Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Education (Secondary) at The University of Queensland is designed for students who are passionate about teaching and want to inspire the next generation through their chosen arts discipline. This dual-degree program combines in-depth subject knowledge with practical teaching experience, preparing graduates to become confident and capable secondary school educators in diverse learning environments.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year

In the first year, students build a strong academic foundation in both education and their selected arts specialisation. Courses such as Introduction to Education and Understanding Learning introduce key educational theories and teaching practices, while introductory arts subjects like Literature and Society or History in Context help students develop critical thinking and subject expertise.

Second Year

During the second year, students expand their understanding of pedagogy, adolescent learning, and curriculum planning through units such as Curriculum and Pedagogy and Assessment and Reporting. At the same time, they continue advancing within their chosen arts discipline through subjects like Modern Australian History, Creative Writing, or discipline-specific electives that strengthen analytical and communication skills.

Third Year

The third year focuses on applying educational theory in practical settings while deepening professional teaching capabilities. Students undertake studies in areas such as Inclusive Education and Teaching Diverse Learners, alongside intermediate-level professional experience placements that allow them to engage directly with classroom teaching and student learning in secondary school environments.

Fourth Year

In the final year, students complete advanced professional teaching placements and leadership-focused studies that prepare them for full-time teaching careers. Units such as Professional Experience and Educational Leadership help students refine classroom management, curriculum delivery, and reflective teaching practices while developing the confidence to lead and support learners across diverse educational settings.

Focus Areas:

Secondary education, arts disciplines, curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, inclusive education, adolescent learning, classroom management, and professional teaching practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop effective teaching strategies, understand educational theories and student development, foster critical thinking and creativity, engage diverse learners, design curriculum and assessments, and apply reflective professional practice in secondary classrooms.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program is accredited by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), ensuring graduates meet the professional standards required to teach in secondary schools across Queensland and Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Queensland is consistently recognised as one of Australia’s leading universities, with strong global rankings and graduate employability outcomes highlighted in the QS World University Rankings and QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Arts / Education (Secondary) program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are essential for a successful teaching career. Through a variety of hands-on experiences, students engage in real-world learning that prepares them for the dynamic environment of secondary education. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in authentic classroom settings and develop the competencies needed to inspire and educate future generations.

Here are some of the key experiential learning opportunities and resources available to students in this program:

- Practical Teaching Experience: Students complete a minimum of 60 days of supervised professional experience in schools, allowing them to apply their learning in real classroom environments.
- Collaborative Projects: Engage in group projects that foster teamwork and communication skills, essential for a collaborative teaching environment.
- Digital Tools and Software: Utilize educational technology tools such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and various learning management systems to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to local schools and educational institutions, providing insights into different teaching methodologies and school cultures.
- Research Facilities: Access to dedicated research laboratories and resources, including the UQ Education Research Institute, which supports innovative educational practices.
- Libraries and Learning Spaces: Benefit from UQ’s extensive library system, including the Education Library, which offers a wealth of resources for research and lesson planning.
- Internship Opportunities: Gain valuable experience through internships and placements in diverse educational settings, enhancing employability upon graduation.

These experiential learning components are integral to the Bachelor of Arts / Education (Secondary) program, ensuring that you graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills and experiences that employers value.

Embarking on this journey at UQ will equip you with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in the field of education. I encourage you to consider applying and take the first step towards a rewarding career in teaching!

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Arts / Education (Secondary) program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are essential for a successful teaching career. Through a variety of hands-on experiences, students engage in real-world learning that prepares them for the dynamic environment of secondary education. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in authentic settings, which is crucial for developing effective teaching strategies.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance their learning experience. Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Practical Teaching Experience: Students complete a minimum of 60 days of supervised professional experience in schools, allowing them to apply their learning in real classroom settings.
- Collaborative Projects: Engage in group projects that foster teamwork and communication skills, essential for a collaborative teaching environment.
- Digital Tools: Access to various educational technologies and software, including learning management systems and digital assessment tools, to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications, providing insights into different educational contexts.
- Research Facilities: Utilize dedicated research laboratories and resources, including the UQ Library, which offers extensive educational resources and study spaces.
- Supportive Institutes: Benefit from the expertise of the UQ School of Education, which provides guidance and support throughout your studies, including workshops and seminars.
- Internship Opportunities: Gain valuable experience through internships that allow you to work alongside experienced educators and learn from their practices.

These experiential learning components are designed to ensure that you graduate not only with a solid academic foundation but also with the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in a secondary education setting.