University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) combines coursework in curriculum, pedagogy and adolescent learning with substantial supervised practicum in schools. Core study areas typically include curriculum design and assessment, classroom management and behaviour, adolescent development and wellbeing, inclusive education and teaching students with diverse needs, and professional ethics and legal responsibilities.

Students also undertake subject-methods units tailored to two secondary teaching areas (for example, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, Health and Physical Education, The Arts or Technologies). Research methods for teachers and a capstone or professional inquiry project are usually included to develop evidence-informed classroom practice.

Practical experience is a major component: multiple blocks of supervised school placements are scheduled across metropolitan and regional settings so candidates gain experience with curriculum implementation, classroom planning, formative and summative assessment, parent and community engagement, and professional collaboration.

• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
• Adolescent Learning and Development
• Inclusive Education and Differentiation
• Subject-specific Methodology (two teaching areas)
• ICT and Digital Learning in Secondary Schools
• Professional Experience / School Practicum
• Research Methods and Professional Inquiry

Structure

The degree is offered as a professional coursework master and can be taken full-time or part-time. Duration varies depending on prior study and mode of enrolment; the program combines on-campus or blended coursework with sequential school placements supervised by experienced teachers and university staff.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with substantial study in the intended secondary teaching subject areas. A minimum level of academic achievement (such as a specified GPA) is required; exact thresholds are published by the university and assessed at application. Where subject content is incomplete, applicants may be asked to complete additional undergraduate units to meet subject-area requirements.

Other common entry conditions include a personal statement or statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, and referees who can speak to the applicant’s suitability to teach. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to the level specified by the university. Successful applicants must satisfy professional suitability checks prior to placements, typically including a criminal history check, working with children clearance, and up-to-date immunisation records.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for teacher registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia; meeting registration requirements is the responsibility of the graduate and may involve additional steps set by the regulatory authority.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to teach in secondary schools across the public, independent and Catholic systems. Typical roles include classroom teacher in a range of subject areas, head of subject or faculty, curriculum coordinator and specialist teacher roles. With experience, graduates commonly move into leadership positions such as deputy or principal, student wellbeing or pastoral care coordinator, and roles in curriculum development.

Beyond school-based roles, alumni find opportunities in educational policy, teacher education and professional learning, educational consulting, youth services, curriculum and assessment agencies, and non-government organisations focused on education. The research and inquiry components of the degree also provide a pathway into postgraduate research and doctoral study.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers teacher education grounded in research-led practice and strong partnerships with schools across metropolitan and regional Western Australia. Students benefit from supervised practicum experiences in diverse school contexts and from academic staff who combine research expertise with classroom and system-level experience.

UWA provides access to professional development, mentoring and career-support services, as well as modern learning facilities and digital resources. The university’s emphasis on community engagement and Indigenous perspectives in education also supports teachers preparing to work in culturally diverse classrooms and regional settings.

Completing the Master of Teaching (Secondary) at UWA positions graduates to meet the professional standards expected by employers and registration authorities, while providing a supportive environment for developing practical skills and a research-informed approach to teaching.