Master of Teaching (Secondary)

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is a 1.75 year full-time initial teaching qualification for graduates who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-Education field relevant to teaching. This could mean you pivot from undergraduate studies in areas such as English or communications to teaching, like Chelsea did to follow her true passion - hear her story on this transition.

Starting in December 2024 you will be able to get a head start on your studies through the Preparing for Teaching Intensive (EDN587).

This will set you up with the specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities to teach students from Years 7-12 in a teaching area you’re passionate about. If you choose Science or Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) as your teaching area, you will be expected to teach all components of the curriculum for Years 7-10 and then your specialised area for Years 11 and 12.

You will also choose a second teaching area from these options – Murdoch is the only Australian University where you can choose Vocational Education and Training (VET) as your second teaching area! Taking on a second study area means you’ll become qualified to teach students from Years 7-10 in this area. By having qualifications in two teaching areas, you’ll be highly employable when you graduate.

You’ll explore the role of education in society, learn how to manage a secondary level classroom and get valuable experience working in school placements across the secondary years.

The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Teaching) is available as an alternative exit pathway after one year of study.

3 reasons to study the Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Murdoch

1. Be embedded in schools where you’ll have the opportunity to connect theory and practice.

1. Learn from experienced teaching professionals who are here to support you in becoming a confident, creative and flexible educator.

1. Practise dealing with challenging behaviour and conflict resolution through our SimLabTM before your first prac. It’s a virtual workplace that uses actors and avatars – and the only technology of its kind in WA.

What you'll learn

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

Strategies for effective learning and teaching in secondary schools

Understanding and preparing for the profession of teaching

Planning and assessing teaching and learning opportunities

Exploring how diversity can be accommodated in classroom

Understanding adolescent health and development

Your future career

On completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and skillset required to teach in secondary schools, or in a variety of other careers with an education focus such as SciTech, museums and zoos. Graduates of this course have taught both in Australia and overseas.

Professional accreditation

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) in articulation with the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA)

Professional recognition

On completion of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) students have a widely accepted qualification from a recognised university and are eligible to apply for registration with the Teacher Registration Board of WA (or other appropriate state-based registration boards).

IELTS: Score: 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

TOEFL: Score: 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13.

PEARSON: Score: 64+, with no communicative skill below 60.

CAMBRIDGE: Score: 176+, with no skill less than 169.