Master of Teaching – Secondary (coursework)

This postgraduate teacher preparation program ensures that students have an in-depth knowledge and the practical skills required for secondary school teaching, and will put students on the path to beginning a rewarding career in education. Subject area expertise coupled with this sought-after teaching qualification will give students the perfect grounding to commence a career as a secondary school teacher. Our highly regarded academics will share their in-depth knowledge and the expertise required for teaching in secondary schools. The course focuses upon school based experience, curriculum area skills and contemporary best practice.

Course overview

Course title
Master of Teaching – Secondary (coursework)
Award abbreviation
MTeachSec
Course code
32550
Course type
master's degree by coursework only
Status
current / 2022
Administered by
Graduate School of Education
CRICOS code
095238C

Course details

Intake periods
Beginning of year only
Attendance type
full- or part-time (Student visa holders should read Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 for more information.)
Credit points required
96
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester.
Professional accreditation
Master of Teaching – Secondary (coursework) is accredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia.
Standard course duration
1.5 years
Time limit
5 years
Delivery mode
internal
Locations offered
UWA (Perth)
Domestic fee type
Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP
Available to international students
Yes. For information on international student fees see 'Student Procedures: Fees'. (Enquiries: https://www.uwa.edu.au/askuwa)
Course Coordinator(s)
Dr Jennifer Shand
Fees
Visit the fees calculator.

Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.

Course structure

Key to availability of units:
S1 = Semester 1; NS = non-standard teaching period

All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.

All students must complete a major which comprises one Curriculum I unit and one Curriculum II unit. Students pursuing a major in English, Languages Curriculum Education, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science or Music must complete two relevant curriculum units from Groups A – G.
Students undertaking a major in music must also complete MUSC4711 and MUSC 4712 from Group H.
Students undertaking a major in Health and Physical Education must also complete SSEH5491 Health Education from Group H.
All students, with the exception of Music and Health and Physical Education majors, will need to complete EDUC5549 Contemporary Pedagogies and Practices from Group H.
Students may also elect to complete a minor (this must be approved in their course offer), a minor comprises one Curriculum I unit and one Curriculum II unit. Students doing a minor must complete the two relevant curriculum units from Groups A – G.
Students pursuing a major only will need to complete EDUC5658 Globalising Education Policy and either EDUC5415 Educational Leadership and Management or EDUC5468 Inclusive teaching of at-risk students from Group H.

Take all units (66 points):

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSEDUC5000National Literacy and Numeracy Test (0 points)
Prerequisites:
nil
Co-requisites:
nil
Incompatibility:
nil
assessment only—no associated contact hours
NSEDUC5112Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA)
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
EDUC5500 Professional Practice B; or EDUC5536 Professional Practice B Secondary
Incompatibility:
Nil.
10x1 hours
NSEDUC5410General Capabilities Across the Curriculum
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information is available in the unit outline.
NSEDUC5429Perspectives in Aboriginal Education
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 hours
NSEDUC5515Research for Learning in Years 7-12
Prerequisites:
EDUC5535 Professional Practice A Secondary
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
150 hours.
NSEDUC5531Learning and Assessment in Years 7-12
Prerequisites:
Nil
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 contact hours. Further information is available in the unit outline.
NSEDUC5535Professional Practice A Secondary
Prerequisites:
or Unit(s) EDUC5462 Mathematics Curriculum I (ID 3033) or Unit(s) EDUC5465 Science Curriculum I (ID 3036) or Unit(s) EDUC5460 English Curriculum I (ID 3031) or Unit(s) EDUC5461 Languages Education Curriculum I (ID 3032) or Unit(s) EDUC5466 Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum I (ID 3037) or Unit(s) MUSC4631 Secondary Music Curriculum 1 (ID 4293) or Unit(s) SSEH5464 Physical Education Curriculum I (ID 3995)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
4 hours of workshops plus 30 days full-time attendance in schools and educational settings
NSEDUC5536Professional Practice B Secondary
Prerequisites:
Unit(s) EDUC5535 Professional Practice A Secondary (ID 6975)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
workshops: 2 hours per week for 2 weeks; professional practice: 30 days full-time attendance in schools and educational settings
NSEDUC5537Child and adolescent development and pedagogy
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information is available in the unit outline. There are also 5 days of professional practice associated with this unit.
NSEDUC5538Classroom Management and Student Wellbeing
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 contact hours. Further information is available in the unit outline.
NSEDUC5539Diverse Learners in Inclusive Classrooms
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 contact hours. Further information is available in the unit outline.
NSEDUC5618Embedding Digital Literacies Across the Curriculum
Prerequisites:
EDUC5535 Professional Practice A Secondary
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
A student may not take this unit after taking EDUC5608 Integrating Pedagogy and Technology. However, a student may take this unit first and subsequently proceed to EDUC5608 Integrating Pedagogy and Technology (formerly EDUC5606 E-learning).
30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information is available in the unit outline.

