Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

GA1: Intellectual rigour Analyse, generate and transmit innovative solutions to sometimes complex problems to transform and disrupt thinking in educational contexts.

GA2: Creativity Demonstrate analytical and critical skills to identify and solve problems with innovative responses to transform and disrupt thinking in educational contexts.

GA3: Ethical practice Apply well-developed knowledge and understanding of professional, ethical, legislative requirements and human rights principles in education settings.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge in relation to curriculum content and frameworks. Apply pedagogical principles in supportive learning environments for effective assessment practices.

GA5: Lifelong learning Integrate reflective learning and practice to develop personal and professional skills including literacy, numeracy and academic integrity.

GA6: Communication and social skills Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with the ability to explain knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms. Practise teamwork skills and leadership in professional and learning community settings.

GA7: Cultural competence Implement and incorporate respect for diversity in oneself and others while actively embedding proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement. Apply a broad knowledge and understanding of the impacts of culture, cultural identity and linguistic backgrounds on the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The Bachelor of Education qualifies you to be a teacher in Australia, and many countries overseas. Our evidence-based course draws on the Faculty of Education’s leadership and research in teacher education that is responsive to local and global contexts.

 Graduates will be qualified as a teacher in one of the following five areas:

• Early Childhood/Primary (6 weeks to Year 6);
• Primary (Kindergarten/Prep to Year 6); English Primary Specialisation and specialisation in Science and Maths available 
• Primary/Secondary (English Primary Specialisation and one Secondary specialisation);
• Secondary (Two teaching specialisations); or
• Secondary: Design and Technology (choose from Industrial Technology, or Food and Fibre, plus one Secondary specialisation).

The first year of the course provides a distinctive foundation with excellent grounding in literacy, numeracy, and subject content, as well as issues in contemporary education. 

 Within the four-year full-time equivalent degree (or 3.5 years fast tracked*), you also undertake core learning in Indigenous education, sustainability, inclusive (special) education, along with curriculum and pedagogy learning across disciplines.

 All primary and secondary students across Australia need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to undertaking the second professional experience placement.

If undertaking full-time study from year 2, studying from January to December (6 teaching terms) may be required in some years.

Please note admission to this course includes non-academic requirements.

* Depending on course and specialisation pathway and term commencement.

Recommended study pattern

In this specialisation, you choose two teaching subjects from the full range of secondary subjects.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Education, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

• 1 specialisation in (384 Credit points) Primary or Early Childhood/Primary or Primary/Secondary or Secondary or Technology Secondaryand
• 4 Professional Experience units (0 credit points) or
• 5 Professional Experience units (0 credit points) with the Early Childhood/Primary Specialisation and
• both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Federal Government

Permission to undertake a professional experience placement requires meeting all academic and non-academic requirements as stipulated by the University and relevant accreditation bodies.

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points) comprising 8 core units and 16 specialisation units.

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising 6 core units and 10 specialisation units.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Interdisciplinary Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) comprising 4 core units and 4 specialisation units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $27,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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1. Applicants for admission to candidature at a New South Wales campus of Southern Cross University must have satisfied requirements specified by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for admission to an initial teacher education course that is approved for the purposes of enabling graduates to apply for registration as a teacher in New South Wales, including
   1. satisfactory completion of the UAC or QTAC non-academic entry requirement test.
2. Applicants for admission to candidature at a Queensland campus of Southern Cross University must have satisfied requirements specified by the Queensland College of Teachers for admission to an initial teacher education course that is approved for the purposes of enabling graduates to apply for registration as a teacher in Queensland, including
   1. satisfactory completion of the UAC or QTAC non-academic entry requirement test.

To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

1. have completed senior secondary study to the equivalent of the Australian year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
   1. the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 2 – English Language Proficiency Requirements and
   2. the language of instruction was English; or
2. achieved a minimum test score, within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
   1. International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 7.5, including a minimum result of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules and 7.0 in reading and writing; or
   2. International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
3. successfully completed SCU’s Preparing for Success Program Transition to Uni Program, or English Language Program. 

For the purposes of satisfying English Language Proficiency requirements for admission, applicants will only be considered on the above criteria and will not be considered on the basis of other criteria established by the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 2 – English Language Proficiency Requirements.

ATAR of 70, or equivalent

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

• Overall Score or equivalent: 7.5
• Reading: 7.0
• Writing: 7.0
• Listening: 8.0
• Speaking: 8.0

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

This degree includes professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings, schools, and community sites, depending on your chosen specialisation. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed in Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

• Secondary specialisation: 80 days (640 hours) of professional experience in secondary school.