Southern Cross University

What you'll study

This guide accompanies the Master of Teaching and outlines the typical content and subject areas students will encounter once admitted, and the prior discipline knowledge expected on entry. The master's core curriculum focuses on professional practice, curriculum and assessment, inclusive education, classroom management, and research in educational settings. Key study areas include:

• Curriculum and Pedagogy: Approaches to planning, designing and delivering curriculum for the relevant phase (primary or secondary), including subject-specific pedagogy for disciplines such as English, mathematics, science, humanities and arts.
• Assessment and Reporting: Formative and summative assessment practices, data-informed teaching, and strategies for reporting student learning to families and stakeholders.
• Classroom Management and Professional Practice: Behaviour management frameworks, creating supportive learning environments and professional responsibilities of registered teachers.
• Inclusive and Special Education: Differentiation, supporting students with diverse learning needs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and culturally responsive practice.
• Professional Experience (Practicum): Supervised placements in partner schools allowing students to apply theory to practice, progressively building teaching responsibility and reflective practice.
• Research and Evidence-Informed Practice: Research methods in education, critical appraisal of evidence and a capstone or research project that links classroom practice with current educational research.

For applicants whose undergraduate degree does not include sufficient content in the chosen teaching specialisation, the guide explains common bridging or previous-studies subjects that will be required. Typical bridging topics include subject discipline content (for example, senior mathematics for secondary mathematics teaching), foundational pedagogy units, or additional coursework to meet accreditation requirements.

Entry requirements

Applicants to the Master of Teaching usually need a recognised bachelor degree in a discipline relevant to the phase and subject they intend to teach. Specific requirements commonly include:

• A completed bachelor degree with sufficient content in the intended teaching subject area for secondary specialisations, or an undergraduate sequence suitable for primary teaching.
• Evidence of prior studies in key subjects where applicable; for example, majors or units in English, mathematics, science or humanities if seeking secondary specialisation in those areas.
• Where prior study is incomplete, enrolment may be conditional on completing specified bridging units or previous-studies subjects before or during the program.
• Satisfactory background checks and clearances as required by state education authorities, including working with children checks.
• English language proficiency demonstrated by prior study in English or an accepted language test for international applicants.

Entry pathways and exact subject equivalencies vary by specialisation and campus; applicants are advised to consult Southern Cross University’s admissions team and the subject guide for discipline-specific mapping and advice on required bridging units.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Teaching typically pursue teacher registration and classroom careers in primary or secondary schools. Common career paths include:

• Classroom teacher in government, independent or Catholic school systems, across regional and metropolitan settings.
• Subject or faculty coordinator roles, curriculum planner or assessment coordinator within schools.
• Specialist positions supporting diverse learners, including learning support teachers and roles in behaviour and inclusion teams.
• Education leadership, policy or advisory roles over time, often supported by further study or professional experience.
• Opportunities in adult and community education, curriculum development, or continued study at doctoral level for careers in teacher education and research.

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University offers small cohort sizes, a strong emphasis on applied professional experience and a focus on regional and rural education contexts. The university maintains active partnerships with local schools across its campuses, providing structured practicum placements and mentoring by experienced teachers. There is a clear commitment to Indigenous education and culturally responsive practice embedded throughout coursework.

Delivery formats often include blended and flexible learning to support working students and those in regional locations. Academic staff combine classroom experience with research expertise in areas such as curriculum development, inclusive practice and teacher professional learning, ensuring the program links current evidence with everyday classroom practice. The subject guide helps applicants understand how their prior studies map to teaching specialisations and what bridging support is available to meet accreditation expectations.