Master of Teaching Previous Studies Subject Guide

Please choose a teaching area of interest to see what previous studies you will need to have completed to be eligible for a given teaching area.

Primary Key Learning Areas

The requirements for previous studies are a minimum of 8 units from the primary key learning areas below e.g. 4 units in English and 4 units in Creative Arts:

English

English with a strong core component of study of English literature, communications, creative writing, language studies (English), linguistics, literature studies, media studies (i.e. the theoretical study of media or where the product is a literary text).

Mathematics

Pure or applied mathematics, statistics (one unit only may be counted provided it was studied as a stand-alone unit), other studies of mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s). Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical content.

Science and technology

Agriculture, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computing studies, design - interior, industrial, graphic, fashion, product, engineering (chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental), design and technology, food technology, geology, Earth and environmental science, materials science, medicine, nursing, biomedical science, physics, psychology or similar fields which include processes of inquiry, design and production.

Human Society and its Environment

Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander studies, Aboriginal languages, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, economics, business studies, cultural studies, sociology, geography, environmental studies, government & citizenship, history, languages, legal studies, political science, studies of religion.

Creative Arts

Dance including practical experience in choreography and performance in various dance styles appropriate for primary education, drama including experiential involvement in making and performing drama, music including performing (singing, playing and moving), listening and organising sound (composing) within a range of repertoire, visual arts including art making and art history/theory, fine arts.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Physical education studies, family studies, health studies, health promotion, human movement studies, nutrition education, sports science.

Secondary Teaching Areas

The requirements for previous studies are a minimum of 8 units in a related discipline area, with no fewer than 2 units at third-year level and no more than 2 units at first-year level for a given teaching area.

It is recommended that applicants have a first teaching area and a second teaching area.  A second teaching area* requires the completion of a minimum of four units in the relevant discipline area with no more than 2 units at first-year level.

*Second teaching areas include: English, Mathematics, Geography, Modern History, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Society and Culture,  Aboriginal Studies, Dance, Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Industrial Technology Graphics and Multimedia, Information Processes and Technology, Marine Studies, Engineering Studies, and Agriculture.

See below for more details:

Required previous studies

A major in Aboriginal in areas such as:

  • Aboriginal Peoples’ relationship to Country, Contact,
  • Colonization and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander  histories and cultures
  • Government policies affecting Aboriginal Peoples including Segregation, Assimilation and Aboriginal Self-Determination
  • The Land Rights movement and the recognition of native title
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature and oral expression
  • Aboriginal languages and cultures

What you will teach

Similarities and diversity in aboriginal identities, communities and cultural practice and expression.

Understanding of Aboriginal Peoples’ ongoing contribution to, and interaction with, the wider Australian society.

Diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural, political, social and economic life.

Government policies, legislation and judicial processes and their impact of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and international Indigenous Peoples

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

Required previous studies

A major in ancient history in areas such as;

  • Ancient history
  • Archaeology
  • Historiography
  • One unit in medieval or modern history

What you will teach

Ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Near East, Greece, Rome and China, including personalities and historical periods.

Role of archaeology and science in investigating the ancient past.

Nature of history and past societies including their material culture.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts

Required previous studies

A major in agriculture in an area such as;

  • Agriculture science
  • Agriculture technology
  • Horticulture
  • Agronomy
  • Primary industries
  • Rural science including studies of plants and animals
  • Animal care agriculture enterprises
  • Chemical safety

What you will teach

Nature and role of agriculture including:

  • Physical, chemical, biological, social, historical and economic factors that interact in agriculture production systems.
  • Management of production systems.
  • Impact of innovation, ethics and current issues on Australia’s agricultural systems.
  • Sustainable and ethical agricultural practices, in particular animal welfare and ethics.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Agriculture
  • Bachelor of Agricultural Production and Management
  • Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business
  • Bachelor of Rural Science

Required previous studies

Major in science including four units in Biology.

A broad combination of courses that include topics such as: Anatomy, Animal biology or physiology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics , Cell biology, Genetics or Endocrinology/Metabolism, Epigenetics, Evolution, Ecology, Genomics, Human biology or physiology, Immunology, Physiology, Plant biology or physiology, Mathematical biology, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Virology, Zoology.

