Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

• Analyse, generate and transmit innovative solutions to sometimes complex problems to transform and disrupt thinking in educational contexts.
• Apply critical analysis, reasoning and reflexivity to social and cultural situations and problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop a persuasive independent argument incorporating a range of perspectives and evidence.

GA2: Creativity

• Demonstrate analytical and critical skills to identify and solve problems with innovative responses to transform and disrupt thinking in educational contexts.
• Develop innovative and creative responses to contemporary and historical social, environmental and cultural issues.

GA3: Ethical practice

• Apply well-developed knowledge and understanding of professional, ethical, legislative requirements and human rights principles in education settings.
• Investigate and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and equity and according to ethical conventions.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

• Demonstrate disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge in relation to curriculum content and frameworks.
• Apply pedagogical principles in supportive learning environments for effective assessment practices.
• Demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of society and culture in chosen disciplines of study.
• Apply disciplinary knowledge to diverse contexts.

GA5: Lifelong learning

• Integrate reflective learning and practice to develop personal and professional skills including literacy, numeracy and academic integrity.
• Access, evaluate, interpret and present information using academic conventions to inform decision-making and action.

GA6: Communication and social skills

• Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with the ability to explain knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms.
• Practise teamwork skills and leadership in professional and learning community settings.
• Communicate effectively in academic and professional settings in a variety of forms, including through working autonomously or collaboratively.

GA7: Cultural competence

• Implement and incorporate respect for diversity in oneself and others while actively embedding proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement.
• Apply a broad knowledge and understanding of the impacts of culture, cultural identity and linguistic backgrounds on the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Demonstrate a commitment to multicultural perspectives as well as the ability to engage in a culturally competent way with Indigenous peoples.

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts combines the rigorous foundation of a Southern Cross University teaching degree with the challenging thinking and cultural investigation of an arts degree.

This degree is ideally suited to aspiring teachers with an interest in the arts, who want to develop an expanded scope of practice in areas such as written communication, social theory and history. You will develop a broad understanding of the world and its people, engaging with important social, cultural and political issues.

Students with an interest in the humanities and social sciences, who are looking for a flexible career and good employment prospects, will also find this double degree rewarding.

The Bachelor of Education in this double degree includes extensive professional placement and qualifies you to teach in secondary schools in up to two subjects.

The Bachelor of Arts in this double degree offers three exciting majors to tailor your studies, in either Creative Writing, Humanities or Social Sciences. Each major includes a research project with an academic supervisor where you can focus deeply on an area that interests you.

Career opportunities for graduates of this degree are diverse, spanning the fields of teaching and education as well as careers in the cultural and social spheres.

Please note: All students need to attempt the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in their first year of study.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts students must complete the equivalent of 36 units (384 credit points) comprising:

• 16 core units (192 credit points), AND
• 4 Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy units (48 credit points),
• 4 Education Professional Experience units (0 credit points), 
• 1 listed Arts major (96 credit points),
• 1 listed Arts minor (48 credit points),
• Both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Federal Government.

Permission to undertake a professional experience placement requires meeting all academic and non-academic requirements as stipulated by the University and relevant accreditation bodies.

Choose your subjects

Majors

In the Bachelor of Education (Secondary), students choose up to two secondary teaching subjects.

In the Bachelor of Arts, students choose a major from the following:

• Creative Writing
• Humanities
• Social Sciences.

Each major includes a research project with an academic supervisor where you can focus deeply on an area that interests you.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $18,508

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

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35

ATAR of 70 or equivalent.

To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

1.Have completed senior secondary study to the equivalent of the Australian year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:

• the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 2 – English Language Proficiency Requirements, and
• the language of instruction was English.

2.Achieved a minimum test score, within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:

• International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 7.5, including a minimum result of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules and 7.0 in reading and writing; or
• International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

3.Successfully completed SCU’s Preparing for Success Program Transition to Uni Program, or English Language Program. 

For the purposes of satisfying English Language Proficiency requirements for admission, applicants will only be considered on the above criteria and will not be considered on the basis of other criteria established by the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 2 – English Language Proficiency Requirements.

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) includes professional experience learning of 80 days (640 hours) in secondary schools.  

National and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed in Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.