Course overview
The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is a 1.75 year full-time initial teaching qualification for graduates who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-Education field relevant to teaching. This could mean you pivot from undergraduate studies in areas such as English or communications to teaching, like Chelsea did to follow her true passion - hear her story on this transition.
Starting in December 2024 you will be able to get a head start on your studies through the Preparing for Teaching Intensive (EDN587).
This will set you up with the specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities to teach students from Years 7-12 in a teaching area you’re passionate about. If you choose Science or Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) as your teaching area, you will be expected to teach all components of the curriculum for Years 7-10 and then your specialised area for Years 11 and 12.
You will also choose a second teaching area from these options – Murdoch is the only Australian University where you can choose Vocational Education and Training (VET) as your second teaching area! Taking on a second study area means you’ll become qualified to teach students from Years 7-10 in this area. By having qualifications in two teaching areas, you’ll be highly employable when you graduate.
You’ll explore the role of education in society, learn how to manage a secondary level classroom and get valuable experience working in school placements across the secondary years.
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Teaching) is available as an alternative exit pathway after one year of study.
3 reasons to study the Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Murdoch
- Be embedded in schools where you’ll have the opportunity to connect theory and practice.
- Learn from experienced teaching professionals who are here to support you in becoming a confident, creative and flexible educator.
- Practise dealing with challenging behaviour and conflict resolution through our SimLabTM before your first prac. It’s a virtual workplace that uses actors and avatars – and the only technology of its kind in WA.
What you'll learn
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
Strategies for effective learning and teaching in secondary schools
Understanding and preparing for the profession of teaching
Planning and assessing teaching and learning opportunities
Exploring how diversity can be accommodated in classroom
Understanding adolescent health and development
Your future career
On completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and skillset required to teach in secondary schools, or in a variety of other careers with an education focus such as SciTech, museums and zoos. Graduates of this course have taught both in Australia and overseas.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) program, which is designed to provide financial support to students undertaking mandatory industry placements as part of their course.
Professional accreditation
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) in articulation with the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA)
Professional recognition
On completion of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) students have a widely accepted qualification from a recognised university and are eligible to apply for registration with the Teacher Registration Board of WA (or other appropriate state-based registration boards).
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 3, 2026 | Murdoch | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 3, 2027 | Murdoch | No | No | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Enrolment is subject to restriction due to professional recognition requirements. Prior to placement in any school for Professional Experience, it is mandatory that pre-service teachers complete or obtain several forms and clearances. Information and forms regarding these mandatory requirements can be accessed via the Professional Experience website: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/School-of- Education/Professional-Experience Completion and submission of these mandatory requirements is essential before placements can be arranged. In accordance with TRBWA registration requirements, students must attempt LANTITE (either literacy or numeracy) in their first year of study in order to progress to their second year. Prior to graduation it is mandatory that students satisfactorily complete ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) testing of literacy and numeracy (LANTITE). Full-time study is required for Year One of the course only. Students may complete Year Two part-timeRecognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
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Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- ATAR results (if available)
- STAT results (if applicable)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Course specific documents
All applicants
- Completed Application Form
- A recent Curriculum Vitae
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.