Bachelor of Secondary Education

School of Education

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Secondary Education degree is your ideal qualification. It will qualify you to educate students in Australian Catholic, independent and government secondary schools. The four-year degree has flexible full-time or part-time study options available. As part of your studies, you will complete 30 weeks of school-based practical experience and choose two teaching areas.

• Why study this degree?

  If your ambition is to teach in a secondary school environment, you will be well-prepared with our four-year Bachelor of Secondary Education degree. It is a well-rounded undergraduate program that combines theory, skill development and plenty of hands-on classroom experience. Working from a rigorous and practical curriculum, you will acquire the academic skills to teach secondary school students. Our degree provides the academic skills you need to support, engage and extend secondary school children by integrating theory and practice.

  The Bachelor of Secondary Education prepares you with both the subject area content knowledge that you will teach to students and the skills and experience in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment that will enable you to teach.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • EDUC1037 Academic Skills and Digital Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
  • First Teaching Area: Content 1
  • Second Teaching Area: Content 1
  • EDUC1039 Foundations of Education
  • EDUC1040 Development and Learning (Includes 10-day observation)
  • First Teaching Area: Content 1
  • Second Teaching Area: Content 1
  • EDUC1042 Introduction to Integral Human Development in Education

  Year Two

  • Teaching Method 1 7-10: (First Teaching Area)
  • Teaching Method 1 7-10: (Second Teaching Area)
  • EDUC2071 Introduction to Teaching Principles
  • EDUC2074/2075 Professional Experience 2 – Secondary (FRM/SYD)
  • CORE1000 Foundations of Wisdom
  • Teaching Area 1: Content Course (3)
  • EDUC3046 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students: Culturally Responsive Connections
  • EDUC2077 Positive Learning Environments

  Year Three

  • EDUC3066 Enriching Inclusive Education
  • THEO2400 Christology or Approved Elective
  • Teaching Area 1: Content Course (4)
  • Teaching Area 2: Content Course (3)
  • EDUC3073/3074 Professional Experience 3 – Secondary (FRM/SYD)
  • Teaching Method 2 11-12: (First Teaching Area)
  • Teaching Method 2 11-12: (Second Teaching Area)
  • THEO3470 Sacraments in Catholic Tradition or approved elective.

  Year Four

  • EDUC4044 Advanced Pedagogy and Professional Ethics
  • First Teaching Area: Content 5
  • First Teaching Area: Content 6
  • Second Teaching Area: Content 4
  • EDUC4051/4052 Professional Engagement and Internship – Secondary (FRM/SYD)
  • THEO3010 Scripture and Church or approved elective
  • CORE Elective (2000 or 3000 level course)

  Teaching areas

  • English Education: Secondary
  • Mathematics Education: Secondary
  • Drama Education
  • Ancient History Education (Sydney only)
  • Modern History Education (Sydney only)
  • Religious Education
  • Business Studies Education (Sydney only)
  • Media Studies Education (Fremantle only)
  • Science Education (Fremantle only)
  • HASS Education (Fremantle only)
  • Economics Education (Sydney only)
  • Legal Studies Education (Sydney only)

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Discipline Specific requirements

  • Applicants to all initial teacher education programs must complete a statement of purpose. This assesses non-academic capabilities important for success in the teaching profession. Assessment of non-academic capabilities for entry into teacher education is a national requirement.

  Entry requirements NSW

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

  OR

  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing). See here for details.

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Discipline Specific requirements

  • Applicants to all initial teacher education programs must complete a statement of purpose. This assesses non-academic capabilities important for success in the teaching profession. Assessment of non-academic capabilities for entry into teacher education is a national requirement.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Secondary Education graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply deep professional content knowledge to relevant teaching pedagogy specific to a particular teaching area or areas based on the requirements of state syllabus documents and the Australian Curriculum;
  2. Provide appropriately inclusive and comprehensive programs designed to reflect the factors that shape adolescent learning and support learners to reach their individual potential;
  3. Establish a wide repertoire of professional practices in assessment, reporting and evaluation to effectively gauge and reflect student learning;
  4. Consolidate professional attributes and skills and apply professional learning to meaningful practicum experiences furthering adolescents’ educational success and lifelonglearning;
  5. Support evidence-based pedagogical practices for establishing learning environments best suited to adolescents' learning;
  6. Demonstrate the appropriate cultural sensitivities and knowledges necessary to teach secondary Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students in ways that recognise, respect, and respond to their unique stories, cultures, practises, and ways of knowing, being and seeing;
  7. Undertake professional engagement that is characterised by comprehensive planning, relevant and realistic feedback to students, relevant and appropriate communication with parents and carers, and connections with other stakeholders;
  8. Foster and engage in critical self- and peer-reflection to evaluate the contributions a particular teaching area or areas make to the education of students and take advantage of cross disciplinary teaching opportunities;
  9. Integrate contemporary information and communication technologies to enhance learning;
  10. Articulate professional values and ethical standards that demonstrate a commitment to secure socially just and sustainable futures for all learners.

• Practical component

  Students in the Bachelor of Secondary Education are required to complete a minimum of 30 weeks of practicum that is comprised of:

  • EDUC1040 Development and Learning (Includes 10-day observation)
  • EDUC2074/2075 Professional Experience 2 – Secondary (FRM/SYD)
  • EDUC3073/3074 Professional Experience 3 – Secondary (FRM/SYD)
  • EDUC4051/4052 Professional Engagement and Internship – Secondary (FRM/SYD)

  To be able to undertake Professional Experience students will require documentation and checks depending on their state.

  WA students will require a current Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance Check within six (months) of expiry.

  NSW students will require Anaphylaxis E-training, Child Protection Awareness, DoE Consent, Mandatory Child Protection, Pre-service teacher acknowledgement and a Working with Children Check.

  Both WA and NSW students must partake in the successful completion of Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) that is required before the Internship in the final year.

• Career opportunities

  With the Bachelor of Secondary Education degree, you will have the skills to work in Australia as a secondary school teacher in Catholic, Independent and Government schools in a specialised area of your choice.

• Real world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through 30 weeks of professional experience placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Professional accreditation

  The Bachelor of Secondary Education has been accredited by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia which qualifies graduates for registration/accreditation as a teacher in any Australian state or territory.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007