Desirable but not essential are courses in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental science, Physics, Ecology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Cellular biology, Environmental biology, Botany, Human physiology, Anatomy and Bio informatics.

What you will teach

  • Biological science
    • Multi-cellular organisms
    • Ecosystems
    • DNA and genes
  • Physical science
    • Energy transfer through different mediums can be explained using wave and particle models

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

A major in business related studies including:

  • At least one unit of finance or accounting
  • One unit of business management
  • Remaining units drawn from
    • Business law (Australian/English)
    • Economics
    • Human resource and management
    • Industrial relations
    • Marketing
    • Finance
    • Accounting
    • Business management

What you will teach

  • Business and economics systems, Organisations and management
  • Information procedures, nature of business
  • Enterprise and ventures, entrepreneurship and marketing management
  • Work environments, human resource management
  • Financial management, business plans

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Business
  • Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Accounting
  • Bachelor of Arts with a Business major

Required previous studies

Major in science including four units in Chemistry.

Organic, Inorganic and Physical chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials science or related courses.

What you will teach

  • Atoms that are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons; natural radioactivity
  • Chemical reactions involve rearranging atoms
  • Chemical reactions, including combustion and the reactions of acids
  • The Periodic Table

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

Must have completed Design and Technology Life skills or will be required to complete this specialisation.

Major in Computing or computing technology studies (3 years’ of degree study) including at least 2 units that develop skills in information and communications technologies and information systems:

  • Database design including relational databases and communication systems/networking.
  • Coding and systems management, and
  • Skills in designing and producing digital products including non-visual programming languages.

What you will teach

  • Computers and related information technology
  • The use of hardware and software to completed a range of practical experiences

Suggested Degrees

  • Computing or Computing Technology

Required previous studies

A major in dance including all of the following;

  • History and analysis of dance
  • Performance with a technique base in modern/contemporary dance and/or ballet
  • Applied anatomy and kinesiology
  • Composition and choreography

Dance studies must be developed as a discrete discipline.

Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

  • Socio-historic context of dance and its impact on practices of performance and composition.
  • Range of dance analysis models.
  • Broad and critical knowledge and understanding of the study of dance including theory and practice.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)

Required previous studies

Major in Design related study, including some of the following:

  • Architecture
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape Design
  • Product Design

Must include two (2) units of practical application in designing and producing in one or more of the following technology related areas such as:

  • Agriculture
  • Computing
  • Engineering
  • Food technology
  • Industrial technology (woods, metals, plastics)
  • Graphics/multimedia
  • Textile design

Including evidence of the use of tools, equipment and techniques to a high level in the production of working solutions to design challenges.

What you will teach

  • Explore and develop technologies in the context of a design project.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts with subjects mentioned in required previous studies.

Required previous studies

A major in drama including all of the following preferably in Australian Drama;

  • Performance
  • Production
  • Theory

Drama studies must be developed as a discrete discipline.

Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

Theory and performance for forming, presenting and responding across a range of heritage and contemporary dramatic forms and styles.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Creative Arts with a Dance Major
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama)

Required previous studies

Major in science including:

  • Three units in Earth or environmental science and one unit of biology

A combination of courses that may include:

  • Courses in Geological sciences such as structural geology, tectonics, sedimentary environments, energy resources, hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry.

What you will teach

The theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activity and continental movement

  • Galaxies, stars and the solar systems, and the Big Bang theory
  • Global systems, including the carbon cycle

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

  • Major study in English with at least 3 units of a strong core of textual studies including literature
    Other units may include studies in:
    • Communications
    • Creative Writing
    • Linguistics
    • Drama or performance
    • Media Studies (the theoretical study of media or where the product is a literary text)
  • A combination of literature, media studies (i.e. film and popular culture or digital literacies), and grammar or linguistics courses is required.
  • Australian curriculum has 3 strands that focus on: literature, literacy and language.

