Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Arts

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the Sunshine Coast

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Arts at the University of the Sunshine Coast is a double degree that prepares you to become a qualified high school teacher with deep expertise in your chosen Arts discipline. It’s ideal if you want to combine your passion for subjects like English, history, or social sciences with practical teaching skills and real classroom experience.


Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building strong foundations in both education and your Arts discipline. Early studies focus on learning and development, foundations of pedagogy, and introductory Arts subjects such as history, literature, or social sciences, helping you understand both what to teach and how students learn.

Year 2:
In your second year, you begin applying theory to classroom contexts. You’ll explore curriculum studies, classroom management and relationships, and inclusive education, while continuing your Arts major through subjects that deepen your discipline knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Year 3:
You’ll further develop your teaching practice and subject expertise. Units emphasise professional teaching skills, technology in education, and teaching diverse learners, alongside advanced Arts subjects that strengthen your ability to connect real-world issues with classroom learning.

Year 4:
In your final year, you transition into a confident, job-ready teacher through extended professional experience placements in schools. You’ll apply curriculum design, assessment strategies, and reflective teaching practice, ensuring you graduate ready to lead your own classroom.


Focus areas:

Secondary teaching pedagogy, Arts specialisations (e.g., English, history, social sciences), curriculum and assessment, classroom management, inclusive education, professional teaching practice

Learning outcomes:

Develop strong subject expertise in an Arts discipline, apply effective teaching strategies, manage diverse classrooms, design engaging curriculum, and meet professional teaching standards for secondary education

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited teaching qualification aligned with Australian professional teaching standards, enabling you to become a registered secondary school teacher (subject to state requirements)

Reputation (employability rankings):

Programs are designed with strong industry-aligned teaching practice and professional placements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for employment in schools and education systems

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Arts program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to engage directly with the educational community and develop the competencies needed to thrive as an educator. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, you will be well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in the classroom.

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

- Practical Teaching Experience: Engage in supervised teaching placements in local schools, where you can apply your learning in real classroom settings.
- Collaborative Projects: Work on group projects that foster teamwork and communication skills, essential for any teaching environment.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced educational technology and software, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital assessment tools, to enhance your teaching methods.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips that connect classroom learning with real-world educational practices, providing insights into various teaching environments.
- Research Facilities: Access dedicated research laboratories and resources that support your studies and allow you to explore innovative teaching strategies.
- Libraries and Learning Resources: Benefit from extensive library facilities, including access to a wide range of educational texts, journals, and online databases to support your academic research.
- Professional Development Workshops: Attend workshops and seminars led by experienced educators and industry professionals, helping you stay current with the latest trends in education.

By immersing yourself in these hands-on experiences, you will not only enhance your teaching skills but also build a professional network that can support your career after graduation.

Choosing the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Arts at USC means you’re not just learning about education; you’re living it. This program is your gateway to becoming a confident and capable educator ready to inspire the next generation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Arts at the University of the Sunshine Coast means you enter the workforce as a qualified secondary school teacher with expertise in two Arts teaching areas. With 80 days of professional experience in real schools, you’ll graduate confident, classroom-ready, and equipped to teach Years 7–12 in a wide range of subjects.

Typical career pathways include:

  • Secondary school teacher (e.g., English, History, Geography, Arts)
  • Humanities or social sciences specialist teacher
  • Curriculum or learning support coordinator
  • Pathways into leadership roles such as head of department or year-level coordinator

From here, your future becomes practical, flexible, and career-focused:

  • Strong employability support:
    • Structured Professional Experience (PEx) placements (80 days) in local, rural, and remote schools, helping you build real classroom skills and employer connections
    • Access to Student Central and Professional Experience Office support, offering course guidance, placement coordination, and career readiness assistance
    • A strong focus on student wellbeing and mentoring during placements, ensuring you’re supported while developing professional teaching skills
  • Employment outcomes & salary potential:
    • Teaching is a high-demand profession in Australia, especially for secondary teachers with multiple teaching areas
    • Competitive graduate salaries typically start around AUD $75K–$90K+, with progression into leadership roles increasing earning potential
    • UniSC is rated 5 stars for teaching quality and #1 in Australia for student support in education, supporting strong graduate outcomes
  • University–industry partnerships:
    • Strong partnerships with schools across Queensland, including opportunities for rural and remote placements, expanding your professional network
    • Work-integrated learning ensures your training aligns with real classroom practices and employer expectations
    • Collaboration with education providers ensures you gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience throughout your degree
  • Long-term accreditation value:
    • Accredited by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), enabling you to become a registered secondary teacher in Australia
    • Recognised qualification aligned with national teaching standards, supporting career mobility across Australia and internationally
  • Graduation outcomes:
    • Graduate as a qualified secondary teacher with dual Arts specialisations
    • Equipped with curriculum knowledge, classroom management skills, and real teaching experience
    • Ready to work across schools, education systems, and community learning environments

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, you’ll have excellent opportunities to grow and specialise:

  • Pursue a Master of Education to specialise in leadership, curriculum, or inclusive education
  • Move into educational leadership roles such as head of department, coordinator, or principal with further study and experience
  • Continue into research degrees (Master’s or PhD) in education, humanities, or pedagogy
  • Expand into related fields such as education policy, curriculum development, or educational consultancy

In simple terms, this degree gives you a clear pathway into a respected, in-demand profession—while also offering the flexibility to grow into leadership, research, or specialist roles over time.

Program Key Stats

$28500
$11668
Febr Intake : 1st Nov


No

Eligibility Criteria

3.0
24
60

1000
24
7.0
94
68.00

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Community education centres
  • Education consultant
  • Education policy analyst
  • Private practice tutor
  • Secondary school teacher
  • Teacher of English overseas
  • Youth support worker

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