Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
Duration
4 years part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
2024 Start Dates
2023 Start Dates

Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Graduates are qualified to teach Years 7 to 12 and have the opportunity to apply for positions in both government and non-government secondary schools. In addition, graduates are prepared to be future educational leaders and innovators, with a strong sense of identity as teachers and researchers in the industry.
The degree is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Graduates can apply for registration in all Australian states and territories.
Course structure
- 11 core units (162.5 credit points)
- 3 supervised practicum units (37.5 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
In addition, students are responsible for arranging and successfully completing the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) normally within three attempts through the Australian Council for Education Research prior to completing 100 credit points of study.
Academic Progress – special requirements
In addition to the standard academic progress rules, the Master of Teaching (Secondary) has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):
1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they:
(a) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a teaching placement
2. A student is classified as having 'unsatisfactory progress' if they:
(a) fail to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to completing 100 credit points of studies or following three attempts
(b) fail a Teaching Placement unit
(c) have their teaching placement terminated early by a school. In the case of early termination of a teaching placement by a school, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review processes will commence within 2 weeks of the cessation of the placement.
Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- apply broad and deep knowledge of the theories and practice of learning, teaching and pedagogy, across their chosen secondary specialisations
- demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of the key issues, policies and theoretical concepts impacting education in Australian and global contexts
- reflect critically on, and synthesise, learning and to take responsibility and be accountable for quality teaching and personal outputs in the context of secondary education practice
- use high levels of independent judgement to synthesise, integrate, justify and apply multiple domains of educational knowledge in novel or new situations in practice
- research, evaluate and articulate key issues, stakeholder needs and a range of perspectives in relation to secondary education practice in complex scenarios or across multiple domains of knowledge
- initiate, develop and manage learning programs, and evaluate innovations, in the context of secondary education practice

Graduate skills
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable to change
- aware of local and international environments in which they are contributing (e.g. sociocultural, economic, and natural)
Students with these attributes are highly sought after by employers who increasingly seek people with well-developed generic skills, in addition to professional competencies.
Professional recognition
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Entry requirements
Applicants require a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification that includes at least a major study in one approved secondary teaching area (equivalent to one year full time equivalent study) and a minor in at least one other recognised teaching area (equivalent to half a year of full time equivalent study).
Additional requirements
Casper test
All applicants (both standard entry and non-year 12 entry) must sit the Casper test. Casper is a non-academic online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes. Please note Swinburne will consider Casper test results taken within the past year. It is an Australian Government accreditation requirement that all initial teacher education courses include non-academic selection criteria. To ensure you don’t miss the Casper test deadlines, register for your sitting or for further information about the test.
Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results. Applicants applying to transfer from another initial teacher education course must disclose all LANTITE (National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students) attempts. Applicants who have unsuccessfully attempted the LANTITE three or more times will not be eligible to receive an offer.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate suitable English language proficiency for successful completion of the course.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements. Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Working with Children Check and Police Check
All enrolled students must maintain a current Working with Children Check (from the appropriate State Authority). A Police Check may also be required by a school prior to a placement. View the list of each state's requirements.
How to apply
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks and professional placements in nursing and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.