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Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Teaching Secondary

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time
4 year/s part-time
2 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

160

Course code

STCHS1
SATAC codes

Overview

Make a difference in young people's lives with a Master of Teaching Secondary. If you already hold a bachelor degree in a relevant field other than education, this course will enable you to become a teacher in two years. Study either online or on campus, part-time or full-time, with additional flexibility to switch between study modes. On graduating, you will be eligible to register as a teacher in middle, secondary and senior colleges, in all states and territories in Australia.

Graduate ready to plan and deliver engaging experiences for different learning styles and be prepared for new and changing educator roles. You will develop your awareness of the environmental and cultural influences on teaching and learning and explore the needs of learners and communities with diverse linguistic and cultural orientations, including Indigenous learners.

Choose to specialise in your area of prior qualification in:    

  • English,
  • Health and Physical Education,
  • Visual Arts,
  • Music,
  • Digital Technologies,
  • Languages, and Languages Other Than English,
  • Sciences,
  • Humanities (history, geography, Indigenous studies) or
  • Business (accounting, economics, business studies, legal studies)
  • Mathematics

Apply your learning with 60 days of professional experience in middle, secondary and senior colleges.

As a teacher, your levels of personal literacy and numeracy will be broadly equivalent to the top 30% of the Australian population.



Practical experience

Students will complete a minimum of 60 days professional experience.

Professional recognition

The Master of teaching Secondary has been accredited through the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory (TRB NT). It is consistent with the standards established by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for the accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs (ITE) in Australia. On graduating, you will be eligible to register as a teacher in all states and territories in Australia, providing you meet all other requirements. 

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways


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 in 2025 is AUD $29,784.00. This equates to $ $3,723.00 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.

learning and teaching - three students at the waterfront

Why study education at CDU?

Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
learning and teaching - three students at the waterfront

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.

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Complete placements close to home
  • Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
learning and teaching - three students at the waterfront

Why study education at CDU?

Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
learning and teaching - three students at the waterfront

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.

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Complete placements close to home
  • Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements

What will I study?

You will study a range of units, including professional experience in a range of school settings. The units are designed to develop skills, strategies and dispositions for facilitating positive development and learning in students you will teach. Necessary skills and understandings for a range of middle, secondary and senior colleges and capacities such as building family and community partnerships, leadership, advocacy and quality improvement systems are developed across the course.

Course structure

You can study the Master of Teaching Secondary online as an external student, on campus as an internal student, or as a mix of both. All students access learning materials online and are encouraged to interact in a range of modes to develop professional dialogue and networks.


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 pre-requisite and assumed knowledge requirements prior to enrolment.


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Note:

This course has a requirement of 60 days of Professional experience. 
Professional Experience units MUST be undertaken in the following sequences: EPE529, EPE635

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units 
(13 units)
120cpCompulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: 

EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and Practice 
ELA513 English as an Additional Language 
EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education 
EPE529 Secondary Professional Experience 1 
EST501 Managing the Classroom Environment and Student Wellbeing 
EST504 Digital Technologies and Education 
EST508 Assessment and Reporting 
EST511 Integrating Indigenous History, Cultures and Learning in Teaching Practice 
EST521 Developing New Teaching Content 
ETL502 Secondary Schooling Operations and Practices 
ETL503 Understanding Learner Development 
EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers 
LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp)
Specialist Elective 
(4 units)
40cp

GROUP A 
If entering course with two curriculum areas of study, complete 20cp from two relevant curriculum areas below (1 and 2 of same discipline):

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES 
Complete all of: 
ECM317 Secondary Business Enterprises 1 
ECM318 Secondary Business Enterprises 2

ENGLISH 
Complete all of: 
ECM381 Secondary English 1 
ECM382 Secondary English 2

HEALTH AND PHSYICAL EDUCATION 
Complete all of: 
ECM311 Secondary Health and Physical Education 1 
ECM312 Secondary Health and Physical Education 2

HUMANITIES 
Complete all of: 
ECM333 Secondary Humanities 1 
ECM334 Secondary Humanities 2

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE) 
Complete all of: 
ECM351 Secondary Languages Other Than English 1 
ECM352 Secondary Languages Other Than English 2

MATHEMATICS 
Complete all of: 
ECM361 Secondary Mathematics 1 
ECM362 Secondary Mathematics 2

MUSIC 
Complete all of: 
ECM331 Secondary Music 1 
ECM332 Secondary Music 2

SCIENCE 
Complete all of: 
ECM301 Secondary Science 1 
ECM302 Secondary Science 2

TECHNOLOGIES 
Complete all of: 
ECM341 Secondary Technologies 1 
ECM342 Secondary Technologies 2

VISUAL ARTS 
Complete all of: 
ECM313 Secondary Visual Arts 1 
ECM314 Secondary Visual Arts 2

GROUP B 
If entering course with one curriculum areas of study, complete 20cp from Group A (1 and 2 of same discipline) and the two units below:

TES502 Introduction to English Linguistics 
EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education

 160cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
ETL503 Understanding Learner DevelopmentCOECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2SEEPE529 Secondary Professional Experience 1CO
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1   
OR   
TES502 Introduction to English Linguistics
SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2   
OR   
EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education
SE  
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1SEEST501 Managing the Classroom Environment and Student WellbeingCO  
EST508 Assessment and ReportingCOEST504 Digital Technologies and EducationCO  
  LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp)CO  
Year 2
ELA513 English as an Additional LanguageCOEPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate TeachersCO  
EST511 Integrating Indigenous History, Cultures and Learning in Teaching PracticeCOEST521 Developing New Teaching ContentCO  
EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and PracticeCOETL502 Secondary Schooling Operations and PracticesCO  
EMG505 Research Methodologies in EducationCO    

