Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent or 18 months full-time accelerated mode*
Locations
Course overview
Become one of the inspiring individuals empowering future generations through education. Deakin’s Master of Teaching (Secondary) prepares you for a creative, challenging and truly rewarding career.
Ranked #3 in Australia and #13 worldwide for education and educational research*, Deakin is also the only university to embed the Berry Street Education Model into all of our initial teaching degrees. You’ll graduate equipped with practical, trauma-informed strategies to support every learner. You’ll know how to manage safe, healthier and more engaging learning environments and build positive relationships to promote academic success – giving you and your employer confidence.
Looking for an adaptable teaching qualification that opens doors to a diverse range of industries?
As a graduate of the Master of Teaching (Secondary), your employment opportunities will be vast. You’ll be qualified to teach at secondary level anywhere in Australia, with skills that will also enable you to pivot into a broader range of roles. Learn how to think like a teacher and develop 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.
With the option to undertake a specialisation that includes research elements, you will develop practical classroom skills along with critical thinking and evaluative research skills. 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, primary and secondary teachers.
You can also 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 at least 60-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.
To be considered for an offer, prospective teaching students need to successfully complete the Casper test – an online, video scenario-based test that lets you demonstrate your suitability for a teaching career.
* U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2025-2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Teaching (Secondary)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- E779
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 118364C Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
Generous government scholarships
Apply now for up to $20,000 scholarship support toward your initial teaching degree. Applications are closing soon (eligibility and conditions apply).
Course structure
To complete the Master of Teaching (Secondary) students must pass 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- ELN010 Australian Literacy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- ELN011 Australian Numeracy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- ETI010 Trauma Informed Practice (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 12 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of secondary curriculum study (method) units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit-point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
To be completed in the first year of study:
Units
Professional experience placement units*
(*please note unit rules for order in which these must be completed)
Plus
4 credit points of Secondary Curriculum Studies units
English
Mathematics
Single Science Method one of:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Physics
Second Science Method:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Physics
Humanities*
History*
A student who has Humanities and History would replace the second offering of EHU701 with EMM743 Teaching Strategies for the Middle Years
Language Other Than English (LOTE)
Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)
Health
Food Studies
Physical Education
Psychology
The Arts
Single Method one of: Dance, Drama, Media, Music or Visual Arts
Second Arts method: One of Dance, Drama, Media, Music or Visual Arts
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational Major
Method areas not listed above
Accounting*, business management*, commerce and business studies*, earth science, economics*, geography*, information technology, legal studies*, outdoor education, philosophy*, politics*, religious education, student welfare, technology
Single Method:
Second Method:
* Within the Victorian Curriculum 2, Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and the Australian curriculum (V.9) these disciplines fall under the broader Learning Area of 'Humanities'. As such your professional experience placement in the middle years may be across these disciplines (mirroring the experience of teaching in Australian schools).
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
* An optional accelerated course structure is available in this course, allowing students to complete the course in 1.5 years duration by enrolling into 4 consecutive trimesters. Students undertaking the accelerated course structure are required to enrol in Trimester 3. All students are advised to seek course advice prior to attempting the accelerated course structure from Student Central. Students have until the start of Trimester 2 of Year 1 to decide whether to enrol into the accelerated course structure.
International students on a student visa who complete the course earlier than the registered 2-year course duration will have their early completions reported to the Department of Home Affairs, resulting in their CoEs updating to 'Finished' status. International students who complete the course early are required to either enrol into another CRICOS registered course that is of the same AQF level as their visa was granted for or depart Australia within 28 days from the date of their early completion reporting. International students are advised to seek visa advice by contacting a Registered Migration Agent on the MARA website.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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 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 Deakin University initial teacher education inherent requirements.
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.
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.
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. Trimesters where students are likely to be undertaking large blocks of placement might require units to offer intensive study face to face. 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.
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.
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. Your study area should be relevant to the Australian Curriculum with at least one major in a study area and, preferably, a second teaching area comprising at least a minor study.
OR
- 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 the apprenticeship).
Further information on assessment of secondary teaching methods
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
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.
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 Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2026.
Recognition of prior learning
From 2026, all accredited Initial Teacher Education programs in Australia must deliver mandated Core Content requirements aligned with the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards, which must be demonstrated within an accredited program for teacher registration eligibility. As the Master of Teaching (Secondary) has been redesigned to meet these national requirements, Recognition of Prior Learning is not available for the Secondary teaching units in this course.
Students who have completed the Berry Street Education Model 4-day course in the 2024 or 2025 may apply for RPL. Students will need to submit an RPL application for assessment and provide certificates of completion as their supporting documentation.
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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$4,739 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.
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. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
The Australian Government has introduced the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to help eligible students in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work cover the costs associated with mandatory placements. For more information on the eligibility criteria and application process please visit our Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) website.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees. You may be eligible for a HELP loan - including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP - depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best.
Commonwealth Government scholarship
The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships Program provides up to $20,000 to new postgraduate teacher education students. In return for a scholarship, recipients need to teach in government schools or government-run early learning settings after finishing their degree. Applications close 12 January 2026.
Victorian Government education scholarship
The Victorian Government is backing future secondary teachers with scholarships of up to $9,000. If you're studying an eligible teaching degree and live in Victoria or a designated border community, this support can help cover your course fees and living costs. You need to enrol in this Deakin course before applying for the scholarship.
Victorian Government paid teaching placement
Take your teaching placement to a regional or remote Victorian Government school and receive $100-200 per day through the Victorian Government Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
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
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 60 days of professional practice in education-based contexts e.g. 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 to demonstrate their evidence-based professional practice informed by data analysis and scholarship of teaching and learning.
Career outcomes
Employment in education and training is projected to grow by 12.4% or 150,100 new jobs by 2034 according to Australia Government employment projections.^
The knowledge and skills you will develop through the Master of Teaching (Secondary) prepare you well for a diverse range of roles, including:
- 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.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
^2024 Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections May 2024 to May 2034.
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.
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 | 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. |
Approved at Faculty Board 2025
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
