From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
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 – and spark systemic change.
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.
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 major and minor specialisation aligned with the Australian Curriculum. For example, knowledge in both Mathematics and Languages. Over the two-year program, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the content, goals, purposes and methods of teaching in your specialised areas.
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 240 hours (30 days), one in each year, giving you the hands-on experience needed to confidently navigate a wide range of classroom challenges.
Your courses will cover:
- Classroom management
- The brain and learning
- Effective pedagogical practices and professional engagement
- Curriculum studies
- First Nations peoples, knowledges and culturally responsive teaching
- Inclusive education and responsive teaching
- Democratic curriculum: an inquiry approach
- Digital literacies and AI for societal change
- Theories of learning
- Families, communities and societal wellbeing
- Adolescence in the middle years.
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
You're required to complete 96 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Classroom Management | EDUC6008 | 6 |
|
|
Brain, Learning and Education | EDUC5109 | 6 |
|
|
Effective Pedagogical Practices and Engaging Young Learners and Guiding Behaviour | EDUC5101 | 6 |
|
|
Curriculum 1A: The Australian Curriculum for Middle Years | EDUC5103 | 6 |
|
|
Curriculum 2A: The Australian Curriculum for Senior Years | EDUC5154 | 6 |
|
|
First Nations Peoples and Knowledges and Culturally Responsive Teaching | INDG5000 | 6 |
|
|
Inclusive education and Responsive Teaching | EDUC6014 | 6 |
|
|
Democratic Curriculum: An Inquiry Approach | EDUC6009 | 6 |
|
|
Digital Literacies and AI for Societal Change | ARTI1001 | 6 |
|
|
Theories of learning | EDUC6500 | 6 |
|
|
Families, Communities and Societal Wellbeing | EDUC1003 | 6 |
|
|
Adolescence and the Middle Years | EDUC6015 | 6 |
Complete exactly 12 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Professional Experience Placement 1 | NURS1901 | 6 |
|
|
Professional Experience Placement 2 | NURS1902 | 6 |
Complete 6 to 12 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Science Curriculum | EDUC5002 | 6 |
|
|
Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum | EDUC5152 | 6 |
|
|
Mathematics Curriculum | EDUC5100 | 6 |
|
|
English and EALD Curriculum | EDUC5003 | 6 |
|
|
Health and Physical Education Curriculum | EDUC5149 | 6 |
|
|
Arts Curriculum | EDUC5150 | 6 |
|
|
Design and Technologies Curriculum | EDUC5104 | 6 |
|
|
Digital Technology Curriculum | EDUC5105 | 6 |
|
|
Languages Curriculum | EDUC5151 | 6 |
|
|
Integrated and Vocational Curriculum | EDUC5006 | 6 |
|
|
Curriculum for Wellbeing: Peers, Relationships and Health | EDUC5000 | 6 |
|
|
Curriculum for Diverse Learners | EDUC5009 | 6 |
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 is 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
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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.
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:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
