University of Southern Queensland

What you'll study

The program combines advanced study of curriculum and pedagogy with practical professional experience in secondary classrooms. Core areas include adolescent learning and development, curriculum design for Years 7–12, assessment and reporting, inclusive and differentiated practice, behaviour and classroom management, and the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. You will also study subject-specialist curriculum methods that align with the senior secondary syllabuses or curricula relevant to your background.

Study is typically structured as a sequence of coursework units and professional experience placements. Coursework units commonly covered are:

• Foundations of Teaching and Learning: theories of learning, ethics and professional responsibilities.
• Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy: planning sequenced learning programs and aligning teaching to standards and outcomes.
• Assessment for Learning: designing formative and summative assessment, feedback strategies and reporting.
• Inclusive Education and Classroom Management: differentiation, supporting learners with diverse needs and positive behaviour strategies.
• Subject Methodology Units: pedagogical approaches and curriculum for two or more secondary teaching areas (chosen to match your bachelor’s disciplines and registration needs).
• Professional Experience/School Placements: supervised practicum blocks in secondary schools across junior and senior year levels, accompanied by reflective practice and mentor feedback.
• Capstone/Professional Inquiry: a practitioner inquiry or project linking classroom practice with evidence‑based research.

Delivery is often blended, combining online study with on‑campus intensive sessions and scheduled school placements so you gain practical classroom experience under supervision.

Entry requirements

Entry typically requires a recognised bachelor’s degree with substantial content in one or more secondary teaching areas (for example, English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, languages, technologies), together with evidence of academic performance at the undergraduate level. Applicants will usually need to demonstrate proficiency in English; international applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements.

Additional requirements commonly include a current police check and a working with children check prior to undertaking professional placements, and completion of specified pre‑enrolment checks or vaccinations where required by partner schools. Some applicants who do not have a clear teachable specialisation may be asked to provide academic transcripts showing relevant subject content or undertake bridging study.

Selection may take into account academic records, referee reports and, where applicable, prior relevant work or volunteer experience with young people. Prospective students should consult the university’s admissions office for the exact documentation and any course‑specific prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher registration and employment as secondary school teachers across government and non‑government sectors. Typical career destinations include classroom teacher roles in junior and senior secondary year levels, specialist teacher positions (for example, literacy coordinator, numeracy coach or subject leader), and roles in curriculum development and student support.

With experience and further professional development, graduates may progress to middle leadership or senior leadership roles such as head of department, year level coordinator, or deputy principal. Other pathways include educational policy, teacher education and professional learning, youth work and educational consultancy.

Why study at University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland has a strong emphasis on preparing teachers for both regional and metropolitan school contexts, with established partnerships across Queensland and beyond that support professional placements. The program offers flexible delivery modes to accommodate working students and those living outside major cities, combining online learning with practical intensives and supervised school experiences.

Students benefit from academic staff with school and research experience, guided practicum supervision, and access to university support services for academic development and career planning. The course is designed to meet professional standards for teacher education and to equip graduates with the classroom skills, curriculum knowledge and reflective practice needed for effective secondary teaching.