Curtin University

What you'll study

The program balances discipline-specific study with professional education units to prepare you for teaching in secondary schools. You choose one or two teaching areas from curriculum-subjects such as English, mathematics, science, humanities/social sciences, health and physical education, arts, technologies and languages. Core study areas include curriculum and pedagogy, assessment and reporting, classroom management, educational psychology, behaviour support, and inclusive and special needs education.

Practical classroom preparation is a strong focus: you undertake a sequence of professional experience placements in schools, progressing from observation and small-group teaching to extended placements where you plan, teach and assess full units of work. Additional topics typically covered are literacy and numeracy across the curriculum, digital technologies in teaching, Indigenous Australian perspectives in education, legal and ethical responsibilities, and transition-to-work or senior-secondary pathways.

• Subject-methods units tailored to your chosen teaching area(s)
• Foundations of learning and assessment
• Classroom management and student wellbeing
• Inclusive education and differentiation
• Professional experience placements in partner schools
• Training in educational technology and curriculum planning

Entry requirements

Admission is usually based on satisfactory completion of secondary school qualifications or an equivalent, with specific subject prerequisites for some teaching areas. Applicants are expected to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competence; domestic applicants commonly provide their secondary certificate results, and international applicants must meet Curtin's English language requirements (for example, recognised English tests or equivalent qualifications).

Mature-age or alternative-entry applicants may be considered on the basis of prior tertiary study, relevant work experience or recognised prior learning. Successful applicants must meet professional suitability checks required for school work, such as a Working with Children check and a police clearance, and provide evidence of required immunisations where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for teacher registration with the relevant state or territory teacher registration authority and typically find work as secondary teachers in government, Catholic and independent schools. Depending on the teaching areas completed, graduates can teach middle- and senior-secondary classes and prepare students for tertiary and vocational pathways.

Beyond classroom teaching, career pathways include subject coordination, student welfare and wellbeing roles, curriculum development, educational leadership, careers guidance, and specialist positions in special education or English as an Additional Language (EAL). Many graduates also undertake postgraduate study in education, leadership or policy to move into school leadership, curriculum design or education research.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a practice-focused education degree supported by long-standing partnerships with schools across Western Australia, providing diverse placement opportunities. The course emphasises contemporary classroom practice, Indigenous perspectives and inclusive teaching approaches, preparing graduates for the realities of modern classrooms.

Students benefit from Curtin's teaching and learning facilities, access to digital learning resources, and support services for academic skills and professional placement preparation. The program aligns with professional registration requirements, and Curtin's strong industry links help with networking and employment pathways in schools and education sectors.