Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes

Mount Gambier

Whyalla

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MATSE

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

Assumed knowledge in the Australian Curriculum subject areas used for entry to the program is required.

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115963D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution which includes completion of a major from the Australian Curriculum Learning Area in which they intend to specialise. To qualify for a Learning Area, the major must consist of a minimum of six courses, with at most two at a first-year university level and at least two at a third-year level.

Minors in additional Learning Areas are not essential, but are preferred and will improve an applicant’s chances of receiving an offer. To qualify for a minor Learning Area, the minor must consist of at least 4 courses, with at most 2 at a first-year university level.

Essential requirements

All applicants are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement (TCS) with their application. In the TCS, applicants describe their motivation to teach. The TCS assesses non-academic entry requirements in accordance with national teacher education program standards.

Prior to undertaking any professional experience placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age), students will be required to provide a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services. Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the Teaching and Education Placements web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance is also required for visits to education sites in other courses, to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Note:

For International students the campus location is Adelaide City and Mawson Lakes only.

Why Master of Teaching (Secondary)?

Good teachers can make a big impact. They encourage their students to reflect on the world around them, generate creative ideas, exercise curiosity and demonstrate respect for humanity. They show them how to weigh differences in opinion, postulate possibilities and communicate effectively. They make learning purposeful, relevant and uplifting.

With this degree, you’ll become the teacher students remember. Build a stable, meaningful career. Reimagine what learning looks like. Inspire the citizens of tomorrow.

You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of pedagogical theories and methods, ready to teach with impact.

Overview

Our Master of Teaching (Secondary) is future-focused and digital-first to meet the changing education landscape. Designed for applicants with an undergraduate degree spanning two areas of expertise, it equips you to confidently impart your knowledge in secondary school settings (years 7-12).

You’ll learn to design lesson plans, manage classrooms and assess learning – ensuring every student reaches their potential. You’ll explore big ideas for societal change and practical tips for everyday teaching, with two 30-day placements to build your confidence in the classroom.

Discover leading-edge, research-informed teaching strategies. Examine contemporary issues in education, educational psychology and the social sciences. Interrogate issues of race, gender, disability and neoliberalism, and how they’ll influence and inform your work as a teacher. What is each child carrying with them into the classroom? How can you make them feel secure, understood and supported?

You’ll graduate ready to deliver quality learning in diverse Australian classrooms – and classrooms around the world.

You can also choose to study this program at our regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

Key features

Gain valuable real-world experience with two 30-day teaching placements.
Learn to lead inclusive, culturally responsive and neurodiversity affirming classrooms.
Deep dive into educational psychology and adolescent mental health.
Explore digital literacy and AI in the modern classroom.
Build a valuable network of professional peers and mentors.
Graduate eligible to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.

What you'll learn

For entry, you’ll need an undergraduate degree with a specialisation aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Over the two-year program, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the content, goals, purposes and methods of teaching in your specialised area/s.

You will also learn to:

Maximise the impact of your lessons
Lead classrooms with high learning expectations
Build authentic relationships and foster mutual respect with students
Support diverse learners, including those with learning challenges and disabilities
Collaborate effectively with colleagues
Engage with families, parents and guardians
Master assessment design, marking and reporting
Reflect productively on your professional practice.

You’ll draw on evidence-based research in national and international education contexts to advance equity and inclusion in your classrooms, exploring relevant policies and legislation, exceptionality, neurodiversity, trauma-informed practices and person-centred advocacy.

You’ll undertake two teaching placements of 30 days each, one per year, giving you the hands-on experience needed to confidently navigate a wide range of classroom challenges.

Our curriculum is research-focused, practice-oriented and relevant to today’s dynamic classrooms. You’ll learn online, in interactive workshops, through laboratories, seminars and in outdoor and real workplace settings.

Specialisations

The Master of Teaching is also available with specialisations in the following:

Early Childhood Education
Primary.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

48 units for all Core courses, and
12 to 24 units from Discipline courses, and
18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 to 18 units for Electives

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum	Course code EDUC5030	Units 6
Course name First Nations Peoples, Knowledges and Culturally Responsive Teaching M	Course code EDUC5063	Units 6
Course name Brain, Learning and Education	Course code EDUC5109	Units 6
Course name Effective Pedagogical Practices	Course code EDUC5902	Units 6
Course name Democratic Curriculum: An Inquiry Approach	Course code EDUC6009	Units 6
Course name Classroom Management and Inclusive Education	Course code EDUC6019	Units 6
Course name The Importance of Peer Relationships	Course code EDUC6027	Units 6
Course name Theories of Learning	Course code EDUC6500	Units 6

Complete 12 to 24 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Catholic Education for Secondary Teaching M	Course code EDUC5026	Units 6
Course name Psychology for Secondary Teaching M	Course code EDUC5027	Units 6
Course name Arts for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5029	Units 6
Course name English for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC5035	Units 6
Course name Humanities and Social Sciences for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC5036	Units 6
Course name Mathematics for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5037	Units 6
Course name Mathematics for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC5038	Units 6
Course name Science for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5039	Units 6
Course name English for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5041	Units 6
Course name Health and Physical Education for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC5042	Units 6
Course name Design and Technology for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5104	Units 6
Course name Digital Technology for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5105	Units 6
Course name Curriculum Design in Catholic Education	Course code EDUC5116	Units 6
Course name Curriculum Development in EALD/TESOL	Course code EDUC5141	Units 6
Course name Learning English as an Additional Language	Course code EDUC5142	Units 6
Course name Health and Physical Education for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5149	Units 6
Course name Arts for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC5150	Units 6
Course name Designing Learning in Languages Education	Course code EDUC5151	Units 6
Course name Humanities and Social Sciences for Secondary Teaching 1	Course code EDUC5152	Units 6
Course name Digital Technology for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC6017	Units 6
Course name Science for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC6024	Units 6
Course name Design and Technology for Secondary Teaching 2	Course code EDUC6905	Units 6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Professional Experience 1: Planning, Teaching, Assessing and Managing the Classroom Environment	Course code EDUC6902	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 2: Inquiry into Practice	Course code EDUC6903	Units 12

Complete 6 to 18 units comprising:

6 to 18 units from Free electives

Career outcomes

You’ll graduate eligible to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia, and in other Australian states and select countries. You could help Year 12 students nail their final exams. You might advocate for neurodivergent learners in leadership. Perhaps you’ll inspire adolescent artists to reach their creative potential.

You could also be a:

Special education teacher
School support officer (SSO)
Curriculum developer
Educational consultant
Creative program manager
University lecturer
Online tutor
Corporate trainer
Content creator for educational media
Senior years coordinator
Youth support worker.

Industry trends

The education sector is undergoing exciting transformations, with demand for skilled educators only growing. Teachers are indispensable, but in many parts of the world, there are significant shortages. An estimated 27,000 more secondary school teachers are expected to retire within the next decade. Projections indicate a growth of 3% and 21% for secondary and middle school teachers respectively over this time. Roles for education aides are also expected to increase by 17.4% (Jobs and Skills Australia, March 2024).

Many Adelaide University teaching students find work before their degree is even finished, with full-time employment offers before graduating. Teachers proficient with technology and digital tools will have a competitive edge in the job market. The rise of online and hybrid education models is also opening more opportunities for virtual teaching positions. For those with a revolutionary spirit, knowledge of student wellbeing and inclusive teaching strategies could fuel careers driving wider educational reform.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This program is offered at our Adelaide City, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: