Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Master of Teaching in Secondary Education

Note

This new course replaces the Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from 2021. Students may use the 2020 selection rank for the Bachelor of Communication (Creative Writing) as a guide. The lowest selection rank for Autumn 2020 intake was 72.95.  

This course is designed for aspiring secondary school English teachers, including those interested in teaching English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) or Society and Culture. Choose this course to gain comprehensive knowledge in Communication (Writing and Publishing) alongside a Master of Teaching, equipping you to teach confidently in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

What sets this course apart is its vertical structure (undergraduate + postgraduate degree), enabling you to gain a greater depth of disciplinary knowledge in English and Society and Culture before commencing your teaching subjects from your second year of study. Gaining a wider and deeper understanding in your field of study gives you more confidence when you commence teaching.

You'll acquire expertise in curriculum design, classroom management, and the latest disciplinary developments. The course includes 80 days of practical experience in one of over 200 partner secondary schools across NSW, enhancing your teaching skills and expanding your professional network.

By completing this course, you'll fast-track your career, earning both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in less time. You can pursue careers in secondary education, writing, editing, publishing, and various communication roles in diverse sectors.

The combined "Vertical Stack" course (undergraduate + postgraduate degree) enables students to gain a greater depth of disciplinary knowledge in Communications (Writing and Publishing) before commencing their teaching subjects in the Master of Teaching from their second year of study. Gaining a wider and deeper understanding in their field of study gives students more confidence when they commence teaching. They enter the classroom up to date on the most current developments in the discipline, and this is highly valued by schools.

The unique vertical structure of this combined course means students do not need to meet the standard three Band 5 HSC results, including English, for admission to an initial teacher education course.

To ensure that a high quality of teachers is maintained in the education sector, students need to achieve a Credit average in the first two years of their university studies before progressing into the final years of the program.

If students do not meet the Credit average, they can still continue in the Bachelor of Communications (Writing and Publishing) and graduate with that qualification.

Students spend 80 days in one of more than 200 secondary schools across NSW. This practical experience with a trusted UTS partner school helps them gain the skills and confidence in curriculum and classroom management required for effective teaching in English (and EALD or Society and Culture if relevant), and also helps them develop personal and professional networks within and beyond education for their future career path.

Not only are students accelerated in their career pathway to secondary teaching by achieving two qualifications, including one at postgraduate level, within the duration of a single undergraduate degree, they also have the benefits of a range of career options.

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.

Applicants must submit a personal statement as part of their application.

Applicants should also review the inherent requirements to ensure they are able to complete this course.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall, with a minimum of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules, and a reading and writing score of 7.0; or TOEFL iBT: 102-109 overall, a listening score of 28, a speaking score of 26, a reading score of 24 and a writing score of 27; or PTE: 73-78 overall with a 79 in both the speaking and listening, and a reading and writing score of 65; or C1A/C2P: 191-199 overall with 200 in both the speaking and listening, and a reading and writing score of 185.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.