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Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Become an inspiring secondary school teacher ready to help students tackle rapidly changing technologies.

  • Enhance your knowledge of curriculum teaching, innovative learning, and equity and diversity in education 
  • Gain hands-on experience with supervised school placements 
  • Prepare for technology-driven classrooms 
  • Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) 
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Postgraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

2 years full-time

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Jan, Apr, Jul, Sep

Start Dates

Icon Units

14

Units

Icon Fees

$3,306*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Master of Teaching Secondary? 

Swinburne Online’s Master of Teaching (Secondary) combines in-school teaching experience with online coursework. This course gives you the practical teaching strategies and curriculum depth you need to teach young people in secondary schools.

With the Department of Education’s drive to increase teaching positions and placements, now more than ever, there is a need for teachers in Australia.

Who is this course for? 

  • Career changers: Those looking to move into secondary teaching who already hold an undergraduate degree and want a clear, supported pathway into the profession. 
  • Non-teaching professionals: Graduates from non‑education fields who want to apply their subject expertise in a secondary school setting and get a teaching qualification. 

How you’ll study 

  • The Master of Teaching (Secondary) runs across four Teaching Periods per year.
  • Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week, per unit.
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
  • You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content. 
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.

What you’ll learn

  • Curriculum Knowledge: Learn how to best teach the national and state curriculum in various classroom contexts.
  • Learning Environments: Create innovative learning environments that harness the power of educational technology to facilitate dynamic learning. 
  • Interpersonal and Leadership Development: Develop the skills to explore educational leadership and policy, while navigating relationships with colleagues, students and their families. 
  • Teaching Pedagogy: Analyse core teaching practices, including literacy and numeracy, as they are best applied across a range of subject areas. 
  • Assessment Strategies: Engage with diagnostic, formative and summative assessment methods to evaluate student progress and inform teaching practice.
  • Indigenous Education Perspectives: Develop an understanding of contemporary and historical Indigenous education perspectives, as a means to better engage with and advocate for Indigenous children and their families.
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Strengthen your understanding of equity and diversity in education – why it matters, and a teacher’s responsibility to cultivate an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all students.

Recognition and accreditation

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

3.7% ▴

The education sector is growing, and there is an expected increase of 3.7% for Secondary School Teachers in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

The Good Universities Guide 2024

  • Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.
  • VIT Accredited Initial Teacher Education: This course meets all professional standards for Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.  
  • Integrated into the final placement, the GTPA is highly valued by school leaders, positioning graduates as classroom-ready and a preferred choice for recruitment. 

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

3.7% ▴

The education sector is growing, and there is an expected increase of 3.7% for Secondary School Teachers in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

  • Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.
  • VIT Accredited Initial Teacher Education: This course meets all professional standards for Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.  
  • Integrated into the final placement, the GTPA is highly valued by school leaders, positioning graduates as classroom-ready and a preferred choice for recruitment. 

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Master of Teaching (Secondary) you must complete 14 units in total made up of: 

  • 13 Core Units  
  • 1 Placement Components
  • 2 Not-for-credit Placements* 

*Placements, embedded into specific theory units, will set you on a strong path to put theory into practice as you develop your teaching skills. 

How do professional placements work? 

Professional experience placements are a core part of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) and are completed alongside your online study.  

  • You’ll do three professional experience placement units (1 credited, 2 not-for-credit)
  • Placements are completed in secondary school settings under the guidance of an approved Supervising Teacher
  • You’ll source your own placements but can ask for guidance from learning advisors

What you'll study:

 

Understanding Theories of Teaching, Learning and Development

Curriculum Development, Assessment and Responsive Pedagogy

Transformative Technologies in Education

Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum

Understanding Indigenous Education & Perspectives

Assessment and Data

Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Innovation for Education

Educational Leadership and Policy

Building and Sustaining Positive Relationships

Teacher Professionalism and Ethical Conduct

Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy 1

Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy 2

Professional Experience 1

Professional Experience 2

Supervised Professional Experience 3: Ready to Teach

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

To enter the course, you’ll need:  

  • Successful completion of a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) that includes at least a major study in one approved secondary Specialist Teaching Area (equivalent to one-year full time study) and; a minor in at least one other recognised Specialist teaching area (equivalent to half a year of full time study) For approved teaching areas, please visit the Victorian VCE study design and ACARA subject areas. 
  • The CASPer Suitability Tool: Completion of the CASPer test as part of your application. This is an online situational judgement assessment of non-academic personal and professional attributes, required by AITSL and government Initial Teacher Education (ITE) standards.  
  • Meet the English language requirements: If your Bachelor’s degree was completed in a non-English speaking country, you may need to complete an approved English Language Proficiency test, in line with Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) requirements. 

