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

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts / Education (Secondary) at the University of Queensland (UQ) are equipped with a strong combination of disciplinary expertise in the humanities, social sciences, languages, or related arts fields alongside a professional teaching qualification. The program prepares students to inspire and educate young people while developing critical thinking, communication, leadership, and classroom management skills that are highly valued across the education sector. Typical career paths include Secondary School Teacher, English Teacher, History Teacher, Languages Teacher, and Curriculum Development or Education Policy Professional.

The program supports strong career outcomes through:

Dedicated employability support: Students can access UQ's award-winning Employability team, which provides career development workshops, personalised career advice, employer networking events, mentoring programs, internship opportunities, and employability resources to support successful graduate outcomes.
Extensive professional teaching experience: The degree includes a minimum of 60 days of supervised professional experience placements in secondary schools, enabling students to develop practical teaching skills, classroom confidence, and valuable professional networks before graduation.
Strong industry and school partnerships: UQ maintains extensive partnerships with schools, educational organisations, and government bodies across Queensland, providing students with authentic teaching experiences and opportunities to engage with current educational practices.
Outstanding employment outcomes and salaries: UQ graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with the university consistently ranking among Australia's leading institutions for graduate employability. According to the Australian Graduate Outcomes Survey, UQ undergraduate graduates report a median full-time salary of approximately AUD 84,000–89,000 within three years of graduation, reflecting the strong value of a UQ qualification.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is accredited by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), allowing graduates to apply for teacher registration in Queensland and supporting recognition across Australia through mutual registration arrangements.
Diverse graduate outcomes: While many graduates pursue careers as secondary school teachers, opportunities also exist in curriculum development, educational consultancy, policy and administration, community education programs, youth services, educational publishing, and training and development roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate coursework or research programs such as a Master of Education, Master of Educational Studies, Master of Educational Leadership, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or PhD. These qualifications can lead to advanced careers in educational leadership, curriculum design, education policy, academic research, teacher education, consultancy, and senior management roles within schools and educational organisations.