-teaching-methods
All applicants must complete an additional selection tool for non-academic attributes. Deakin University is using the CASPer test. CASPer is an online, video-scenario based situational judgement test, designed to measure non-academic suitability for teaching.
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.
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
Cloud studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered via Cloud (online). International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as Cloud (online) study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
Am I eligible to receive 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.
Recognition for Prior Learning in the Master of Teaching is restricted by the professional accreditation structures of the course. Students are encouraged to apply for CPL for comparable curriculum discipline units completed at postgraduate level. Credit 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
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are calculated depending on the course you choose.
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 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 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.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your Immediate Family Members may also be eligible to apply for this bursary.
Apply now
How to apply
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. 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.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Research Information
This is a graduate entry teaching course that introduces research based practice throughout the core professional studies units (a total of six credit points), which includes demonstrating their application of knowledge and skills through their 80 days of professional practice in education based contexts e.g. primary and secondary schools. As part of the series of core professional studies units, students are also required to complete a capstone assessment in the final year (1 credit point unit) to demonstrate their evidence based professional practice informed by data analysis and scholarship of teaching and learning.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key study start dates?
Browse all start and finish dates for Deakin’s main study periods. You’ll also find dates relating to applications and prospective student events, plus a list of all public holidays and study breaks.
How much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course.
Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host a range of events including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with your study options and career planning. Check out our upcoming events or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 for more information.
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Scholarships are available for domestic and international students at all study levels. Find a scholarship that works for you.
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
In some courses, you can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
There is a strong demand for qualified teachers and graduate starting salaries for teachers are high compared to the graduate average. The increased demand for teachers has also resulted in improvements in teaching conditions, resources and career advancement opportunities. As a graduate of this course you may find employment as a teacher within the private or public education sectors. You might also find employment in a range of other education related fields including policy, consultancy, NGOs, research or community-based organisations (e.g. museums, outdoor education, arts institutions, etc.)
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.
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 | 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. |
Communication | 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. |
Digital literacy | 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. |
Critical thinking | 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. |
Problem solving | Collaboratively and independently use evidence and research to identify, prioritise and creatively respond to problems that arise in professional learning and practice. |
Self-management | 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. |
Teamwork | 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. |
Global citizenship | Engage in research, and with the legal and ethical obligations of the teaching profession, to develop informed positions on and approaches to educational transformation as applied to learner agency and citizenship; Indigenous and intercultural issues; global education trends and issues; and, social justice and sustainability. |
Approved by Faculty Board 2019 |