Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The program combines humanities content in Western Civilisation with pedagogy and professional experience required for secondary teacher accreditation. Content studies explore the history of ideas, European history from antiquity to modernity, political and moral philosophy, literature and cultural history, and the development of Western institutions and arts. Typical humanities modules include ancient and classical civilisation, medieval and Renaissance studies, Enlightenment and modern thought, historiography, and elective units in literature, theology, languages or political thought.

Education and professional components cover curriculum and assessment for secondary schooling, adolescent development and learning theory, inclusive and differentiated pedagogy, classroom and behaviour management, digital pedagogies, subject-specific methods for the humanities, and research methods in education. A significant professional practice component places students in partnered schools for multiple supervised teaching placements across different year levels and school contexts, allowing the integration of theory and practice.

• Humanities content: history of ideas, Western history survey, philosophy, literature and cultural studies
• Education core: curriculum design, assessment, classroom management, inclusive pedagogy
• Subject methods: strategies for teaching history, English, philosophy, civics and citizenship or related humanities subjects
• Professional experience: sequenced school placements with mentor teachers and assessment against graduate teacher standards
• Capstone/research: a practicum portfolio or research-informed capstone unit linking content expertise with pedagogical practice

Entry requirements

As a combined pathway into secondary teaching, entry typically requires completion of the Bachelor of Arts Western Civilisation or an equivalent undergraduate qualification with adequate academic performance in relevant humanities subjects. Applicants for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) component must meet professional entry standards including academic prerequisites, literacy and numeracy requirements, and any faculty-specific selection criteria.

All candidates must satisfy professional suitability checks: a current working with children check (or equivalent), a national police check, and immunisation or health requirements as specified by placement schools. Some intakes may require an interview or portfolio demonstrating prior experience with youth or educational settings. Meeting the minimum academic threshold does not guarantee admission, as selection can be competitive and faculty discretion may apply.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to seek registration and employment as secondary teachers, particularly in humanities disciplines such as history, English, philosophy, religious education (where applicable), civics and citizenship, and social sciences. The combination of deep disciplinary knowledge in Western Civilisation and accredited teaching skills prepares graduates to teach across middle and senior secondary year levels.

Beyond classroom teaching, alumni commonly move into roles in curriculum and assessment development, educational leadership, policy or advocacy, museum and cultural organisations, publishing and heritage education, or continue into postgraduate research in humanities or education. The program also provides a strong foundation for further professional study or specialisation in areas such as curriculum studies, educational leadership, or subject-specific postgraduate coursework.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a focused humanities pathway combined with a respected education faculty that emphasises ethical, reflective and evidence-informed teaching practice. ACU is known for close connections with local school systems, ensuring well-supported and diverse professional placement opportunities across metropolitan, regional and independent schools.

Students benefit from small-group teaching in core units, personalised academic and professional mentoring, and practical preparation aligned to teacher registration standards. ACU’s education programs are designed to integrate content expertise with contemporary pedagogies, promoting inclusive classrooms and a commitment to student wellbeing and social justice—qualities valued by employers in the schooling and broader education sectors.