What you will teach

  • Language: knowing about the English language
  • Literature: understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating literary texts
  • Literacy: expanding the repertoire of English usage
  • Language variation and change
  • Language for interaction
  • Text structure and organisation
  • Expressing and developing ideas
  • Phonics and word knowledge

Suggested undergraduate degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts

Required previous studies

A major in engineering in an area such as;

  • Civil engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Mechatronic engineering
  • Or relevant studies of application of
    • Engineering principles and methods
    • Management and problem-solving in engineering contexts
    • Responsibilities of engineers in society
    • Design thinking and problem based thinking as used in the engineering profession

What you will teach

Application of engineering knowledge and skills to a broad range of engineering disciplines including civil mechanical, mechatronic, bio-medical and aeronautical engineering.

Application of mathematical and engineering skills and knowledge associated with the study of engineering, its practices and associated methodologies.

Solution of engineering problems involving the synthesis and analysis of information, self-directed learning, communication, management and collaborative skills.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

Must have completed Design and Technology Life skills or will be required to complete this specialisation.

Major in Food Technology including theoretical studies and practical applications in food industry (such as Australian food industry) including:

  • Dietician
  • Nutritionist
  • Food manufacture
  • Food product development
  • Contemporary food issues
  • Food marketplace

What you will teach

  • Nutrition, diet and health in Australia, food availability and selection
  • Food Industry, production, processing, packaging storage and distribution of food and the marketing of food
  • Practical skills in food preparation, cooking, presentation and experimenting with food

Suggested Degrees

  • Food Technology

Required previous studies

  • Major in Geography including units in physical and human geography
    • Physical and cultural studies, covering topics such as: geomorphology, settlement and economic geography, bio-geography, people and the environment, geographical studies of development, and Australian geographical inquiries.
    • Units in Earth and environmental science may be considered upon review of units for appropriate discipline knowledge

What you will teach

  • Place
  • Space
  • Environment
  • Interconnection
  • Sustainability
  • Scale
  • Change
  • Geographies of interconnections
  • Environmental change and management
  • Geographies of human wellbeing

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

Must have completed Design and Technology Life skills or will be required to complete this specialisation.

Major in graphic or multimedia design (3 years’ of degree study) including studies of technical illustration, industrial design, graphic design or multimedia design including computer aided design (CAD). Theoretical studies and practical applications in at least three of the following areas:

  • Architecture and architectural drawing (such as Australian)
  • Cabinet drawing
  • Computer animation
  • Engineering drawing
  • Furniture drawing
  • Landscape drawing
  • Product and technical illustration

What you will teach

  • Develop skills in designing and developing software solutions, project management and communication.
  • Animation

Suggested Degrees

  • Graphic Design
  • Multimedia Design

Required previous studies

Must have completed Design and Technology Life skills or will be required to complete this specialisation.

Major in Industrial Design, Industrial technology, Technics or mechanical, civil, electrical, software engineering including studies in areas such as

  • Timber
  • Metals
  • Plastics
  • Electronics
  • Technical drawing
  • Engineering studies

What you will teach

The importance of design, management and production through the production of practical projects.

Suggested Degrees

  • Industrial Design
  • Industrial technology
  • Technics areas
  • Engineering

Required previous studies

A major in engineering technology studies or relevant discipline including studies of technology, engineering, project based learning and CAD/CAM.

What you will teach

Solution of engineering problems involving the synthesis and analysis of information, self-directed learning, communication, management and collaborative skills, design and construct solutions to engineering problems, modify designs and follow a planned construction sequence in the development and production of projects, apply the principles of mechanics and electricity to calculate solutions to design solutions, carry out experiments to demonstrate engineering and electrical principles, and use materials in design and production based on an understanding of their properties.

Project based learning including dismantle and assemble mechanisms to understand how they work, safely use hand and power tools, materials, finishes and equipment, select and use personal protective equipment, and design and production/manufacture including automation, mechanisation, control technology and CAD/CAM, including both additive and subtractive technologies.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

Investigating Science is available as a first teaching subject only. It requires a major in science including two units of general, interdisciplinary or applied science and one unit in each of chemistry, physics, earth & environmental science, biology.

