Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The program integrates professional teacher education with humanities study. On the education side you will cover adolescent learning and development, curriculum design and planning, assessment for learning, inclusive and differentiated pedagogy, classroom management, behaviour support and the use of digital technologies in teaching. Methodology units focus on secondary subject teaching strategies, lesson sequencing, unit planning and classroom-based research.

Humanities study allows you to select a major or combination of majors such as English, History, Religious Education, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Cultural Studies or Indigenous Studies. Typical humanities units include literary analysis and writing, historiography and public history, ethics and critical thinking, language acquisition and applied linguistics, and social and cultural theory. Research methods and an honours or capstone research project option are often available for students who wish to pursue deeper study.

A key feature is an escalating sequence of professional experience placements in partner secondary schools. Placements progress from short observational blocks to extended practicum blocks where you plan and teach multiple units under mentor supervision. The program also includes preparation for teacher registration requirements such as professional standards mapping, child safety obligations and reflective professional portfolios.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on completion of a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent tertiary study. Applicants are expected to meet the university's English language proficiency requirements and any specific subject prerequisites, commonly including senior secondary English. Entry may be competitive and selection can consider academic record (for example an ATAR or equivalent), a personal statement, referees or interview, and demonstrated suitability to work with young people.

Before beginning professional placements you will need to satisfy regulatory and employer requirements such as a current Working with Children check (or state equivalent), a national police check, and any required immunisations. International applicants should consult ACU for the English language and visa requirements that apply to their situation.

Career prospects

Graduates leave qualified to apply for secondary teacher registration and employment in government, Catholic and independent secondary schools. With subject-specialist training in the humanities, common teaching fields include English, history, religious education, languages and social sciences. Beyond classroom teaching, graduates also find roles in curriculum development, education policy and administration, youth work, educational publishing, museum and cultural institutions, community education and further postgraduate study in education, leadership or research.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises values-driven, ethical practice in education and offers a supportive learning environment with small cohort sizes, strong academic support and close links with partner schools. The university’s teacher education programs combine contemporary, research-informed pedagogy with extensive practicum experience, giving students early and sustained exposure to real classrooms. ACU campuses are located across multiple regions, providing access to diverse placement contexts and community engagement opportunities. The program is designed to meet the professional standards required for teacher registration, while also allowing flexibility to tailor humanities study to your interests and career goals.