Top of Page

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
ETL503 Understanding Learner DevelopmentCOEST501 Managing the Classroom Environment and Student WellbeingCOLAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp)CO
EST511 Integrating Indigenous History, Cultures and Learning in Teaching PracticeCOEST504 Digital Technologies and EducationCO  
Year 2
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2SE  
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1   
OR   
TES502 Introduction to English Linguistics
SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2   
OR   
EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education
SE  
Year 3
ELA513 English as an Additional LanguageCOEST521 Developing New Teaching ContentCOEPE529 Secondary Professional Experience 1CO
EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and PracticeCOETL502 Secondary Schooling Operations and PracticesCO  
Year 4
EMG505 Research Methodologies in EducationCOEPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate TeachersCO  
EST508 Assessment and ReportingCO    

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_____________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan 

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
  EST504 Digital Technologies and EducationCOEST511 Integrating Indigenous History, Cultures and Learning in Teaching PracticeCO
  EST501 Managing the Classroom Environment and Student WellbeingCO  
  ELA513 English as an Additional LanguageCO  
  ETL502 Secondary Schooling Operations and PracticesCO  
  LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp)CO  
Year 2
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2SE  
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1   
OR   
TES502 Introduction to English Linguistics
SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2   
OR   
EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education
SE  
EST508 Assessment and ReportingCOEPE529 Secondary Professional Experience 1CO  
ETL503 Understanding Learner DevelopmentCOEST521 Developing New Teaching ContentCO  
Year 3
EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate TeachersCO    
EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and PracticeCO    
EMG505 Research Methodologies in EducationCO    
      

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Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
  EST504 Digital Technologies and EducationCOEST511 Integrating Indigenous History, Cultures and Learning in Teaching PracticeCO
  EST501 Managing the Classroom Environment and Student WellbeingCOLAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp)CO
Year 2
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2SE  
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1   
OR   
TES502 Introduction to English Linguistics
SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2   
OR   
EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education
SE  
Year 3
EMG505 Research Methodologies in EducationCOETL502 Secondary Schooling Operations and PracticesCOEPE529 Secondary Professional Experience 1CO
ETL503 Understanding Learner DevelopmentCOEST521 Developing New Teaching ContentCO  
Year 4
EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and PracticeCOEPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate TeachersCO  
EST508 Assessment and ReportingCOELA513 English as an Additional LanguageCO  

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___________________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for students enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan 

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    EST504 Digital Technologies and EducationCO
    EST511 Integrating Indigenous History, Cultures and Learning in Teaching PracticeCO
    LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp)CO
      
Year 2
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1   
OR   
TES502 Introduction to English Linguistics
SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2   
OR   
EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education
SEEPE529 Secondary Professional Experience 1CO
ECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 1SEECM3xx Secondary Curriculum 2SE  
ETL503 Understanding Learner DevelopmentCOEST501 Managing the Classroom Environment and Student WellbeingCO  
EST508 Assessment and ReportingCOEST521 Developing New Teaching ContentCO  
Year 3
EMG505 Research Methodologies in EducationCOEPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate TeachersCO  
ETL502 Secondary Schooling Operations and PracticesCO    
ELA513 English as an Additional LanguageCO    
EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and PracticeCO    

Top of Page

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification comprising a major sequence (6 units) in areas such as:

  • business (economics, legal studies, accounting and business studies)
  • English
  • health and physical education;
  • humanities areas such as geography, history and Indigenous studies;
  • languages other than English;
  • mathematics;
  • music;
  • science areas such as chemistry, biology/ecology, environmental science, physics;
  • technologies such as digital technologies; 
  • visual arts.

Additional admission requirements

Applicants must complete the Teaching Capabilities Statement used to demonstrate suitability for study and work in the teaching profession.

International entry pathway

Applicants who have completed the CDU Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP2, ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.

Essential requirements

Working with Children Check

A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.

National Police Clearance

In some jurisdictions preservice teachers may be required to have a National Police Clearance prior to commencing placement.

COVID-19

COVID-19 digital certificate may be required to be shown in the jurisdiction of the educational settings.

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. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either:

  • two years higher education (tertiary) study in English in either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America.
  • undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 185, with no skill below 185.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyTest not accepted for this course.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 65 with no score lower than 65.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 23 in speaking, 24 in listening, 24 in reading, and 27 in writing.

* 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.

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

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

CDU international student Sunny

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

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

CDU international student Sunny

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 9.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Master of Teaching Secondary
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Education

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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.

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, NSW or TAS.

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.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus
Business Enterprises (CSP)
1CM141
English (CSP)
1CM142
Visual Arts (CSP)
1CM150
Technologies (CSP)
1CM149
Science (CSP)
1CM148
Music (CSP)
1CM147
Mathematics (CSP)
1CM146
Languages Other Than English (CSP)
1CM145
Humanities (CSP)
1CM144
Health and Physical Education (CSP)
1CM143
Online
Business Enterprises (CSP)
1CM141
Technologies (CSP)
1CM149
Science (CSP)
1CM148
Music (CSP)
1CM147
Visual Arts (CSP)
1CM150
Languages Other Than English (CSP)
1CM145
Humanities (CSP)
1CM144
Health and Physical Education (CSP)
1CM143
English (CSP)
1CM142
Mathematics (CSP)
1CM146
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
Business Enterprises
110623J
English
110623J
Visual Arts
110623J
Technologies
110623J
Science
110623J
Music
110623J
Mathematics
110623J
Languages Other Than English
110623J
Humanities
110623J
Health and Physical Education
110623J

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