Course overview
Combine your passion for the arts with a desire to inspire the next generation, with a Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Deakin. Our school-based learning programs and professional learning placements ensure you are ready to teach today and into the future.
Fast-track your studies and graduate with two versatile degrees in just four years. The 14 arts majors on offer, including history, media studies, performing arts, complement your teaching expertise while diversifying your career options.
In both streams of study, you will be prepared for the challenges of professional life through practical learning. Deakin’s Professional Experience Program provides the perfect preview to your future role in teaching. Get a taste for what it is like to be a secondary educator and develop your skills in the real world by learning from and with experienced teachers.
Are you ready to launch an exciting and rewarding?
In the arts stream of this combined course you can tailor your studies around your interests, creating unique combinations of majors and minors. While studying your undergraduate degree, you will also be building your foundation knowledge that will take you into your postgraduate studies. Choose from relevant arts disciplines that will form your teaching specialisations, including:
- English
- history
- languages other than English (LOTE)
- media studies
- performing arts
- studies of society and environment (Humanities)
- visual arts and photography
Deakin's Professional Experience Program is a key part of your postgraduate course, ensuring you have the practical skills needed from day one of your teaching career. Working with more than 1400 schools across Australia, we will arrange at least 60-days of placements for you in schools where you will learn from experienced teachers. You will also have access to specialised teaching spaces on campus to prepare for teaching.
You can also add a global perspective to your degree by undertaking a study tour, internationally focused internship in Australia or overseas, language study, or longer study abroad exchange experience*.
Before beginning your Master of Teaching (Secondary), prospective education students need to successfully complete the Casper test – an online, video scenario-based test that lets you demonstrate your suitability for a teaching career.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Arts / Master of Teaching (Secondary)
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510301 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610301 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D303
- CRICOS code?
- 089566D Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary), students must complete a total of 36 credit points consisting of 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts and 12 credit points from the Master of Teaching (Secondary), which must include the following:
-
Course requirements for both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Teaching (Secondary) must be satisfied.
-
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students must complete 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts, including:
- 2 approved Arts major sequences of at least 8 credit points each (16 credit points in total) selected from the following listing:
- One of Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, International Relations, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Politics and Policy Studies or Sociology
- One of English - Children's Literature or English - Literature
- One of Arabic or Chinese or Indonesian or Spanish
- History
- Media Studies
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts and Photography
- 4 elective units selected from another of the groups of Arts major disciplines listed above.
Note: Students taking a major in Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, International Relations, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Politics or Sociology must select 2 credit points of units in one of the others of these or from the A310 major of History among their electives. - 4 credit points selected from:
- EDU201 Educational Psychology
- EDU202 Educators and Learners
- EDU203 Literacy, Numeracy and Education
- EDU303 Education, Communication and Technology
- EDU301 Culture, Diversity and Participation in Education
- EDU302 Education and Humanitarian Development
- Students must complete no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- Students must complete at least 6 credit points at level 3
- Students must complete the compulsory 0-credit-point unit DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin in order to graduate from their course.
Following successful completion of the first 3 undergraduate levels of the course, students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) above 60 and meet the entry requirements for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) will progress to the postgraduate level of the course. Students cannot progress to the postgraduate level of study without completing all 24 credit points at undergraduate level. An alternative exit from D303 with an A310 Bachelor of Arts award is available to students with a WAM of less than 60.
A Working with Children Check and completion of Casper selection is required before commencing any units from the Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Master of Teaching (Secondary) studies
Students must complete 12 credit points from the Master of Teaching (Secondary), including:
- 7 core units (8 credit points)
- 2 curriculum study units in first teaching specialist area
- 2 curriculum study units in second teaching specialist area
- Students must complete both compulsory 0-credit-point units for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE)
- ELN010 Australian Literacy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- ELN011 Australian Numeracy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Students are required to complete two zero (0) credit point units ELN010 and ELN011 as part of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to graduate from their course.
Students are expected to attempt the tests within the first year of their course. Students who do not attempt the tests within their first year may be unable to progress with their studies until an attempt has been made.
This course includes 60-days of supervised professional experience, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment. Successful completion of this course indicates that a student has met the expected standard of performance for each of the Graduate Teacher Standards.
Bachelor of Arts structure
Students to select:
- 2 approved Arts major sequences of at least 8 credit points each selected from the following listing:
One of Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, International Relations, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Politics and Policy Studies or Sociology
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Anthropology | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Indigenous Studies | Online~ |
| International Relations | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Middle East Studies | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Philosophy | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Politics and Policy Studies | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Sociology | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
~ The Indigenous Studies major sequence is offered in the online mode only. International on-campus students must first seek approval from Student Central with a course map plan to ensure they do not exceed one-third (or equivalent) of their course completed online and meet all other course and enrolment rules.