Take according to the sequence notes:

Group A
AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSEDUC5460English Curriculum I
Prerequisites:
enrolment in Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 hours
NSEDUC5470English Curriculum II
Prerequisites:
EDUC5460 English Curriculum I; EDUC5535 Professional Practice A Secondary; and enrolment in the Master of Teaching Secondary
Co-requisites:
nil
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information available in the unit outline.

Take according to the sequence notes:

Group B
AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSEDUC5462Mathematics Curriculum I
Prerequisites:
Enrolment in 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414) or Course Enrolment 32540 Master of Teaching (F-12) (ID 1510) or Course Enrolment CM023 Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching - Secondary (ID 27)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 hours
NSEDUC5472Mathematics Curriculum II
Prerequisites:
Unit(s) EDUC5462 Mathematics Curriculum I (ID 3033) Enrolment in 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414) or Course Enrolment 32540 Master of Teaching (F-12) (ID 1510) or Course Enrolment CM023 Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching - Secondary (ID 27)
Co-requisites:
Nil
Incompatibility:
Nil.
total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 30 hours. Further information available in the unit outline.

Take according to the sequence notes:

Group C
AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSEDUC5466Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum I
Prerequisites:
Enrolment in 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414) or Course Enrolment 32540 Master of Teaching (F-12) (ID 1510)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information is available in the unit outline
NSEDUC5476Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum II
Prerequisites:
Unit(s) EDUC5466 Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum I (ID 3037) Enrolment in 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414) or Course Enrolment 32540 Master of Teaching (F-12) (ID 1510)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: up to 30 hours. Further information available in the unit outline.

Take according to the sequence notes:

Group D
AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSEDUC5465Science Curriculum I
Prerequisites:
Enrolment in 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414) or Course Enrolment CM023 Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching - Secondary (ID 27) or Course Enrolment 32540 Master of Teaching (F-12) (ID 1510)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information available in the unit outline.
NSEDUC5475Science Curriculum II
Prerequisites:
Unit(s) EDUC5465 Science Curriculum I (ID 3036) Enrolment in 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414) or Course Enrolment 32540 Master of Teaching (F-12) (ID 1510) or Course Enrolment CM023 Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching - Secondary (ID 27)
Co-requisites:
nil
Incompatibility:
Nil.
total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 30 hours. Further information available in the unit outline.

Take according to sequence notes:

Group E
AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSEDUC5461Languages Education Curriculum I
Prerequisites:
enrolment in the Master of Teaching Secondary 32550
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 hours
NSEDUC5471Languages Education Curriculum II
Prerequisites:
EDUC5461 Languages Education Curriculum I (ID 3032) and Course Enrolment 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414)
Co-requisites:
nil
Incompatibility:
Nil.
total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 30 hours

Take according to the sequence notes:

Group F
AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSSSEH5464Physical Education Curriculum I
Prerequisites:
Enrolment in Major(s) MJD-SEHDM Sport Science, Exercise and Health or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Successful completion of Or Enrolment in SSEH5474 Physical Education Curriculum II
Incompatibility:
Nil
lectures: 60 hours; tutorials: as arranged
NSSSEH5474Physical Education Curriculum II
Prerequisites:
Enrolment in 31400 Graduate Diploma in Education or 30330 Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (non-articulated) or 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary
Co-requisites:
Successful completion of Or Enrolment in One Unit(s) SSEH5464 Physical Education Curriculum I
Incompatibility:
Nil
lectures: 30 hours; tutorials: as arranged

Take according to the sequence notes:

