Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Education Secondary prepares you to become a secondary school teacher, and teach year 7 to year 12. In this role, you will be responsible for educating and guiding students as they prepare for the real world. If you are a good communicator, love having fun with children and are passionate about sharing a love of learning, then this may be the career for you!
At CDU, you can study a Bachelor of Education Secondary online or on campus, part time or full time (for a majority of specialisations). This makes it easier to fit study into your existing commitments. When you graduate, you'll be qualified to register as a teacher anywhere in Australia.
The course focuses on the skills and knowledge that you will need to teach in high schools, as outlined by the Australian National Curriculum. It meets both the national and local need for teachers committed to improving educational outcomes for children in year 7 to year 12.
You will learn about:
- the school curriculum
- contemporary approaches to issues in education, such as inclusivity
- child and adolescent development
- promoting positive behaviour
- improving the teaching-learning relationship in the classroom
- Indigenous perspectives
- raising awareness of issues surrounding Indigenous education
- developing an informed, evidence-based approach to learning and teaching in secondary school settings.
As a secondary teacher, you will specialise in teaching certain subjects. As part of your degree, you will choose two specialisations: a major and a minor. You can choose from a range of options, including:
- digital technology
- health and physical education
- humanities
- indigenous knowledges
- languages
- mathematics
- music
- science
- visual arts
The course is a mixture of discipline-specific curriculum and pedagogical studies, general education studies and professional experience.
When you graduate, your levels of personal literacy and numeracy will be broadly equivalent to the top 30% of the Australian population.
Students are encouraged to review the employer eligibility requirements as they can vary state to state.
Professional recognition
This course has been accredited through the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory consistent with the standards established by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership for the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.
When you graduate, you'll be eligible to register as a teacher in schools across all Australian State and Territory jurisdictions (subject to meeting other eligibility criteria such as the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Registration Requirement, English proficiency and suitability to teach).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $26,712.00. This equates to $3,339.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
What will I study?
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp), including 2 common units, 10 core units, and 18 specialist electives units.
Course structure
Within the specialist electives, students select a first teaching area (major) (totalling 110 credit points - with exception of Health and Physical Education) and second teaching area (minor) (totalling 60 credit points) from the following areas:
- Biology; Chemistry; Chinese; English; Environmental Science; Geography; Greek; Health and Physical Education; History; Indigenous Knowledge; Indigenous Languages; Indonesian; Digital Technology; Legal Studies; Mathematics; Music; or Visual Arts.
All first teaching area (major) elective options are also available for second teaching area (minor) specialisation.
The following teaching areas are only offered as second teaching areas (minor):
- Economics and Physics.
First teaching area (major) must be different from the second teaching area (minor).
When Health and PE is elected as first teaching area (major) there is no second teaching area (minor) specialisation or general elective are required.
Students will also select (with the exception of Health and PE) one unit (10 credit points) as general elective from undergraduate units offered by the University.
All students must pass prior to graduation the ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The cost of the testing will be met by the student. Refer to https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/
Please check the offerings, pre-requisite and assumed knowledge requirements prior to enrolment. 100 level units are initial level units, 200 level units are medium, and 300/400 level units are advance level units. Ideally, ECM units need be done after a few specialist elective (content) units.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
This course has a requirement of 80 days of Professional Experience.
Professional Experience units MUST be undertaken in the following sequence:
- between 2018 and 2022: EPR100, EPR200, EPR211, EPR301;
- from 2023: EPR200, EPR211, EPR301.
EPR301 is a 30 credit point unit and can only be taken with one other unit for a full semester load.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Common Units (2 units) | 20cp | Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. |
| Core Units (10 units) | 120cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as per the list of units detailed below. ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning (replaces EPR100 Professional Experience 1: Teacher as Learner from 2023) |
| Major Specialist Electives (11 - 18 units) | 110cp or 180cp | Specialist Elective units selected from ONE of the Major Teaching Areas BIOLOGY Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: CHEMISTRY Major (Internal Only) PLUS all 50 credit points of: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: CHINESE (Mandarin) Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: GREEK Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (Yolngu) Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: INDONESIAN Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: ENGLISH Major GEOGRAPHY Major HISTORY Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: LEGAL STUDIES Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: MATHEMATICS Major VISUAL ARTS Major PLUS all 50 credit points of: MUSIC Major HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Major (under this Major, there is no minor teaching area or General Elective unit) |
| Minor Specialist Electives (0 or 6 units) | 0cp or 60cp | Students must select a Minor teaching area different from their Major teaching area. Students who have selected the Health and Physical Education Major cannot undertake a minor area. Where ECM units are common to the Major and Minor choices, students must replace the units with the relevant elective units. *A Minor may be selected from one of the Majors above not already completed or from one of the Minors detailed below. The following list includes those specialisations that are available only as a Minor (Economics and Physics) or have a different structure from the above Majors. In general, for minor electives students elect at most 20 credit points at 100 level and at least 20 credit points at 200 or higher-level specialist second teaching area SUBJECT units. In case your first (Major) and second (Minor) teaching areas are both from Science (Biology, Chemistry or Environmental Science) OR Languages (Chinese (Mandarin), Greek, Indigenous Language (Yolngu) or Indonesian) you must do two extra relevant subjects or education units, due to Science and Language ECM units being common. Please contact the Course Coordinator for further information. ECONOMICS Minor PLUS all 20 credit points of: HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PLUS all 20 credit points of: MUSIC Minor PLUS all 20 credit points of: PHYSICS Minor PLUS all 30 credit points of: The following minor is no longer available |
| General Electives (0 or 1 unit) | 0cp or 10cp | One unit totalling 10 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. Students who have selected the Health and Physical Education Major are not required to undertake a general (or minor) elective. |
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (320cp)
- A maximum of 120 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 80 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2023
ETL102 has been added as a required core unit from 2023 replacing EPR100 from 2023.
