This information is provided for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary/Secondary) and is designed to assist in the selection of teaching areas.

All applicants for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary/Secondary) MUST not only specify in their application whether they are selecting primary or secondary teaching, but ALSO indicate their preference for a teaching area from the following list.

Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma Teaching, students must complete 10 units (the equivalent of 96 credit points) comprising:

1 Specialisation (96 credit points) in Primary or Secondary; and
2 professional Experience units (0 credit points); and
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.

Primary Teaching Areas

Your undergraduate degree must contain at least one year of full-time study (generally eight semester-long units) in a key learning area (KLA) or a combination of KLAs from the primary school curriculum. E.g.

1: 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).

2: 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.

3: 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.

4: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

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

5: 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.

Secondary Teaching Areas

Your undergraduate degree must contain a major/first teaching area. In most cases, this equates to six units, with no more than two units at first-year level and no fewer than two units at third-year level, in a secondary teaching subject as a minimum for entry. Your undergraduate content and your teaching curriculum studies must align.

Where a teaching area has listed specialisations, you MUST choose at least one specialisation from the list and nominate this in your application.

It is recommended that applicants have a first teaching area and a minor/second teaching area. In most cases, for a second teaching area, this equates to four units, with no more than two units at first-year level.

*Please note, not all units/courses of study from overseas universities are equivalent to an Australian unit/course of study.

Not all teaching areas can be approved as a minor/second teaching area.

We offer the following NESA recognised teaching areas for Graduate Entry Initial Teacher Education Programs, split into relevant specialisations:

English

ENGLISH:

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 art studies

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 (English Major)

Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

You MUST choose one of the following specialisations:
Specialisations: Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Legal Studies, Modern History, Society and Culture

BUSINESS STUDIES

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

ECONOMICS

Required previous studies
A major in economics.

What you will teach
Introduction to Economics: The nature of economics and the operation of an economy
Consumers and Business: The role of consumers and business in the economy
Markets: The role of markets, demand, supply and competition
Labour Markets: The workforce and role of labour in the economy
Financial Markets: The financial market in Australia, including the share market
Government in the Economy: The role of government in the Australian economy
The Global Economy: Features of the global economy and globalisation
Australia’s Place in the Global Economy: Australia’s trade and finance
Economic Issues: Issues including growth, unemployment, inflation, wealth and management
Economic Policies and Management: The range of policies to manage the economy

Suggested Degrees
• Bachelor of Economics
• Bachelor of Business

GEOGRAPHY

Required previous studies
Major in Geography including units in physical and human geography
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 Environmental Science

LEGAL STUDIES

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

Applicants who studied overseas may not have covered the Australian legal system in their studies, this will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

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

MODERN HISTORY

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 must be included

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 (Modern History Major)

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Required previous studies
A major in social sciences including at least one unit of sociology and the remaining units drawn from areas such as Aboriginal studies, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, civics, cultural studies, government, history, philosophy, politics, religion studies, social communication, and 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

Mathematics

You MUST choose one of the following specialisations:
Specialisation: Mathematics,Mathematics Physics

MATHEMATICS

Required previous studies
Major in pure or applied mathematics (must include one unit of algebra and one unit of calculus).
One unit only of statistics may be counted, provided it is studied as a stand-alone unit.
Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical content.

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

MATHEMATICS PHYSICS

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies
A minor in mathematics, including one unit of algebra and one unit of calculus and a minor in physics. Only in units 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 reductio ad absurdum
Study of calculus involving topics such as ordinary differential equations, multiple integrals, limits and continuity, and 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

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

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.

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 (Education Major)
Bachelor of Sports and Exercises science (Education Major)

Science

You MUST choose one of the following specialisations:
Specialisation: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, Physics

BIOLOGY

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies
Major in science including four units in Biology, including at least two units at 200 level or above.

Appropriate discipline units may include, but are not limited to units in: 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
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

CHEMISTRY

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies
Major in science including four units in Chemistry, including at least two units at 200 level or above.

Appropriate discipline units may include, but are not limited to units in: Organic, Inorganic and Physical chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials science or related courses.

Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate chemistry content.

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

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies
Major in science including:

Three units in Earth or environmental science and one unit of biology
Appropriate discipline units may include, but are not limited to, units in: Geological sciences such as structural geology, tectonics, sedimentary environments, energy resources, hydrogeology, geophysics, and geochemistry.

What you will teach
The theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activity and continental movement
Global systems, including the carbon cycle

Suggested Degrees
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Environmental Science

INVESTIGATING SCIENCE

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies
A major in science including two units of general, interdisciplinary or applied science and one unit in each of chemistry, physics, earth and environmental science, and 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
Bachelor of Environmental Science

PHYSICS

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

Required previous studies
A major in science, including four units in physics, including at least two units at the 200 level or above.

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 (Physics Major)
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Physics Major)
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws (Physics Major)

Technologies (Known as Technological and Applied Studies, or TAS, in NSW)

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Only offered as a Major/First Teaching area.

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 Technology
Bachelor of Architecture

ENGINEERING STUDUES (STAGE 6)

Required previous studies
A major in engineering in an area such as;

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

A minor in engineering in an area such as;

Civil engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Mechatronic engineering
Or relevant studies of the application of Engineering principles and methods, Management and problem-solving in engineering contexts, Responsibilities of engineers in society and 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 (Engineering Major/Minor)

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY (WOOD AND METAL)

Required previous studies
Major in Industrial Design, Industrial Technology, Technics or mechanical, civil, electrical and software engineering.

The major must include studies in areas such as:

Timber
Metals
Polymers
Composites
Electronics
Technical drawing
Engineering using resistant materials*
* Additional study may be undertaken in Industrial technology automotives — at least two units of automotive studies; Industrial technology building and construction — at least two units of study in building and construction; Industrial technology electronics — at least two units of study in electronics; or Industrial technology multimedia — at least two units of study in multimedia.

What you will teach
The importance of design, management and production through the production of practical projects.

Suggested Degrees
Bachelor of Industrial Design
Bachelor of Industrial Technology
Bachelor of Engineering

INFORMATION PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGY

Required previous studies
Major in Computing or computing technology studies, 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 complete a range of practical experiences

Suggested Degrees
Bachelor of Information Technology

SOFTWARE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Required previous studies
A major in computing or computing technology including at least two units that develop skills in the design and development of software for example programming in a computer-based language and system analysis, design, development and testing.

What you will teach
Programming Fundamentals
The Object-Oriented Paradigm
Programming Mechatronics
Secure Software Architecture
Programming for the Web
Software Automation
Software Engineering Project

Suggested Degrees
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Major)

TEXTILES AND DESIGN

Required previous studies
A major in textile or equivalent discipline, including textile technology and fashion design, and also including studies of design, properties and performance of textiles and the Australian textile industry.

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
Bachelor of Applied Fashion