Missed the last CASPer test date? 

 

 

 

Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies

Pathway to the Master of Teaching (Secondary) 

The Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies (GCES) is a supported, nonaccredited pathway into the Master of Teaching (Secondary). It is designed for students who miss the final CASPer suitability test deadline and want to commence study in the upcoming intake without delaying their pathway into teaching. 

  • Start without delay –commence your studies even if you miss the final CASPer test date for the Master of Teaching (Secondary). 
  • No initial CASPer required – the GCES is a supported pathway into the Master of Teaching (Secondary). It is designed for students who want to begin their studies immediately while preparing for the CASPer suitability test. 

How the pathway works 

  • You’ll study the same units as students enrolled in the Master of Teaching (Secondary). 
  • All successfully completed units are credited towards the Master of Teaching (Secondary). 
  • Once you successfully pass your GCES and a CASPer test, you are eligible to directly transition into the Master’s degree. 

Study duration and learning outcomes 

  • Up to 6 months full‑time, or part‑time equivalent 

Build skills in: 

  • Educational theory 
  • Education systems and professional practice 
  • Contemporary issues in education 
  • Develop an understanding of education in Australian and global secondary‑school contexts, preparing you for further study in teaching

Additional requirements

Alongside the entry criteria, there are some additional requirements and conditions you’ll need to be aware of as part of the application process. 

  • LANTITE disclosure — Transferring from another initial teacher education course? You’ll need to disclose all LANTITE attempts. 

English language requirements 

You may need to provide evidence of English language skills, depending on where your previous qualification was completed. 

You don’t need to provide evidence if you completed a bachelor degree taught and assessed in English in: 

  • Australia 
  • New Zealand 
  • United Kingdom 
  • United States of America 
  • Canada 
  • Republic of Ireland 

 If your qualification was completed in another country, you’ll need to meet one of the following: 

  • IELTS (Academic) – overall score of 7.0, with no band below 7.0, and at least 7.5 in speaking and listening 
  • Swinburne English Language Centre – EAP 5 (Advanced) with an overall 75%, and 70% or above in all skills 
  • TOEFL iBT – minimum overall score of 95, with at least 20 in Reading and 22 in Writing 
  • Or an equivalent qualification, as outlined on the Swinburne English Language Requirements page 

 Test results must be no more than two years old at the time of application. 

 

 

Need more info?

Get more information or/contact us! 

Specialist Teaching Areas:

To undertake the Master of Teaching (Secondary) you are required to qualify for two specialist teaching areas, with at least one being a major teaching area. 

MAJOR TEACHING AREA 

  • A major will be equivalent to three-quarters of a year of prior full-time study, usually comprising sequential discipline study taken over three years. In most programs, this equates to six units, with no more than two at first-year level and at least two at third-year level. 

MINOR TEACHING AREA 

  • A minor will be equivalent to half a year of prior full-time study, usually comprising sequential discipline study taken over two years. In most programs, this equates to four units, with no more than two at first-year level. 
  • Select each tab below to see the full list of specialist teaching areas offered at Swinburne Online. 
  • Geography
  • History
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Religion and Society
  • Sociology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Food Studies
  • Health and Human Development
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Education (must be a major)
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Accounting
  • Applied Computing
  • Business Management
  • Economics
  • Industry and Enterprise
  • Legal Studies
  • Design and Technologies
  • Digital Technologies
  • Product Design and Technology
  • Systems Engineering
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Media
  • Music (must be a major)
  • Theatre Studies
  • Visual Art (must be a major)
  • Visual Communication Design
  • English
  • Languages (must be a major)
  • Literature

Fees & Scholarships

  • The estimated fee per unit is $3,306* 
  • There are 14 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units. 
  • *Note: Unit fees may change each year. 
  • FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes. 
  • Discover more information about HELP loans. 

