Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary Education)

VU course code: ECST | Level of study: Undergraduate

ATAR

Not required

Duration

5.00 years

Delivery mode

In Person

Fees

Commonwealth supported place

Location

Footscray Park

Next start date

24 February 2025

Application closes

16 February 2025

View all start dates

Overview

Be in demand for a rewarding science-teaching career, with a Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) at VU.

There is a huge shortage of qualified science and maths teachers in Australia. Our Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) leads to a career that is both needed and valued. It combines a science degree with a Master of Teaching (Secondary), which has accreditation from the VIT to teach in Australian schools.

You'll benefit from intensive hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experience in your chosen science discipline, accessing modern laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment.

When you progress to your teaching masters, you'll gain significant workplace experience to prepare you for the real world of teaching through our extensive partnerships.

Choose a major in our Bachelor of Science that matches your interests, and work with one of our advisers to pick units that are compatible with the teaching subject methods offered in the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Locate, evaluate and apply scientific information efficiently and effectively;

Identify and solve problems with intellectual independence using scientific principles in a range of situations taking into consideration social, cultural, economic and environmental factors;

Exhibit high levels of numeracy skills in the analysis and interpretation of quantitative scientific data;

Communicate effectively in spoken and written forms on a range of scientific and mathematical topics to peers, professional and community groups;

Apply an evidence-based research approach, formulate and test hypotheses in a chosen scientific discipline;

Respond with social and cultural awareness within local and global environments;

Devise and apply scientific methodology, individually and with peers, to undertake laboratory exercises, scientific research and practical investigations, employing ethical principles and practice and industry and research protocols;

Critically examine historical and contemporary issues in post-primary education at a local, national and international level;

Review different pedagogical theories and academic concepts of teaching that support the diversity of learners found in post primary educational settings;

Critically review curriculum materials and resources that support the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across the curriculum in schools with a view to promoting reconciliation in today's society;

Analyse the literacy and numeracy learning needs of students across the full range of abilities including students with disabilities and special learning needs;

Plan, implement and evaluate a range of educational practices that support the diversity of students in post primary education;

Analyse the efficacy of classroom teaching practices through reflective discussion that draws upon pedagogical theories;

Employ advanced skills in research to work with educational stakeholders in educational settings;

Design, conduct and report educational inquiry / research;

Apply knowledge and skills within classrooms and the school community to develop inclusive cultures of learning where all school students are supported to achieve;

Communicate clearly and effectively through presentations and interactive activities, key concepts that related to the graduate's specialist teaching area.
: A recent Australian Education Union national school survey highlighted the shortage of maths and science teachers around the country.
In the State of Our Schools 2016 Report, 51 per cent of responding principals had maths and science classes taught by teachers without a specialisation in those subjects. It also showed that 37 per cent of those principals had openings for maths and science teachers (ABC news).
This puts you in an excellent position to find work when you graduate.
: The College of Sport, Health and Engineering offers valuable work experience opportunities. It has research and project collaborations with:
other researchers
industry
business
not-for-profit organisations
schools
the community.
The collaborations with schools and community organisations will be particularly beneficial to your teaching career.
: Our Women in Science Engineering program supports our current university students, and inspires women to choose engineering and science careers.
We run hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines for secondary-school students. This gives you the opportunity to encourage future mathematicians and scientists, as well as practise your teaching skills.
: Achieve your full potential with The Learning Hub, which help you develop your confidence, academic ability, and study skills.
Benefit from in-person mentoring and study sessions, along with a range of digital learning modules that you can access anytime.
Get help from our online, 24/7 support service to polish your assignments before you submit, and receive guidance on writing, referencing, maths and more.
Read more about The Learning Hub

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your educational achievements and work experience, as well as your skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

ATAR requirements

No minimum ATAR required

This course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry. Read the entry criteria for this course below.

Why ATAR is not applicable

You do not need an ATAR score to apply for this course. Instead, you need to have successfully completed secondary school and to meet any requirements outlined below. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their ATAR, age, education or socioeconomic background.

