Secondary Teaching
Qualification Pathways
Teachers in Victorian government secondary schools must have at least four years of tertiary education that includes an approved course of teacher training.
There are four main pathways to secondary teaching.
- A four-year undergraduate teacher education degree (eg Bachelor of Education).
- A double-degree program where you study for two degrees at the same time, with one of these being a teacher education course. Most universities offer this option over four years. (Eg. Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Teaching).
- Complete an academic degree and then do a one or two-year postgraduate teacher education course. If you take this pathway, it is best if the studies in your first degree provide a suitable background for what you wish to teach.
- Gaining industry experience in a vocational area and linking this with a teaching qualification. This is most applicable to teaching in the technology studies or vocational education areas (eg. Qualifications and experience in trades such as automotive systems, woodwork, metals, electronics or hospitality combined with the completion of an approved qualification in technology education).
Access details of approved pre-service education courses currently offered by Victorian universities. This information does not include previous courses, which no longer take enrolments, but which continue to be accepted as approved courses for those seeking employment. Some courses provide the option of qualifying as both a secondary and primary teacher.
You may also need to keep in mind which subjects will give you the best chance of securing a position on completion of your studies. There may be a range of units available for each subject area. In selecting which ones to study, you might consider their relevance to teaching. Physical education, technology studies, studio arts or music are usually taken in a course that is subject specific. Physical education studies are often combined with education studies for example a four year Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education).
Your studies must provide a suitable background for the curriculum area you wish to teach. It is essential therefore that you access information on the various specialist area guidelines
