Master of Teaching Secondary: Frequently Asked Questions > Graduate School of Education: The University of Western Australia
 
 

Graduate School of Education

Master of Teaching Secondary: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q1: What is the closing date for application to the Master of Teaching Secondary and where do I apply?

A: All students will be able to apply online. For more information:

Review the how to apply information for closing dates:Future students

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Q2: What is the selection process for entry to the Master of Teaching Secondary?

A: Selection is competitive and is based on the AITSL program entry standards (https://www.aitsl.edu.au/deliver-ite-programs/standards-and-procedures ). Entrants are selected according to academic and non-academic characteristics. All applicants must submit a personal statement based on AITSL program entry standards and inherent requirements. The GSE Personal Statement template must be used. The minimum WAM for entry is 60% although in some circumstances this cut-off can be waived if the applicant has relevant work experience or other relevant mitigating circumstances. In such cases, the candidate may be invited for an interview.

For Music Majors in the Secondary program, music audition videos or a skype audition may be requested.

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Q3: When does the course commence?


Semester 1 2020, commences on Monday 24 February (compulsory induction day the week prior)


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Q4: Do I need to attend the compulsory teacher induction?

A compulsory teacher induction day is held the week before formal classes commence. It is very important to attend. You will need to complete forms for professional practice, and apply for a Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance. You will also receive important information about the course.

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Q5: Where can I find information on course fees?

A: Unit fee information

International students should review the international fees or contact the fees team via AskUWA for further information.

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Q6: Which teaching majors and minors are available?

 

A: The major areas of study offered in our program are:

  • English
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) 
  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Science (Physical or Biological)

The minor teaching areas offered are:

  • English
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
  • Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Science


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Q7: What are the prerequisites for a major teaching area?

A: You must have a degree with six units in a discipline that is relevant for the school curriculum major. To be eligible , applicants must have at least 6 six units in a relevant discipline with at least two of those units studied at second year university level and two at third year university level. The major teaching area will prepare you to teach students in years 7 to 12.

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Q8: What are the pre-requisites for a minor teaching area?

A: The prerequisite for the minor is four semester units of study with at least two units studied at second year university level. The minor teaching area will prepare you to teach students in years 7 to 10.

If you do not have a second discipline area in your degree then you may choose one of three areas of interest for which there is no prerequisite. These are:

  • Career Development
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Special Education
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Q9: How many weeks of teaching practice are there?

A: Review the teaching practice timetable for the specific dates of teaching practice. During this period of time full-time attendance in school is a requirement. 

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Q10: What will I be qualified for once I have completed the degree?

A: You will be eligible for registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia and qualified to teach in secondary schools in Australia and overseas.

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Q11: Is the workload heavy?

A: While the workload is not unlike that of a graduate teacher, it is heavier than in a typical undergraduate academic year. The contact time for a full-time enrolment in Semester 1 is approximately 15 hours, and 10 hours in Semester 2.

Prospective students should note that there is a great deal of out-of-class work to be done in preparation for workshops, seminars and assessment tasks.

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Q12: Can I work full-time and study full-time?

A: The workshop/lecture schedule is very busy and there is a great deal of out-of-class work to be done in preparation for workshops, seminars and assessment tasks. Since much of this work is focused on preparing you to be effective classroom teachers with responsibility for the learning of your students, it is expected that you will give full attention to the assignment work. It is therefore unlikely that you will be able to work full-time and meet your teaching practice responsibilities and successfully complete the course. Pre-service teachers must be available during the scheduled professional practice periods as per the Graduate School of Education calendar. Pre-service teachers are required to give a full-time commitment to the school at which they are undertaking their practicum during the scheduled days.

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Q13: Can I qualify to be a Special Education teacher?

Studying our Special Education units as an area of interest does not directly lead to an appointment at a Special Education Centre. The Department of Education requires you to register and you need to confirm this process with them. It happens after you have completed your initial teaching studies.

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Q14: When are the non-teaching periods?

Please see the academic calendar.

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Q15: Where can I find further information regarding the course

A: Further information about the course is available here Master of Teaching Secondary. For enrolment information please see Course advice.

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Q16. Where can I find information on clearances for professional practice?

A: You will be provided with information during Orientation and through LMS/SONIA online.

You are required to have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) and a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) through the Department of Education prior to commencing your Professional Practice.

1. A National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) through the Department of Education (DoE).

Apply online at the DoE website – www.education.wa.edu.au/ncchc. Original documents will need to be verified by the Graduate School of Education at UWA.

2. A Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Application forms from any post office, or see www.workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au for further information. A section of the form is to be completed by and signed by an authorised representative from the GSE. Please bring in your form to reception so this can be done prior to presenting it to the post office for processing. Please note: You need to be enrolled in a professional practice unit (or a designated unit) before the School can sign the form.

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Q17: How long does it take to complete this course?

A: The Master of Teaching Secondary can now be completed in 18 months in an accelerated offering where students will need to overload in each semester. We also have the standard two year full-time course. It is also available part-time usually over three years. Please note that part-time does not mean after hours. 

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Q18: Do I need to sit the National Literacy and Numeracy Test?

Yes. It is a requirement of the Australian Federal Government that you pass the LANTITE to demonstrate your literacy and numeracy competence. Successful completion of the LANTITE is also a requirement to pass EDUC5000 and to graduate. Details on registering for the LANTITE, practicing the LANTITE, sitting the LANTITE and receiving your results can be found at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/ . Please pay particular attention to the test windows and when your results are released. You will need to provide us with proof of successful completion of the LANTITE to pass EDUC5000 and to graduate.

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Q19: Can I study full-time and work part-time?

Classes are not normally recorded. During professional practice you will need to be available full-time for five weeks in semester 1 and six weeks in semester 2. It is not possible to change dates for professional practice because of agreements with school sectors. Please consider this information before applying.

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