What you will teach

  • Develop knowledge and understanding of cause and effect
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of models, theories and laws
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of science and technology
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues involving science

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

A major in law or legal studies including the Australian legal system.

What you will teach

  • The legal system
  • Crime and society
  • Civil obligations, contracts and torts
  • Technology, sport, property and family
  • Law in changing society

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

Required previous studies

A major in language including study of spoken and written language. Unit’s counted towards the major must be above an introductory level of study.

Where the language is an Aboriginal language there will be specific cultural requirements.

Native speakers of a language must hold an undergraduate degree and may obtain verification from an Australian University indicating that their level of competency in reading, writing, speaking, listening and culture is equivalent to the complete od a major in that language.

What you will teach

  • Language and culture which enables participation in a range of productive and receptive interactions.
  • Intercultural awareness that allows effective communication across languages and cultures.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts

Required previous studies

Major in pure or applied mathematics (must include one unit of algebra and one unit of calculus).

The major may include other studies of mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s) (only one unit of statistics may be counted).

A foundation of calculus plus a broad combination of advanced courses in at least three mathematical fields (e.g. abstract algebra, number theory, complex analysis, chaos theory, geometry, probability theory, statistics, topology, set theory and logic, discrete mathematics). Applied interdisciplinary mathematics courses (e.g. operations research, engineering, computer science, mathematical modelling in the sciences, history of mathematics, financial mathematics, cryptography, advanced economics or game theory) can count as one course in an advanced mathematical field.

Engineering studies may be considered upon review of units.

What you will teach

  • Number and algebra
  • Measurement and geometry
  • Statistics and probability
  • Number and place value
  • Fractions and decimals
  • Real numbers
  • Money and financial mathematics
  • Patterns and algebra
  • Linear and non-linear relationships

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor in Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Engineering
  • Bachelor of Arts (Major in Mathematics)

Required previous studies

A major in science in an area such as;

  • Marine studies
  • Biology
  • Earth and Environmental science
  • Discipline relevant to project based learning in Marine Studies and Aquaculture Technology

Project based learning must be a component of the pedagogical study associated with this teaching area.

Teachers must ensure that they have the required first aid, permits, licenses or certifications for any project based activity.

What you will teach

Role and impact for the individual consumer, society and the environment in marine and aquaculture technology endeavours.

The maintenance of biodiversity and the sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

Practice of design and problem solving in the marine and aquaculture technology.

Use of digital tools for management, designing and producing in marine and aquaculture technology.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Science

Required previous studies

A minor in mathematics, including one unit of algebra and one unit of calculus and a minor in physics. Only in unit of statistics may be counted. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical or physics content.

What you will teach

  • Nature of various forms of mathematical proof including mathematical induction, deduction and reduction ad absurdum.
  • Study of calculus involving topics such as ordinary differential equations, multiple integrals, limits and continuity, real or complex variable analysis.
  • Application and use of physics, implications of physics for society and the environment, and current issues, research and development in physics.
  • Models, theories, laws, structures and systems related to the physical world.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science with a major in Mathematics and Physics

Required previous studies

Major in History in areas such as:

  • Australian History
  • Contact and Aboriginal history
  • Early modern history
  • Historiography
  • Modern history
  • One unit in Ancient history or medieval history

Modern history studies including topics such as:

  • Asian, Australian and European History

What you will teach

  • The making of the modern world
  • The industrial revolution
  • Progressive ideas and movements
  • Movement of peoples
  • Australia and Asia
  • Making a nation
  • World War I and II
  • The modern world and Australia
  • Rights and freedoms
  • The globalising world
  • Popular culture
  • Migration experiences
  • The environmental movement

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts

Required previous studies

Major in Music, Including all of the following:

  • Musicological study (music history and analysis) in a range of musical styles
  • Periods and genres with a strong component of contemporary and western art music
  • Compositional techniques
  • Music performance studies (a minimum of four units and preferably Australian Music) and
  • The study of music and music practice must be developed as a discrete discipline
  • Analysis and evaluation of repertoire from a variety of social and cultural contexts
  • Creation of music compositions in a variety of genres and styles
  • Performance of musical repertoires by playing an instrument, singing or conducting, either solo or in an ensemble setting