Note: Students taking a major in Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, International Relations, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Politics or Sociology must select 2 credit points of units in one of the others of these or from the A310 major of History among their electives.
One of English - Children's Literature or English - Literature
| Area of Study | Availability |
| English - Children's Literature | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| English - Literature | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
One of Arabic or Chinese or Indonesian or Spanish
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Arabic | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Chinese | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Indonesian | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Spanish | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
History
| Area of Study | Availability |
| History | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
Media Studies
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Media Studies | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
Performing Arts
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Performing Arts | Burwood (Melbourne) |
Visual Arts and Photography
| Area of Study | Availability |
| Visual Arts and Photography | Burwood (Melbourne) |
- Plus 4 electives selected from another Arts major discipline listed above
- Plus 4 credit points selected from:
Master of Teaching (Secondary) structure
- 7 core units (8 credit points)
Professional Experience Placement Units*
(*please note unit rules for order in which these must be completed)
Plus
2 Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a first teaching method area
And
2 Secondary Curriculum Studies units in a second teaching method area
Secondary Curriculum Study Units
All Secondary candidates will have 2 methods (disciplines) as reflected in their undergraduate major and minor sequences related to the Australian Curriculum.
Candidates undertake 2 curriculum studies units (as prescribed) per method (four units for dual/double), across one or two learning areas.
Note: D303 permits a choice between learning areas 1, 4, 5 or 7 from the Secondary Curriculum learning areas of 1:English, 2:Mathematics, 3:Science, 4:Humanities, 5:Languages, 6:Health and PE, 7:The Arts.
Learning Area 1: English
Single method: English
Learning Area 4: Humanities
Single method: Humanities - Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Business, Legal Studies, Global Politics, Middle East Studies or International Relations
Single method: Humanities - History
Dual method: Humanities/SOSE with History - one of Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Business, Legal Studies, Global Politics, Indigenous Studies, Middle East Studies or International Relations - plus History
Dual method: Humanities/SOSE - two of Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Business, Legal Studies, Global Politics, International Relations, Indigenous Studies, Middle East Studies or International Relations - without History
Learning Area 5: Languages
Single method: Languages - Language Other Than English (LOTE)
Learning Area 7: The Arts
Single method: Arts - One of Dance, Drama or Visual Arts
Single method: Arts - Media
Dual method: Arts - Two of Dance, Drama, Media or Visual Arts
Double method: Arts - Dance, Drama or Visual Arts only
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Students will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course in Year 3, Trimester 3. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.
Interstate applicants must check the requirements and meet all conditions for undertaking professional experience in schools for their state or territory before undertaking professional experience placements as part of this course.
Inherent requirements
It is expected that all students will be able to abide by, and ensure their behaviour is in accordance with the Victorian Institute of Teaching Code of Conduct.
Immunisations
Immunisation and/or vaccination requirements will be communicated by the Professional Experience Office in line with the Department of Education and Training's directions at the time of placement.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience Office.
Teacher Education Graduation requirements
Students undertaking an initial teacher education course must pass an approved literacy and numeracy test in order to be eligible to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Learn more about the literacy and numeracy test.
Participation requirements
Students are required to complete units in Trimester 3 of the third year of study.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
Non-academic requirements
Students will need to sit the Casper test towards the end of their bachelor degree before beginning the Master of Teaching (Secondary) component.
Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes.
Learn more about Casper.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Art, Dance, Drama, any English, any Humanities, any LOTE or Studio Arts equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2024.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
Credit is not available for any work experience whether paid or unpaid, qualified or unqualified teacher or teacher aide against the academic professional experience units.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is intending to introduce the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to assist eligible students with costs related to mandatory placements in higher education courses for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Search or browse through our scholarships
Victorian Government education scholarship
You may be eligible to receive up to $18,000 as part of the support provided by the Victorian government to become a secondary teacher. Visit vic.gov.au for details.
Victorian Government placement grants
Grants ($140 - $420 per day) are available to support completing a teaching placement in an eligible regional or remote Victorian government school. Visit the Victorian Government Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant program.
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Teaching courses at Deakin lead to a career that can make a profound and lasting contribution to the future by positively educating and influencing the lives of students. Teaching is one of the largest profession in Australia, with more than 200,000 teachers working across 10,000 schools, teaching more than three million students. It’s a rewarding career that offers creativity, flexibility and opportunity.
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary), you will be qualified to teach in secondary schools within Victoria, in the private, independent, or public education sectors.
Your specialisations and advanced knowledge will also open doors to roles in community services, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as a nationally accredited course and students are eligible to apply for registration with VIT upon graduation. If you intend to apply for registration in Victoria or interstate you may be required to provide further information. Applicants are advised to check the registration requirements in their state or territory, carefully.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of each of the single degrees.
Footnotes
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.