Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary Education)

There is a huge shortage of qualified science and maths teachers in Australia.

Our Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) leads to a career that is both needed and valued.

It combines a science degree with a Master of Teaching (Secondary), which has accreditation from the VIT to teach in Australian schools.

You'll benefit from intensive hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experience in your chosen science discipline, accessing modern laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment.

When you progress to your teaching masters, you'll gain significant workplace experience to prepare you for the real world of teaching through our extensive partnerships.

Choose a major in our Bachelor of Science that matches your interests, and work with one of our advisers to pick units that are compatible with the teaching subject methods offered in the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).

To attain the Bachelor of Science, students will be required to complete 288 credit points of study (equivalent to 24 units), consisting of:

• 96 credit points (8 units) of Core first year units
• 96 credit points (8 units) of Major studies

AND either

• 96 credit points (8 units) of second Major studies

OR:

• 96 credit points (8 units) of Minor studies.

Students must have successfully completed the Bachelor of Science before they can commence the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).

To complete the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) students will be required to complete 192 credit points in total consisting of:

• 96 credit points Core units
• 48 credit points Discipline Studies
• 48 credit points from Option A or Option B

Students are required to pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to be eligible to graduate from their Victorian Institute of Teaching-accredited program.

Option A

• 48 credit points Thesis unit/s

OR Option B

• 48 credit points Capstone unit and Elective unit

Additional Notes

• Thesis and capstone units can only be taken towards the end of your course.
• To be eligible to apply for doctoral study, it is recommended that students choose to complete the Minor Thesis units(EED6031 and EED6032).
• Students are required to pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) prior to commencement of the second year placement units.
• Students will need to monitor the VIT website for details in relation to the tests that will be considered; a link to advice and fact sheets about the test and to the external test provider. Refer to www.vit.vic.edu.au (external link)

Course structure and units

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

• Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
• an Australian or overseas equivalent or
• an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.PLUS:A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).OR:Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).OR:Completion of a Certificate IV in a related Science/Health discipline.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR:Completion of two units of Higher Education studies. OR:Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in the Health Sciences or similar.OR:Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago..PLUS:Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).PLUS:A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Additional information

Students will also have to satisfy the national requirements for teacher registration through satisfactory completion of the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to starting the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) or within the first year of the program.

Selection will also include completion and results of a non-academic attributes assessment CASPer (or equivalent) test. CASPer is an online test designed to assess and applicant’s personal and professional attributes and is a requirement for many initial teacher training courses in Victoria.

Students should note that they will be subject to a Working With Children Check (police checks) before practice placements, in accordance with Department of Education and Training policy.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: