Teaching methods refer to the specific learning areas and subject disciplines outlined by the Australian Curriculum. They are crucial in determining the subjects you're qualified to teach after completing an initial teacher education master’s course.
Teaching method majors and minors are constructed from your previous tertiary studies and are based on whether you aspire to teach primary, secondary or senior secondary students. Students of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) can become accredited early childhood teachers without the requirement of possessing a specific teaching method.
All Deakin postgraduate teaching degrees align with the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) program standards and the Australian Professional Standards for graduate teachers. Before you apply, you should verify the requirements and eligibility for teacher registration and employment in your state, territory, or country, by consulting the relevant teacher registration and accreditation authorities. If you intend to apply for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) or interstate, you may be required to submit additional information as part of your application process.
You can become an accredited early childhood teacher without possessing a specific teaching method. Our Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is aligned to various Australian Curriculum learning areas, including numeracy and literacy, safe and inclusive learning environments, diversity and equity, STEM and play-based learning.
To meet the single teaching method major requirement, you need to complete a minimum of three-quarters of a year of full-time higher education study. This typically involves sequential discipline study over three years and equates to at least six Deakin credit points, with no more than two credit points at level one and a minimum of two credit points at level three.
A double major refers to an extended major in one teaching method. This requires at least 10 Deakin credit points with no more than four credit points at level one, and a minimum of two credit points at level three. Deakin offers double majors in Drama, Dance, Mathematics, Music, Studies of Society and Environment, and Visual art.
A dual teaching method occurs when you acquire two different teaching methods within the same learning area. For example, Dance and Drama fall under 'The Arts' learning area, while Chemistry and Biology belong to the ‘General science’ learning area.
A minor in a particular teaching method requires you to complete half a year of full-time higher education study, usually comprising sequential discipline studies over two years. This means completing at least four Deakin credit points with no more than two credit points at level one.
A part refers to higher education study in a teaching method that carries a weightage of at least one quarter of a year of full-time study. This amounts to two Deakin credit points.
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The best way to determine your eligible method areas for entry to our Master of Teaching and Master of Applied Learning and Teaching degrees is to check your university transcript against our current list of approved teaching methods below. Please note that certain teaching methods may only be available as a major, online or have additional eligibility requirements.
If you're applying for the VIT accredited Master of Teaching (Primary and Early Childhood), you're required to have at least one year of full-time equivalent study (eight Deakin credit points) in one or more areas of the primary school curriculum guided by the Australian Curriculum Learning Areas (F-10). This must include a minor (equivalent to four Deakin credit points) in either English, Mathematics, Science, The Arts or Health and Physical Education.
We strongly encourage you carefully review the accreditation and registration standards for early childhood teachers in the state or territory you intend to register in and teach.
Listed below are the primary teaching learning areas that Deakin offers.
If you're applying for the VIT accredited Master of Teaching (Primary), you're required to have at least one year of full-time equivalent study (eight Deakin credit points). This includes a minor (equivalent to four Deakin credit points) in one or more areas of the primary school curriculum guided by the Australian Curriculum Learning Areas (F-10).
Listed below are the primary teaching learning areas that Deakin offers.
| Primary teaching learning area | Overview |
|---|---|
| English | English study enhances students' ability to comprehend, interpret, and engage with diverse texts through various skills like listening, reading, speaking, and writing, promoting effective communication with accuracy and purpose. |
| Mathematics | Mathematics equips students with essential mathematical skills in areas such as Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability, laying the foundation for specialized mathematical disciplines and practical applications. |
| Science | Science deepens students' understanding of scientific concepts, processes, and inquiry methods, fostering critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and effective communication of scientific knowledge. |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | The Humanities and Social Sciences field encompasses disciplines like history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics and business, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the world from historical and contemporary perspectives. |
| The Arts | The Arts inspire creativity, imagination, and self-expression, with subjects like Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, and Visual Arts allowing students to create, communicate, and share their ideas and experiences. |
| Health and Physical Education | Health and Physical Education focuses on promoting students' health and wellbeing, building respectful relationships, and developing movement skills for active engagement in physical activities. |
If you're applying for the VIT accredited Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary), you must meet the prerequisite of having prior tertiary studies in at least two single teaching methods (one major and one minor, or two majors) or one double teaching method in the secondary teaching areas outlined in the Victorian Curriculum F-10.
For more information on studying senior secondary curriculum areas in Victoria, please refer to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority VCE Study Designs. We strongly encourage you to carefully review the teaching accreditation and registration standards specific to the state or territory you intend to register in and teach.
Browse the teaching methods offered in this course
If you're applying for the VIT accredited Master of Teaching (Secondary), you must qualify for at least two single teaching methods (one major and one minor, or two majors) or one double teaching method in the secondary teaching areas outlined in the Victorian Curriculum F-10.
For more information on studying senior secondary curriculum areas in Victoria, please refer to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority VCE Study Designs. We strongly encourage you to carefully review the accreditation and registration standards specific to secondary teaching in the state or territory you intend to register in and teach.
Browse the teaching methods offered in this course
With the introduction of the VCE Vocational Major (VCEVM), if you're applying for the VIT approved Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary), you're required to have at least one secondary teaching method major (outlined in the Victorian Curriculum F-10) in addition to the VCEVM. We strongly encourage you to review the teaching accreditation and registration standards specific to the state or territory you intend to register in and teach.
Graduates intending to apply for registration in Victoria should carefully check all VIT requirements relating to this process.
Our VIT accredited Bachelor of Science/ Master of Teaching (Secondary) and Bachelor of Arts/ Master of Teaching (Secondary) allow you to select two majors during your undergraduate studies that lead to teaching methods in your postgraduate studies. This enables you to earn two versatile degrees within four years and become a qualified secondary school educator. For information on available teaching methods in these programs, please refer to the individual course pages.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get regarding eligibility for specialist teaching methods.
To be eligible to teach a specific subject in schools, you must have prior studies in the corresponding teaching method. Before you apply, it’s critical to check the registration requirements of the state or territory you plan to register with. Studying a diverse range of teaching methods can greatly improve your employment prospects.
We're unable to pre-assess eligibility for teaching methods, so we encourage you to submit your desired teaching methods with your course application. If you think you may require further study to meet the teaching method requirements, use our Pathway finder or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 to explore your options first.
Don’t panic! If you're missing a required unit, you can undertake a single non-award unit to fill any gaps. Alternatively, use our Pathway finder to discover what options may be available to you.
English, mathematics, and science are highly valued learning areas in Victorian schools, leading to a continual need for qualified teachers in these areas. Additionally, there’s a growing focus among educational institutions on teaching STEM to facilitate future careers that meet the demands of an evolving job market.
Yes, if you’ve previously completed postgraduate teaching studies you may be eligible for Recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Casper test results are valid for 12 months only. Therefore, it’s advised not to register for and take the test too early to ensure its validity aligns with your application timeline. Please visit the Acuity Insights website for information regarding admission cycles and test dates.
You need to have completed a three-year bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Australia, or a recognised English-speaking country, with a competitive grade point average. If you’ve completed your bachelor degree in a non-English speaking country, you may need to take an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic test.
It depends on the course you're applying for and its specific entry requirements. Either way, it will strengthen your chances of being offered a place at Deakin in your desired course. Check the entry requirements on the relevant course page for more information.
