Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
This course is not accepting applications at Hawthorn.
You might be interested in our Master of Teaching (Secondary) – Swinburne Online. You can find out more information about this course here.
Build the confidence to create and design innovative learning programs that help students maximise their potential. Embrace contemporary research and apply critical thinking as you explore global education policy and ethical approaches to secondary school teaching. Underscore your coursework with practical experience in a school setting as you complete sixty days of structured professional experience at a secondary school.
During this postgraduate teaching course, you will be exposed to innovative delivery techniques and learn how to adopt robust evaluative tools to measure student learning and wellbeing. Gain an understanding of local and global issues around ethics and diversity, and learn how connecting with industry, communities and families can help set your students up for life.
Swinburne's Master of Teaching (Secondary) prepares you to be a leader in education with a strong identity as a teacher and researcher. Upon graduation, you will be qualified to teach Years 7 to 12 and can apply for secondary teaching roles in both government and non-government schools.
Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
VTAC course code
- 3400211091 (CSP)
Professionally accredited by


I always felt like I belonged at Swinburne. My teachers encouraged me to become confident in my ability, and they gave me the skills to combat my shyness. I’m forever grateful for how they helped shape who I am today. My experience has influenced me to provide the same kind of encouragement to my students at Brighton Secondary College.
Thi
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
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
- 13 core units (182.5 credit points)
- 1 supervised practicum unit (12.5 credit points)
- 2 supervised practicum units (0 credit points)
In addition, students are responsible for arranging and successfully completing the
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
Prior to completing 100 credit points of study, students must pass national literacy and numeracy tests. Find out more about the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students, including associated costs.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- analyse, plan and implement highly effective learning programs for chosen methods in secondary education through an understanding of human development incorporating both theoretical and evidence-based research
- maximise student learning outcomes through the integrated application of learning areas, disciplines and pedagogical approaches in secondary education
- critically analyse the impact of global and local education policy, leadership and practice on secondary education systems from a socio-political perspective
- apply critical thinking to understanding ethical approaches to designing and implementing learning programs in secondary education where robust and rigorous evaluative tools are used to measure impact on student learning and wellbeing
- plan, teach and assess student learning with integrity, using ethical and professional approaches to practice in secondary education
- Partner innovatively and ethically with industry, communities and families to maximise opportunities for student learning, outcomes and life achievements as well as professional growth
- Investigate complex local and global issues, including the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and masterfully articulate the implications of these issues and provide potential solutions to bring about positive change in secondary education
- Create and design innovative learning programs in secondary education that are responsive to student learning needs, underpinned by theoretical and evidence-based practices and aligned with jurisdictional curriculum and regulatory expectations

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
- Fees, 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).
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.“We will not be using Snapshot responses in our admissions decisions. If you have, or think you may apply to other universities please consider their Snapshot admission requirements and ensure you meet all deadlines.”
LANTITE: Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students
English language proficiency
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
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.