Vocationally-orientated courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

  • The elements of music: Rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture
  • Types of music: songs and instrumental genres, music in film and media, contemporary and new music trends, and folk and art music from varied cultures, traditions and times
  • Improvise and arrange music
  • Manipulate combinations of the elements of music
  • Practise and rehearse
  • Plan and organise compositions
  • Perform music

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Arts (Music single- or double-major)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts

Required previous studies

A major in

  • Personal development and/or
  • Health studies (with a socio-cultural perspective) and/or
  • Physical education

With at least three units of study in health education including mental health, sexual health, relationships, drug education, child protection education, gender studies and risk taking behaviour; and

At least three units of study in physical education including contemporary physical activities, dance, gymnastics, games and sport.

  • Health and fitness through diet and exercise
  • Biophysical foundations of human movement
  • Socio-cultural foundations of human movement
  • Sport and physical activity in society: historical to contemporary perspectives
  • Motor control and learning
  • Biomechanics and biomaterials
  • Physical activity & health
  • Health promotion: perspectives and practice
  • Psychology of sport and exercise
  • Sociology and sport

Vocationally-oriented courses, coaching certificates, umpiring/refereeing accreditation in sports and physical activities are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

  • Alcohol and other drugs
  • Food and nutrition
  • Health benefits of physical activity
  • Relationships and sexuality
  • Safety
  • Active play and minor games
  • Challenge and adventure activities
  • Fundamental movement skills
  • Games and sport
  • Lifelong physical activities
  • Rhythmic and expressive movement activities

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Human Movement Studies
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Sports and Exercises science

Required previous studies

A major in science including four units in physics. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate physics content.

What you will teach

Application and use of physics, implications of physics for society and the environment, and current issues, research and development in physics.

Models, theories, laws, structures and systems related to the physical world

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws

Required previous studies

A major in social sciences including

  • At least one unit of sociology
  • Aboriginal studies
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Asian or Pacific studies
  • Civics
  • Cultural studies
  • Government
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Religion studies
  • Social communication
  • Sociology

What you will teach

Interactions of persons, societies, cultures and environments across time.

Continuity and change, personal and social futures and strategies for change.

Role of power, authority, identity, gender, technologies and globalisation in societies and cultures.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Laws

Required previous studies

A major in studies of religion including comparative religions and culture.

What you will teach

Religion and belief systems, and ethics over time.

Nature of religion and belief systems in local and global contexts.

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Religion Studies

Required previous studies

Must have completed Design and Technology Life skills or will be required to complete this specialisation.

Major in Textile studies (3 years’ of degree study) in areas such as textile technology or fashion design and including theoretical studies and practical applications in areas such as:

  • Design
  • Properties and performance of textiles
  • The Australian Textile Industry
  • Clothing
  • Footwear

What you will teach

  • Fabrication colouration, historical design, cultural design factors and contemporary designers
  • Fibres, yarns, fabrics, innovations and emerging textile technologies, environmental sustainability, current issues and the Australian Textile Industry
  • Practical Experience

Suggested Degrees

  • Textile Studies
  • Bachelor of Applied Fashion

Required previous studies

Major in Visual Arts (at least 3 academic years of degree level study), including all of the following:

  • Practical Studies in dimensional art forms such as drawing, printmaking, photography, visual design, graphics and multimedia
  • Practical Studies in 3-dimensional art forms such as ceramics, sculpture, installation and site specific works
  • And/or 4-dimensional art forms such as animation, filmmaking, web-based art, game deign, time-based works, graphics and multimedia
  • Art theory/history (minimum one year)
  • Studio art making practice (minimum one year)

The study of Visual Arts must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally orientated courses are not recognised as equivalent.

What you will teach

  • Manipulate materials, techniques, technologies and processes to develop and represent their own artistic intentions
  • Develop and refine techniques and processes to represent ideas and subject matter
  • Plan and design artworks that represent artistic intention
  • Present ideas for displaying artworks and evaluate displays of artworks

Suggested Degrees

  • Bachelor of Visual Arts