Master of Teaching

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

• Demonstrate an advanced ability to research, synthesise and evaluate ideas and theories to transform and disrupt thinking in educational practice
• Demonstrate knowledge of research principles, theories and methods related to the field of education and teaching practice.
• Exercise critical analysis, problem solving and research based decision-making in educational practice.
• Demonstrate application of advanced knowledge and understanding of diverse ways of knowing and learning in educational contexts to inform connected and compassionate ways of teaching.

GA2: Creativity

• Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise knowledge for innovative and creative responses to local and global challenges in an educational setting.

GA3: Ethical practice

• Demonstrate a knowledge of social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with what is expected of an education professional working in a learning community and with students, parents and carers.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to professional practice.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

• Demonstrate disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary understandings in relation to curriculum content and frameworks.
• Demonstrate a research based understanding of pedagogical principles for effective assessment practices and supportive learning environments.

GA5: Lifelong learning

• Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice.

GA6: Communication and social skills

• Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills by interpreting and transmitting knowledge, in professional educational settings.

GA7: Cultural competence

• Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contexts.
• Demonstrate proactive and inclusive strategies for diverse groups of learners.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the impacts of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of the students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

You never forget your favourite childhood teacher. Here’s your chance to be that person.

Our two-year Master of Teaching is geared towards making a positive and perhaps even life-long impact on the lives of your students.

As well as undertaking an extended education research project, you can choose either to major in early childhood or secondary teaching with specialisations in fields spanning English to Art, Mathematics to Music, Science to Dance and more. Professional experience placements are an integral part of your learning experience.

Employment opportunities are diverse, as graduates are qualified to teach in New South Wales and Queensland.

Applicants for the Master of Teaching must submit a 1,000-word personal statement outlining their non-academic capabilities.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Master of Teaching students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:

• 1 Specialisation (192 credit points) in Primary or Early Childhood or Secondary, and
• 3 Professional Experience units (0 credit points), or
• 2 Professional Experience units (0 credit points) with the Early Childhood Specialisation.

Primary and Secondary Specialisation students must also meet:

• Both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Federal Government.
• The English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Australia.
• Permission to undertake a professional experience placement requires meeting all academic and non-academic requirements as stipulated by the University and relevant accreditation bodies.

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) in the Early Childhood Specialisation.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) in the Early Childhood Specialisation comprising 8 coursework units and 2 professional placement units.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) in the Primary or Secondary Specialisation.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Master of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) in the Primary or Secondary Specialisation.

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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Applicants’ qualifications must meet the requirements for admission for:

• Secondary specialisation: Graduate study as advised by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptor 2.1.1 (Subject Content Knowledge) or be able to meet these requirements by completing no more than two units which on all occasions will be undertaken as part of the degree; or
• Primary specialisation: Graduate study as advised by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptor 2.1.1 (Subject Content Knowledge), AND NSW Band 4 in Mathematics or equivalent.
• Early childhood (Birth to 5 years) specialisation: Graduate study in an Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent.

Applicants to the Primary or Secondary Specialisation must undertake the UAC or QTAC non-academic entry requirement test.

To meet the minimum English Language requirement for admission to this course, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

a. have completed approved qualifications where language of instruction was English as outlined in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2 – Section 2; or

b. have achieved within (2) years of the proposed start date, an overall score of 7.0, with no band below 7.0 in the English International English Language Test System (IELTS) test or approved equivalent as outlined in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2 – Section 2.

To register as a teacher in Australia the minimum English Language requirements are:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic)
• A minimum score of 7 is needed in reading and writing
• A minimum score of 8 is needed in speaking and listening.
• This equates to an average band score of 7.5 across all four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, or
• The International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR)
• A score of Level 4 is needed in all four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, undertaken at approved testing sites where the assessment is teacher focused.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

Overall Score: 7.5

• Reading: 7.0
• Writing: 7.0
• Listening: 8.0
• Speaking: 8.0.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

Early Childhood Specialisation: you will complete 60 days (480 hours) of professional placement during this course in two environments - a preschool setting and an infant and toddler setting.

Primary/Secondary Specialisation: you will complete a program of 60 days (480 hours) professional experience in school during the course, which enables you to put theory into practice as you observe and reflect on classroom dynamics.