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs. 

  • University-funded scholarships 
  • Government-funded scholarships 
  • Private scholarships and prizes 

Scholarships are available for both new and current students. 

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships 

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more. 

How it works:

  • Check eligibility
  • Gather the relevant documentation
  • Produce a personal statement
  • Obtain your references
  • Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships. 

Credit for prior study: 

  •  Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee 

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with a Master of Teaching (Secondary)

With a Master of Teaching (Secondary), you can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in secondary education, supported by strong employment outcomes across Australia. (Average salaries via SEEK)

$100,000–$105,000 Average Salary

Teach young learners in a high school classroom as they explore discipline areas within their education, and begin to form an understanding of their future direction in life.

Teach young learners in a high school classroom as they explore discipline areas within their education, and begin to form an understanding of their future direction in life.

$90,000–$120,000 Average Salary

Develop and enhance learning experiences and materials, primarily for educational or training settings. Focus on creating engaging and effective learning content, often using technology, to meet specific learning objectives.

Develop and enhance learning experiences and materials, primarily for educational or training settings. Focus on creating engaging and effective learning content, often using technology, to meet specific learning objectives.

$150,000–$200,000 Average Salary

Hold executive accountability for the entire school, including strategic vision, financial and human resource management, stakeholder engagement, and legal/safety compliance.

Hold executive accountability for the entire school, including strategic vision, financial and human resource management, stakeholder engagement, and legal/safety compliance.

$110,000–$120,000 Average Salary

Lead the strategic improvement of teaching and learning standards across the school. You will be responsible for modelling expert pedagogical practice, mentoring teaching staff through formal coaching cycles, and overseeing the development of high-impact curriculum.

Lead the strategic improvement of teaching and learning standards across the school. You will be responsible for modelling expert pedagogical practice, mentoring teaching staff through formal coaching cycles, and overseeing the development of high-impact curriculum.

$105,000–$125,000 Average Salary

Manage the high-level administration of a school’s academic program. This involves designing complex timetables, coordinating major senior secondary assessments (such as the VCE, HSC, or QCE), and ensuring compliance with national educational frameworks.

Manage the high-level administration of a school’s academic program. This involves designing complex timetables, coordinating major senior secondary assessments (such as the VCE, HSC, or QCE), and ensuring compliance with national educational frameworks.

$110,000–$130,000 Average Salary

Lead a specific faculty (e.g., English, Mathematics, or Science) to oversee the quality of teaching and learning across the school. You will mentor staff, manage budgets and resources, and ensure the curriculum meets state regulatory standards (like NESA or VIT).

Lead a specific faculty (e.g., English, Mathematics, or Science) to oversee the quality of teaching and learning across the school. You will mentor staff, manage budgets and resources, and ensure the curriculum meets state regulatory standards (like NESA or VIT).

Why study the Master of Teaching (Secondary)?

  • Practical Experience: The degree includes multiple teaching placements, giving you real-world experience and ensuring you are classroom ready.
  • Transferable Skills: Develop leadership, communication, and assessment skills, as well as a strong understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion in education.
  • Focus on Technology: Prepare yourself for technology-rich classrooms and help students adapt to rapidly changing technologies.
  • Unique Development Opportunities: Access professional placements in a diverse range of educational communities.

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

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Your online classroom: Canvas

Canvas is Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime! 

What you’ll use Canvas for: 

  • Explore all your units and modules 
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time 
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates 
  • Receive assessments and feedback 
  • Track your study progress 
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile 
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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information 
  • Access library and technical support 
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more 
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Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.  

You’ll have access to: 

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing 
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management 
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated 
  • 7-day support – to assist you at any time 
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Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. 

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available through the Moondani Toombadool Centre includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 
  • Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more. 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Education degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.