Curtin University
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Become a qualified secondary teacher in Australia with this comprehensive master's degree combining online study with four school-based professional placements. Specialise in your chosen subject areas and develop the critical skills needed to teach Years 7-12 students in the modern classroom.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with studies relevant to the teaching areas offered. A major teaching area equivalent to three-quarters of a year of successful full-time study (six subjects minimum, with no more than two at first-year level and at least two at third-year level) is required. For a minor teaching area, equivalent to half a year of study (four subjects, with no more than two at first-year level) is needed. Higher English language proficiency is required, demonstrated through completion of at least one year of tertiary study in English-speaking countries or approved English proficiency test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, Cambridge C1). This course is only available to applicants residing in Australia for the duration of their degree.
The degree comprises 16 subjects: 12 Secondary Education core subjects covering cultural responsiveness, leadership development, pedagogical capabilities, literacy and numeracy competencies, social justice principles, and professional communication; and 4 subjects specific to approved teaching area specialisations. Core subjects address critical thinking, reflective practice, discipline knowledge application, assessment and reporting, and creation of positive learning environments. Teaching area specialisation subjects focus on discipline-specific content and pedagogy for chosen curriculum areas: English, The Arts (Visual Arts, Drama, Media Production & Analysis), Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Psychology, Earth & Environmental Science), Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics, Geography, History, Politics & Law), or Health and Physical Education. Four compulsory professional experience subjects require school-based placements of 10, 15, 20, and 25 consecutive days respectively.
Curtin University is a globally recognised institution ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide (QS World University Ranking 2026: 12th in Australia; Times Higher Education 2026: 18th in Australia). Through Open Universities Australia, Curtin delivers the same degree as on-campus students with flexible online learning and interactive collaboration. The Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) is fully accredited by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, ensuring graduates can register as practising teachers in their home state or territory. Curtin's School of Education embeds both theory and professional experience within subjects, with complex assessment ensuring graduates meet all registration requirements.
Graduates are qualified to teach secondary students in Years 7-12 across their specialised curriculum areas in Australian schools and internationally recognised institutions. The degree prepares graduates for leadership pathways in teaching careers, including positions as department heads, curriculum coordinators, or educational leaders. Additional career opportunities include education administration roles, policy development positions within education departments, or specialist roles in educational technology and innovation. With secondary school teacher salaries ranging from A$93,000 to A$120,000 and employment projected to grow 2.7%, graduates enter a stable and rewarding profession with clear advancement opportunities.
Course fee
Start date
You will be redirected to the training provider to enquire directly. Workinitiatives is not the course or training provider. We aggregate and list courses only.