Entry criteria

Minimum entry criteria include:

English-language requirements
academic requirements.

Your work and life experience will also be considered.

To find specific entry requirements for this course, please select the section below that is most relevant to you.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

: This information is relevant if, in the 2 years prior to studying with us, you have completed (or will complete) one of the following:

Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE)

an Australian or overseas equivalent to VCE

an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
: This information is relevant if you have completed an accredited award (such as a certificate or diploma) at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (usually a TAFE, polytechnic or other registered VET institute).

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a Certificate IV in a related Science/Health discipline.
: This information is relevant if you’ve previously completed all or part of a university or other higher-education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
: This information is relevant if you left secondary school more than two years ago and haven’t studied since.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in the Health Sciences or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago..
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
: Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students

(A) Past Higher Education Study
(includes a bridging or enabling course) 0 0.0%

(B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study <5 <5

(C) Recent secondary education
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the impact of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
NA NA

(C) Recent secondary education
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
NA NA

(C) Recent secondary education
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration alone, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
<5 <5

(D) Work and Life experience <5 <5

International students 0 0.0%

All students 5 100%

"<5" – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
(A) Past Higher Education Study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	0	0.0%
(B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	<5
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the impact of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	NA	NA
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	NA	NA
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration alone, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)	<5	<5
(D) Work and Life experience	<5	<5
International students	0	0.0%
All students	5	100%

Special entry programs

Special admission programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

VU Early Entry

If you're currently in Year 11 or 12, our exclusive VU Early Entry program comes with a Conditional Offer to the course of your choosing*, a personalised course plan, special events, exclusive discounts and access to one-on-one course advice.

*Conditions apply.

Learn more about VU Early Entry

Additional information

Students will also have to satisfy the national requirements for teacher registration through satisfactory completion of the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to starting the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) or within the first year of the program.

Selection will also include completion and results of a non-academic attributes assessment CASPer (or equivalent) test. CASPer is an online test designed to assess and applicant’s personal and professional attributes and is a requirement for many initial teacher training courses in Victoria.

Students should note that they will be subject to a Working With Children Check (police checks) before practice placements, in accordance with Department of Education and Training policy.

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Science, students will be required to complete 288 credit points of study (equivalent to 24 units), consisting of:

96 credit points (8 units) of Core first year units
96 credit points (8 units) of Major studies

AND either

96 credit points (8 units) of second Major studies

OR:

96 credit points (8 units) of Minor studies.

Students must have successfully completed the Bachelor of Science before they can commence the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).

To complete the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) students will be required to complete 192 credit points in total consisting of:

96 credit points Core units
48 credit points Discipline Studies
48 credit points from Option A or Option B

Students are required to pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to be eligible to graduate from their Victorian Institute of Teaching-accredited program.

Option A

48 credit points Thesis unit/s

Option B

48 credit points Capstone unit and Elective unit

Additional Notes

Thesis and capstone units can only be taken towards the end of your course.
To be eligible to apply for doctoral study, it is recommended that students choose to complete the Minor Thesis units(EED6031 and EED6032).
Students are required to pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) prior to commencement of the second year placement units.
Students will need to monitor the VIT website for details in relation to the tests that will be considered; a link to advice and fact sheets about the test and to the external test provider. Refer to www.vit.vic.edu.au

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is subsidised by the government, reducing it to the amount listed here. Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place. If your course is not Commonwealth supported, or you don't qualify, you'll pay full fees.

Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

When you graduate from the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary Education), and have passed the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education, you can register with the VIT to teach maths and science in secondary schools.

You'll be able to teach secondary science subjects such as biotechnology, chemistry, and ecology and environmental management.

You'll also be well-placed to deliver training and development outside the school setting, in:

industry
government
workplaces
community settings.

Salaries

Visit Jobs and Skills Australia to find average salaries for the following career paths:

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