Group G
AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSMUSC4631Secondary Music Curriculum 1
Prerequisites:
nil
Co-requisites:
This unit is for students enrolled in Master of Teaching - Secondary Course Code 32550
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 hours of lectorials and workshops
NSMUSC4632Secondary Music Curriculum 2
Prerequisites:
MUSC4631 Secondary Music Curriculum 1
Co-requisites:
This unit is for students enrolled in Master of Teaching - Secondary Course Code 32550
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 hours of lectorials and workshops

Take according to the sequence notes:

H: Alternative units

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSEDUC5415Educational Leadership and Management
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
lectures/seminars: 2.5 hours per week (for 10 weeks)
NSEDUC5468Inclusive teaching of at-risk students
Prerequisites:
Enrolment in 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (ID 1414)
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
30 contact hours (150 total time commitment). Further information is available in the unit outline.
NSEDUC5549Contemporary Pedagogies and Practices
Prerequisites:
Nil
Co-requisites:
Nil
Incompatibility:
Nil
Seminars 2 hours per week for ten weeks
NS, S1EDUC5658Globalising Education Policy
Prerequisites:
Nil.
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
12 x 2 hour online workshops
NSMUSC4711Studio Teaching and Musical Leadership 1
Prerequisites:
nil
Co-requisites:
Nil
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 hours of lectorials and workshops
NSMUSC4712Studio Teaching and Musical Leadership 2
Prerequisites:
MUSC4711 Studio Teaching and Musical Leadership 1
Co-requisites:
Enrolled in Master of Teaching - Secondary Course code 32550
Incompatibility:
Nil
30 hours of lectorials and workshops
NSSSEH5491Health Education
Prerequisites:
Enrolment in 31400 Graduate Diploma in Education or 30330 Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (non-articulated) or 52510 Master of Exercise Science or 71540 Master of Health Science or 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary
Co-requisites:
Nil
Incompatibility:
Nil
lectures: 3 hours per week

See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.

Rules

Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures

1.(1) The Student Rules apply to students in this course.

(2) The policy, policy statements and guidance documents and student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

Academic Conduct Essentials and Communication and Research Skills modules

2.(1) Except as stated in (2), a student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module) and the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module).

(2) A student who has previously achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the CARS module is not required to repeat the module.

(3) A student must successfully complete the ACE module within the first teaching period of their enrolment. Failure to complete the module within this timeframe will result in the student's unit results from this teaching period being withheld. These results will continue to be withheld until students avail themselves of a subsequent opportunity to achieve a passing grade in the ACE module. In the event that students complete units in subsequent teaching periods without completing the ACE module, these results will similarly be withheld. Students will not be permitted to submit late review or appeal applications regarding results which have been withheld for this reason and which they were unable to access in the normally permitted review period.

English Language competency requirements

3.(1) To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

(2) Applicants with qualifications from institutions where English is not the medium of instruction must provide evidence of English Language Competence.

(3) Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.5, a minimum score of 7.0 in the Reading and Writing bands, and a minimum score of 8.0 in the Listening and Speaking bands.

(4) Applicants presenting with the Pearson Test of English (PTE) (Academic) require an overall score of at least 75 and no sub-score less than 70.

(5) Applicants presenting a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) require an overall grade of B or above, with a score of 'exceptional' for listening and speaking, and at least 'good' for reading and writing.

(6) Applicants with qualifications gained wholly in English from countries other than Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America must provide evidence of English Language Competence in accordance with the requirements of the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia.

(7) An English bridging course is not regarded as evidence of English Language Competence.

Admission requirements

4.(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;

and

(b) must have a degree with six units in a discipline that is relevant for the school curriculum major, with at least two of those units studied at second year university level and two at third year university level;

and

(c) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 60 per cent; and

(d) a satisfactory personal statement, as recognised by UWA.

(2) Before admission, international students must obtain a criminal record check from their country of origin or recent residence.

Admission ranking and selection

5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on—

(a) an interview when requested;

and

(b) applicants undertaking the Music major may be required to do an audition

Articulations and exit awards

6.(1) The following courses form part of an articulated sequence:

  • 30330 Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (non-articulated) (48 points)
  • 32550 Master of Teaching – Secondary (96 points)

(2) A student who withdraws from the Master of Teaching – Secondary course before completing it, but after fulfilling the requirements of a lesser award in the above sequence, may apply for the relevant award.

Course structure

7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 96 points.

(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.

Satisfactory progress

8. To make satisfactory progress in the year in which a student is enrolled in a Professional Practice unit the student must, in addition to passing units to the value of at least half the total points value of units in which they are enrolled, pass the Professional Practice unit(s) in which they are enrolled.

