Southern Cross University

What you'll study

The Master of Teaching combines foundations in educational theory, curriculum and assessment with discipline-specific pedagogy and extended school-based professional experience. Programs are offered with pathways for primary and secondary education; primary students focus on integrated curriculum, early literacy and numeracy development, and developmental learning across the primary years, while secondary students undertake subject-methods studies aligned with their undergraduate discipline.

• Core topics: learning theory, classroom management, inclusive education, assessment for learning, professional practice and reflective pedagogy.
• Primary-focused topics: integrated curriculum design, early childhood transitions, literacy and numeracy across the primary years, and teaching diverse learners.
• Secondary-focused topics: subject-specific pedagogy and curriculum, adolescent development, discipline-based assessment strategies and designing learning programs for senior secondary syllabuses.
• Professional experience: a sequence of supervised school placements that build from observation and microteaching to extended practicum in partner schools, integrating theory and practice and preparing candidates for classroom responsibilities.
• Assessment: a mix of reflective journals, lesson planning and implementation, curriculum projects, research-informed assignments and practicum performance assessments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. For primary entry, studies or subjects demonstrating competence in key learning areas may be required; for secondary entry, applicants typically need an undergraduate major or substantial study in the intended teaching subject(s). Candidates may also be asked to provide academic transcripts, a statement of intent, and references or evidence of relevant experience.

All applicants must meet professional suitability checks required by school authorities, which commonly include background screening and working-with-children checks. Prospective students should also be prepared to meet any literacy and numeracy or professional practice requirements set by the accreditation authority or the university prior to or during the course.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher accreditation and employment as classroom teachers in primary or secondary schools. Career pathways commonly include:

• Classroom teacher in public, independent or Catholic school sectors.
• Subject or curriculum coordinator, specialist teacher (for example in literacy, numeracy or special education).
• Roles in student welfare, behaviour support or educational inclusion services.
• Paths into school leadership, educational consultancy, curriculum development, or further postgraduate study such as master's by research, Doctor of Education or PhD.

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University offers a Master of Teaching with strong links to regional and coastal schools, providing diverse placement contexts and local industry partnerships. The program emphasises practical readiness through scaffolded school experience, supported by academic staff who have active experience in classroom teaching and curriculum development.

The university provides small-cohort learning, personalised academic support and access to campus and online resources to accommodate students balancing study with professional or personal commitments. There is also a focus on culturally responsive practice and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in teaching, reflecting the university's regional responsibilities and community partnerships.