Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This double degree integrates teacher education with specialist study in design, innovation and technologies. Core education units cover adolescent learning, curriculum and assessment, inclusive classroom practice, behaviour management, professional ethics and subject-specific pedagogy for secondary contexts. Design and technologies subjects focus on design thinking, materials and manufacturing processes, digital fabrication (such as CAD and 3D printing), product design, interaction and interface design, sustainable design practice and rapid prototyping. Practical workshops and studio-based subjects develop hands-on skills in plan-making, modelling and digital design tools, while research and project units encourage studio-based inquiry, user-centred design and enterprise thinking.

The course sequence mixes campus-based seminars and laboratories with scaffolded professional experience. School-based professional placements are embedded across the program, increasing in length and responsibility to prepare you for the full-time teaching practicum and registration with state or territory teacher authorities.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualification: completion of secondary school or equivalent; applicants are assessed on tertiary entrance score (such as ATAR) or equivalent entry pathways.
• Prerequisites: some education authorities or course intakes may require study in specific senior subjects—check ACU guidance for current prerequisite advice.
• Professional suitability: all candidates must satisfy child safety and suitability checks required for school placements (for example, a Working with Children check or equivalent) and meet health/immunisation requirements for placement.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet ACU's English proficiency requirements (such as an approved test or recognised pathway).
• Additional requirements: selection may include interview, personal statement or provision of referees; prior experience or demonstrated interest in education, design or technology subjects can be advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to seek registration as secondary teachers, specialising in Design and Technologies or related subjects. Typical employment pathways include secondary classroom teacher roles in public and independent schools, curriculum coordinator or subject leader positions, and roles in technology education. With the design and innovation component, graduates may also pursue careers in instructional design, learning technology coordination, museum or community education, junior product design or prototyping roles, and creative industry positions that value design thinking and digital fabrication skills. Further study can lead to leadership, curriculum development or research roles in education and design.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

• ACU has established partnerships with schools across regions, providing structured and supported professional placements that build classroom experience progressively.
• The program combines teacher accreditation pathways with practical, studio-based design teaching and access to maker spaces and digital fabrication facilities.
• Small cohort sizes and a focus on reflective practice and vocational preparation help students develop professional confidence and classroom-ready skills.
• Academic staff include experienced educators and practitioners with backgrounds in design and technologies, linking contemporary industry practice with curriculum knowledge.
• Support services for professional registration, graduate employability and wellbeing are available to assist the transition into teaching careers and ongoing professional development.