Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)

CSU's Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) course aims to produce highly capable teaching professionals whose knowledge and skills are significant both within and beyond the classroom.

Why study this course?

Graduates of CSU's Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) will be specialist secondary school educators who are critically reflective professional practitioners, knowledgeable in their specialist content area and who are able to operate effectively in a variety of secondary educational contexts.

Curriculum areas available in the course include Agriculture, Design and Technology, Drama, English, Information Technology, Languages Other Than English (LOTE), Mathematics, Physical Development Health Physical Education (PDHPE), Science, Society and Environment, Teacher Librarianship and Visual Art.

The course can be studied full-time on campus over 1.5 years via either Bathurst or Wagga Wagga campuses, or full-time / part-time by distance education over 1.5 to three years through Bathurst Campus.

Graduates of this course will:

• be committed to education as a process of critical transformation of individuals, school and society
• have a deep understanding of, and effective skill in the teaching of the full range of subject knowledge as a dynamic aspect of children's curricular experience
• make appropriate and explicit links between discipline and pedagogical knowledge
• be responsive to the rights and needs of diverse learners and community groups
• understand the need as scholarly and autonomous adult learners to take responsibility for their own continuing personal and professional development as critically reflective professionals.

Graduate entry

CSU's Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) is a pre-service teaching qualification. Eligibility for entry is dependent upon a prior tertiary qualification, the nature of which is determined by specific admission criteria for each course.

Workplace learning

Students are required to undertake two professional experience placements to graduate with CSU’s Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary). Anaphylaxis training is a requirement for students to take place in professional experience activities in NSW schools. Students may also be required to undergo a National Criminal Record Clearance prior to placement.

More information on Workplace learning

Additional admission requirements

• Anaphylaxis training
• National Criminal Record Clearance

CRICOS code

062484F

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Credit

On entry into the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) a standard credit package of a maximum of 96 credit points (equivalent of 12 subjects) will be given based on the applicant’s undergraduate degree in a teaching related discipline. Students will then be required to complete 96 credit points (12 subjects) in the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary).

If students require additional discipline subjects (maximum of two) to meet NSWIT accreditation requirements then students will be granted 80/88 credit points (equivalent of 10 to 11 subjects) from their previous degree and be provided with the opportunity to complete up to two additional discipline subjects concurrently with the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) to support either their first or second teaching area.

Additionally, credit may be granted for equivalent subjects completed at another institution. A minimum of 64 credit points (equivalent of eight subjects) of the course must be completed at CSU in order to graduate with a CSU award.

Proficiency credit (PCR)

In order for a student to gain credit for professional experience, the applicant must demonstrate to the Director of the Professional Experience Unit that the completed task was indeed equivalent to a professional experience placement (PEP), that is, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) had provided the student with an opportunity to satisfy the requirements of a typical PEP. All applications for credit will be considered and a decision determined by the Director, Professional Experience Unit.

Professional recognition

Charles Sturt University is registered with the Australian Education Council as an institution empowered to accredit tertiary award courses, ensuring its awards are nationally and internationally recognised. Those programs that lead to professional employment or practice meet the educational requirements of registered professional bodies and employer groups in Australia.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) who have met the relevant requirements for suitable undergraduate study, are qualified to teach subjects related to the respective curriculum method studied (major). Graduates may add a second teaching area(minor), if they have completed appropriate undergraduate study, as well as a second curriculum method subject and related professional experience placement.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to have completed to get into the course?
You need to have completed a three or four-year degree in an appropriate discipline area. For more details refer to Admission requirements.

How long is the course?
The course can be completed in 1.5 years full-time or three years part-time by distance education, on campus or mixed mode delivery.

Can I complete a Professional Experience Placement overseas?
Yes, as long as instruction is in English and the curriculum is nationally accredited.

Am I eligible for any credit from previous studies?
This is an intensive teacher education program. Credit may be granted to those students who have completed equivalent, relevant teacher education subjects at another institution.

More about credit for the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)

Workplace learning

Professional experience

There are two blocks of a five-week teaching professional experience in the course. Each block may be split into two smaller blocks totalling 25 days. The first professional experience placement must be completed before enrolling in the second. In order to meet course and accreditation requirements, students will be expected to undertake professional experience placements in two different and diverse settings.

