#1 in Australia for education and educational research*
#5 in the world for education and educational research*
Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching
Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (16 credit points)
Deakin courses can also be studied part-time over a longer period.
Locations
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 overview
If you’re unsure whether to study primary or secondary teaching, there’s no need to decide – you can do both. Deakin’s Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) gives you the ultimate flexibility to work at any level in any school.
Looking to boost your career with an adaptable teaching qualification that enables you to move up, down, across and between classrooms?
The Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) is the perfect choice for those who like to be agile. As a graduate, you will have the ability to work in a K-12 school or pivot between primary and secondary. You’ll develop a suite of transferable skills and an invaluable mindset that can be applied to almost any sector, including education, youth work, corporate learning and development, NGOs, media and community-based organisations.
Learn from highly experienced, passionate teachers who understand first-hand the importance of recognising all students as people first. You’ll discover how to foster well-balanced relationships in the classroom to ensure students build positive connections with their peers, in turn promoting an environment to thrive.
To ensure you gain a holistic understanding of how students learn, you will also have the opportunity to study and collaborate with early childhood educators, as well as primary and secondary teachers.
You can choose to participate in Deakin’s Global Education Program and gain a broader perspective on teaching. Experience teaching in a remote community interstate or overseas and develop your skills in intercultural education while improving your resume.
This, combined with an extensive 80-days of professional placement and your completion of a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA), benchmarked against national standards of teaching performance, means you will be set for success in the classroom and beyond.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary)
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- E765
- CRICOS code?
- 088436M Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
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 and 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 Module DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (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. 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.
^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
Professional Experience Placement Units*
*please note unit rules for order in which these must be completed
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
Single Method: Home Economics
Single Method: Physical Education
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
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)
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Students 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.
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.
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.
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 standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
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 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.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a different discipline
In addition, you are required to meet the requirement for prior studies from disciplines that enable you to qualify for either two single teaching methods or one double method, in secondary teaching areas offered at Deakin University (see what we offer under Course Structure).
For further information on assessment of secondary methods see Specialist 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:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0) speaking and listening 7.5
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 102 (with minimum score of 24 in reading and speaking, 27 in listening and writing)
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65) speaking and listening 73
English-speaking education:
- completion of a bachelor or master degree in a recognised English-speaking country or 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’re able to commit to your study.
Online 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 online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as 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 (Primary and Secondary) is restricted by the professional accreditation structures of the course. Students are encouraged to apply for RPL for comparable curriculum discipline units completed at postgraduate level.
Recognition 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 '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 tuition fees.
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 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
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.
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 (2 credit point unit) to demonstrate their evidence based professional practice informed by data analysis and scholarship of teaching and learning.
Careers
Career outcomes
- primary or secondary teacher in a public, independent, or private school
- academic adviser
- youth worker
- museum educator
- policy manager in a not-for-profit organisation
- education consultant in local or federal government.
Professional recognition
The Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as an initial teacher education program that meets the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) program standards and the Australian professional standards for graduate teachers.
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 | |
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Footnotes
* U.S. News & World Report, Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2022–2023