Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This degree develops professional knowledge, practical teaching skills and subject expertise for the secondary classroom. You will study foundations of learning and development (including adolescent development and educational psychology), curriculum and assessment, classroom management and inclusive pedagogy, and professional ethics and leadership in schools. Core learning emphasises evidence-informed teaching strategies, use of digital technologies in learning, and culturally responsive practice, including Indigenous perspectives in Australian education.

• Subject methods: You specialise in two secondary teaching areas (for example English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities/Social Sciences, Languages, Health and Physical Education), with discipline-specific pedagogy, curriculum planning and assessment units for each subject.
• Inclusive and special education: approaches to support diverse learners, differentiation and adjustments, and working with additional needs.
• Assessment and reporting: designing formative and summative assessment, feedback strategies and accreditation requirements for senior secondary.
• Professional practice: progressive, supervised school-based professional experience placements that build from short observations to extended practicum blocks in a range of school settings.

The program is typically completed over several years of full-time study and may be offered at multiple ACU campuses. Some students choose combined degrees or electives to broaden their subject knowledge or specialise in areas such as religious education, special education or digital learning.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification, with admission based on a selection rank (such as an ATAR) or recognised tertiary study for mature-age applicants. Applicants should demonstrate subject knowledge relevant to their intended teaching areas, and may be asked for a personal statement, referee reports or an interview in some selection processes.

• Professional checks: all students must meet mandatory requirements for school placement, such as a Working with Children check (or equivalent), national police check and up-to-date immunisations as required by placement providers.
• Literacy and numeracy: students are expected to meet professional literacy and numeracy standards for teachers. In Australia, completion of approved literacy and numeracy assessments (such as LANTITE) is required for initial teacher education accreditation and/or graduation in many programs.
• International students: must meet ACU’s English language proficiency standards and visa requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to seek teacher registration with state and territory teacher regulatory authorities and work as secondary teachers in government, Catholic and independent schools. Career pathways include classroom teacher roles across junior and senior secondary levels, subject coordinator or head of department positions, special education or learning support roles, and pastoral care or year-level leadership.

With experience or further study, graduates may move into curriculum development, educational leadership and administration, teacher mentoring and professional development, education policy, or roles in adult and community education. The degree also provides a foundation for postgraduate study such as Master of Education or leadership and specialist teaching qualifications.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU has a focused emphasis on teacher education and long-established relationships with Catholic, independent and public school systems, giving students access to diverse placement opportunities and mentoring. The university combines applied, practice-led coursework with supervised professional experience so graduates leave classroom-ready.

• Practice-focused learning: structured, cumulative school placements and strong support through campus-based practicum coordinators and school partners.
• Values and community: an education philosophy that highlights ethical practice, social justice and inclusive teaching.
• Support services: academic skills support, career guidance and networks with local schools to help transition into employment.