Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This double-focused Bachelor of Education develops professional knowledge, pedagogical skills and subject-specific content to prepare you for teaching in both primary and secondary classrooms. The course combines foundational studies in learning and development with curriculum and assessment for multiple learning areas, and includes specialist subject preparation for secondary teaching (for example English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education or Languages, depending on your chosen pathway).

Typical modules and topics include:

• Learning and Development: theories of learning, child and adolescent development, inclusive practice and wellbeing.
• Curriculum and Assessment: curriculum design, differentiated instruction, formative and summative assessment, literacy and numeracy pedagogy.
• Subject Methods for Primary and Secondary: planning and pedagogy for primary classrooms and secondary subject-specific teaching methods.
• Classroom Management and Professional Practice: behaviour management strategies, legal and ethical responsibilities, classroom organisation and reporting.
• Digital and Contemporary Teaching: educational technologies, online and blended learning approaches, and teaching for diverse learners.
• Professional Experience Placements: progressive school placements across primary and secondary settings, increasing in length and responsibility to consolidate classroom practice.

The degree emphasises applied learning through tutorials, micro-teaching, assessment design and extensive supervised placements in partner schools. Graduates meet the academic requirements for provisional teacher registration through the relevant state or territory teacher regulatory authority when combined with any additional registration conditions.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on successful completion of senior secondary qualifications (such as an Australian senior certificate) or an equivalent tertiary qualification or recognised pathway. Applicants are usually required to meet a minimum academic threshold (for example an ATAR or equivalent) or present recognised prior study; alternative entry pathways for mature-age applicants and those with vocational qualifications are commonly available.

All applicants should be prepared to satisfy non-academic requirements including national police checks, working with children/vulnerable people checks, and up-to-date immunisation documentation where required by placement providers. International applicants must meet English language proficiency standards and comply with visa requirements. Specific campus-level entry criteria and any prerequisites vary, so prospective students should consult ACU’s official course pages for precise admissions details.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to work as classroom teachers in both primary and secondary schools. Typical roles include:

• Primary classroom teacher
• Secondary subject teacher (depending on secondary subject majors studied)
• Special education support or learning support teacher
• Curriculum coordinator, year/leader roles, and specialist literacy or numeracy positions
• School-based roles in wellbeing, pastoral care or extracurricular coordination
• Education officer, policy or program roles in government and non‑government organisations, and opportunities to progress into leadership or educational consultancy roles with further study.

Many graduates continue into postgraduate study such as Master of Teaching, educational leadership or specialist postgraduate certificates to expand career options and meet additional registration or leadership requirements.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU has a long-established reputation for teacher education with a curriculum that emphasises professional ethics, social justice and inclusive practice. The university is known for close links with schools, providing structured and progressively challenging professional experience placements that give students sustained, real-world classroom exposure.

Students benefit from small-group tutorials, support from experienced academic staff who have classroom backgrounds, and resources aimed at developing practical teaching skills. ACU campuses across Australia provide access to local school partnerships and community engagement opportunities, supporting a pathway from study into employment in primary and secondary education.