9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.

Progress status

10.(1) Students who pass the Professional Practice unit(s) but do not pass units to a value of at least half the total points value of units in which they are enrolled are assigned the progress status of 'Suspended' and are not permitted to re-enrol for a period of one year.

(2) Students who pass units to a value of at least half the total points value of units for which they are enrolled but who fail a Professional Practice unit are, if the Committee described in Rule 13 so recommends under that Rule, assigned the progress status of 'Excluded' and are 'Excluded' from further study in the course.

(3) Students who do not pass units to a value of at least half the total points value of units for which they are enrolled and who fail a Professional Practice unit are assigned the progress status of 'Excluded' and are 'Excluded' from further study in the course.

(4) Students who fail to make satisfactory progress twice under Rule 8 are assigned the progress status of 'Excluded' and are 'Excluded' from further study in the course.

11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.

Award with distinction

12. This rule is not applicable to this course.

Deferrals

13. Applicants awarded admission to the course are entitled to a deferral of up to 12 months, as per the University Policy on: Admissions (Coursework).


None
Additional rules
Credit for previously completed work

14.(1) The Faculty may grant credit for units in the Master of Teaching Secondary up to a value of 48 points on the basis of previously completed units of study.

(2) Credit may not be granted for work completed in Professional Practice units undertaken in previous studies, unless the university is satisfied as to the currency and relevance of the student's practical experience.

(3) Within the overall credit limit, credit may be granted for work completed through continuing education at this University to a maximum value of 48 points

(4) Students who have previously completed a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education may apply for the Master of Teaching Secondary. Successful applicants may be given credit to a maximum of 48 points.

Failure to pass a Professional Practice unit

15.(1) Students who do not pass a Professional Practice unit may apply to have their case considered by a committee comprising—

(a) the Dean of the Faculty or nominee;

(b) the relevant course coordinator;

and

(c) a relevant curriculum specialist.

(2) The committee will take into account all relevant information and recommend to the Faculty that the student—

(a) repeat the Professional Practice unit;

or

(b) repeat the Professional Practice unit following demonstration of specified conditions (e.g. completion of specified additional relevant work) to the satisfaction of the course coordinator;

or

(c) not be permitted to re-enrol in the course.

(3) If the Faculty permits a student to repeat a Professional Practice unit, it will determine whether the unit is to be repeated in the same or a subsequent year taking into consideration the student's overall performance in the course concerned.

Admissions/enrolment-related rules

16.(1) Students are not permitted to exceed the total number of points prescribed for the course, unless the Graduate School of Education permits otherwise in exceptional circumstances, in accordance with University Policy.

(2) A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a Working with Children Clearance must be presented to the Graduate School of Education before any student undertakes a professional practice unit.

(3) The prerequisites for a curriculum major are the completion of six relevant units of undergraduate study with at least two at Level 3, or equivalent.

(4) The prerequisites for a curriculum minor are the completion of four relevant units of undergraduate study with at least two at Level 2, or equivalent.

Professional Practice readiness

17.(1) If a student does not pass an assessment item (before any resubmission) in an enrolled core unit, or is not meeting the necessary level of professional conduct, the student may be required to attend an interview with an academic panel to review their readiness to go on a professional placement. If they are considered not ready to attempt a placement or at risk of not being able to succeed in a placement, they are withdrawn from their enrolled practicum unit with the expectation of re-enrolling and completing it in a later teaching period, after demonstrating readiness.

Resubmission Rules

18.(1) Students must pass all components of a Master of Teaching unit to pass the unit overall. Students who fail an assessment item may resubmit it if—

(a) this is their first request for a resubmission in the unit;

(b) they contact the unit coordinator by email within 5 University working days of the release of the result and formally request a resubmission.

(c) A resubmitted assignment that is deemed to be a ‘fail' by the unit coordinator, will receive the original failing mark for the component.

(d) Where resubmission is approved, the reassessed mark is capped at the assessment pass mark, unless an application for mitigation is approved in accordance with the University Policy on Assessment: Special Consideration (UP11/23).

(e) A resubmission is normally due one week after being approved by the unit coordinator.

(f) Assignments that are failed on the grounds of lateness or academic misconduct will not normally be considered for resubmission.