In undertaking the professional experience placements, students need to be mindful of relevant protocols. Students should not make arrangements for placements prior to discussions with staff in the Professional Experience Office.

More about protocols on professional experience in the Faculty of Education

National Criminal Record Check

Students may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration under the Child Protection Act 1998 as part of professional experience requirements. These checks are intended to identify people who might, because of convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, put students/clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.

As such, prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a criminal record clearance or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration may limit practicum opportunities in some organisations and industries. Furthermore, criminal convictions involving violence or sexual offences may limit continued enrolment in a course and/or employment opportunities after completing the course.

If you have any queries regarding these matters, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Director.

Admission requirements

For entry into this course applicants must:

• hold a prior Bachelor award and have appropriate academic background in the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) as determined by the NSW Institute of Teachers
  or
• furnish documentary evidence which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Dean of the Faculty of Education that equivalent requirements to those set out above have been met.

You must upload a copy of your completed degree with your application. 

Eligibility for CSU’s Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) will be based on the applicant having successfully completed a relevant undergraduate degree at a recognised tertiary institution.

Entry requirements are based on the NSW Institute of Teachers accreditation requirements for entry to teacher education courses. Applicants are required to have six appropriate discipline subjects from their completed undergraduate degree as the basis of the curriculum method major.

Applicants are encouraged to view the NSW Institute of Teachers document to ascertain whether they have met the minimum requirements of the six appropriate discipline subjects in their undergraduate degree in terms of content requirements. CSU Admissions staff will assess applications according to the NSW guidelines. If you have a previous written prescription from the NSW Institute or the relevant employing authority in another state, it is requested that you include a copy with your application.

Applicants may be considered for entry if they have completed four out of the six necessary discipline subjects. In this case, if the applicant is successful in gaining entry into the course then they will be expected to study the remaining two undergraduate discipline subjects concurrently with the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary).

Applicants with more than two undergraduate level subjects to complete will have their application deemed ineligible. Applicants are encouraged to complete the necessary undergraduate requirements and then reapply.

If, in CSU's opinion, you have met the NSW Institute's requirements, you are then regarded as eligible for consideration for the course. Entry is then based on competitiveness of applicants.

Academic qualifications will be considered in the light of level of achievement in a relevant undergraduate degree, and any subsequent postgraduate qualifications.

It is a requirement of the Faculty of Education that students have internet access in order to meet course requirements. For example, students are expected to present work in a professional manner using computer-based technologies. The Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) is supported by a Course Forum and Subject Forums (both are web based), and there are also requirements for students to complete online tutorials within subjects.

All Teacher Education courses require enrolling students to provide specific data related to Child Protection. The Child Protection Act 1998 states that you must undertake the necessary training and police checks in order to commence any site visit or professional experience placement. The procedures for these will depend on the state in which you live and where you intend to undertake site visits and practicum. 

If you are successful in gaining entry to the course, you will be required to complete Child Protection training as a part of the subject EPT441 Professional Experience 1.

Literacy requirement

To be successful at studies within certain courses, students must be highly competent in spoken and written English literacy.

All students who do not have this level of competence in spoken and written English will be required to independently organise some form of coaching in English literacy, such as a short TAFE course or other form of tuition to improve their skills. Students will be advised of their options by the Head of School from the campus where they are enrolled.

If, after an agreed period of study in English literacy, a student's English literacy standard has not improved, the appropriate Head of School will provide further advice with regard to alternative career options.

Criminal Record Clearance

Most states in Australia (except NSW) require preservice teachers to undergo a Working with Children Check (WCC) prior to undertaking a placement in a school or early childhood service. The checks are intended to identify people who have convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, who may put patients'/clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.

NSW and other state schools only require the WCC for students undertaking an internship.

Prospective students should be aware that not passing a criminal record clearance may make it difficult for them to complete a teacher education course satisfactorily because of the unavailability of suitable school or preschool experiences. Preservice teachers who participate in Internship programs in NSW DET schools will be required to have a Working with Children Check.

In addition, all students are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration every year of the program, indicating if they are a prohibited person under the Child Protection Act 1998.

The Department of Health in NSW, and most other states, currently require all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement, to undergo a Working with Children Check.

Currently, NSW Department of Sport & Recreation have the same guidelines as NSW DET.

If you have any queries regarding this matter, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Coordinator

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2