Students who have completed EPR100 prior to 2023 should not complete ETL102.
LAN020 has been added as a required (0cp) unit for all students from 2023.
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities is no longer part of the Indigenous Knowledges major.
The Indigenous Language (Arrernte) Minor is no longer available.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
AOD201 has been replaced by AOD202. Students that have completed AOD201 prior to 2022 should not complete AOD202.
PSY140 has been replaced by PSY150. Students that have completed PSY140 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY150.
Course Changes - 2021
SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis, unit title change from 2021. Unit previously titled Biomechanics 1.
SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology, unit title change from 2021. Unit previously titled Exercise and Sport Psychology 1.
SPE330 Physical Activity in Special Population, unit title change from 2021. Unit previously titled Exercise and Health.
SBI245 Biochemistry is no longer offered from 2021. Students who have not completed SBI245 can complete SBI150 Cellular Biology as suitable replacement. Students who have completed SBI245 should not complete SBI150.
Course Changes and Transition Arrangements - 2019
EPR211 has replaced EPR201. Students who have already completed EPR201 should not complete EPR211.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
HPE = Health and Physical Education | ||||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning (previously EPR100) | CO |
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO | EPR200 Professional Experience 2: Teaching in Context | CO/P |
| EST203 Teaching Indigenous Learners | CO | EST304 Diversity and Inclusive Education (recoded to EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy 2020) | CO |
| ECM Secondary 1 - Major Teaching Area | SE | ECM Secondary 1 - Major Teaching Area | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| EPR211 Professional Experience 3: Classroom Practice (replaces EPR201) | CO/P | Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE |
| EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE |
| ECM Secondary 1 - Major Teaching Area | SE | ECM Secondary 1 - Major Teaching Area | SE |
| ECM Secondary 2 - Secondary Teaching Area OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE | ECM Secondary 2 - Second Teaching Area OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| EST303 Special Needs in the Classroom (recoded from EST301 2018) | CO | EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO |
| Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE | EPR301 Professional Experience 4: Classroom Ready (30cp) | CO/P |
| Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | E/SE | ||
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| HPE = Health and Physical Education | ||||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | ||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning (previously EPR100) | CO | EST200 Child and Adolescent Development | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | EST203 Teaching Indigenous Learners | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| EPR200 Professional Experience 2: Teaching in Context | CO/P | EST304 Diversity and Inclusive Education (recoded to EST305 Socially Inclusive Pedagogy 2020) | CO |
| ECM Secondary 1 - Major Teaching Area | SE | ECM Secondary 1 - Major Teaching Area | SE |
| ECM Secondary 2 - Second Teaching Area OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE | ECM Secondary 2 - Second Teaching Area OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| EPR211 Professional Experience 3: Classroom Practice (replaces EPR201) | CO/P | EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO |
| EST303 Special Needs in the Classroom (recoded from EST301 2018) | CO | Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE |
| Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE | Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE |
| Minor Specialist Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | SE | Elective OR HPE Specialist Elective | E/SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO | ||
| EPR301 Professional Experience 4: Classroom Ready (30cp) | CO/P | ||
Students Commencing in Summer Semester
The Summer Semester Study Plan will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
~Air Force: Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
~Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
~Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Additional admission requirements
Applicants must complete the Teaching Capabilities Statement used to demonstrate suitability for study and work in the teaching profession.
Essential requirements
Criminal History Check
You must have cleared a Police Check and/or Working with Children Check before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Police Check and/or Working with Children Check are not cleared by the education sector, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Minimum overall score of 176 with no skill below 176 |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | Minimum overall score of 58 with no score less than 58 in listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | Minimum overall score of 80 with no score less than 22 in speaking, writing, reading and listening |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC or UAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
Share this course