Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

This double degree at Christian Heritage College prepares you to teach in Australian secondary schools. You study two teaching areas alongside the education subjects that make you a registered teacher. The degree runs four years full time, which is normal for a double degree, a single bachelor degree in Australia is usually three years, an honours year adds one, and a master's takes one to two. Four years here reflects the two fields of study and the supervised teaching practice built into the qualification.

Teaching degrees in Australia are structured around units of study, each with a credit point value. You need a set number of credit points to graduate, split between education units, curriculum and instruction units, and your arts major and minor. Most institutions run two semesters a year, with some using trimesters. You will study how students learn, how to plan lessons, how to assess work, and how to manage a classroom. Curriculum and instruction units show you how to turn your arts subjects into something you can teach to teenagers. You also complete professional experience placements in schools, which is standard for teacher education in Australia and required for registration.

Expect to spend time in real classrooms. Australian teacher education degrees include supervised placements, often around 80 to 100 days across the degree, though the exact number depends on the state or territory registration body. You will plan and teach lessons under the watch of a supervising teacher, then reflect on what worked. By the end you should be able to stand in front of a Year 7 class and hold their attention, and do the same with a Year 12 class that is stressed about exams.

This course suits people who like their subject area and want to pass that on. You might be good at English, history, maths, science, or the arts, and want a job where you use that knowledge every day. It also suits career changers who already have an arts background and want to teach. You will need to meet the English requirement for teaching, which is higher than for most degrees, IELTS Academic 7.0–7.5 overall is common for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. Check the official page for the exact requirement, tuition, and application dates.

• Secondary school teacher in government, Catholic, and independent schools across Australia
• Subject-specific teacher in your two arts teaching areas, such as English, history, or mathematics
• Head of department or curriculum leader later in your career
• Education officer in museums, galleries, or community organisations
• Youth worker or program coordinator in the community sector
• Private tutor or education consultant
• Further study: honours year, master's in education, or research