How to become a teacher

You’ve decided you want to become a teacher, but now what?

Perhaps you’re interested in Early Childhood education, or you’d like to take your studies further and become a researcher. Whatever you’re interested in achieving, we can put you on the path to get you there.

Undergraduate direct entry

Your acceptance into a teaching course at the Southern Cross University Faculty of Education will be based on previous grades, test scores and industry experience with no other prerequisite entry requirements. We combine our education courses with a Bachelor of Arts to ensure each education student has a strong foundation in such areas as mathematics, English and science.

Teacher Education Scholarships are available through teach.NSW for Indigenous students, those who would like to teach in a high-demand subject area, or would like to work in a rural or remote NSW public school.

Undergraduate pathway courses

There are several pathways that you can use to work your way towards an education degree. The Bachelor of Arts is a perfect starting point as it has units that are fundamental for an education degree.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Arts

If you have not yet reached the academic requirements to gain entry to university, our pathway course could help you bridge gaps.

Learn about all pathway options

Our fee-free Preparing for Success at SCU Program (PSP) is for anyone who might require some assistance when working out the right pathway for them. After successfully completing this course during the first session, they can apply to enter an education degree of their choice during the second session.

Discover more about PSP

Choosing your Secondary Teaching Areas and Enrolling

Watch the instructional video here

Find out more about our degrees

Postgraduate entry

Our two nationally accredited graduate-entry course options can help graduates from other disciplines start their journey towards a teaching qualification.

Courses have accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Courses accredited by NESA have national accreditation through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

To gain admission into the Master of Teaching (Secondary) you will ideally have completed major and minor study areas in your intended specialisation that also align with the Australian National Curriculum. Applicants who have only completed a major study area can still gain admission to the course but will qualify to teach in one secondary subject only. As part of their course study, applicants may be able to choose elective units that may be used towards a recognised minor study area.

To gain admission to the Master of Teaching (Primary) you will ideally have undertaken units across the primary key learning areas.

Find out more about the Master of Teaching

The Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) is designed for those who wish to be early childhood teachers to work in early childhood education and care services, long day care centres, and preschools.  

Learn more about the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood)