Bachelor of Education Secondary(chemistry education)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a Chemistry Education focus at Edith Cowan University is perfect for students who are passionate about science and want to inspire young learners. Over four years, you will combine in-depth chemistry knowledge with practical teaching skills, gaining real classroom experience while developing the confidence to become an effective secondary school teacher.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Teaching and Chemistry
In your first year, you’ll explore the essentials of becoming a teacher through units like Becoming a Teacher and Foundations of Professional Practice, learning how students learn and what makes teaching effective. You will also begin your chemistry studies with units in general and inorganic chemistry, alongside minor curriculum studies to broaden your subject knowledge.

Year 2 – Developing Teaching Practice
In the second year, you’ll start applying what you’ve learned in real classroom settings. Units such as Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Creating Positive Learning Environments will deepen your understanding of pedagogy, while your first professional placement in a secondary school lets you practice teaching under supervision. Chemistry content continues, ensuring your subject expertise grows alongside your teaching skills.

Year 3 – Integration and Professional Growth
This year focuses on integrating curriculum knowledge with classroom practice. Units like Diversity in the Secondary Classroom and Integrating Curriculum with Practice help you adapt lessons for diverse learners. Your second professional placement further develops your hands-on experience, and advanced chemistry units prepare you for teaching complex topics confidently.

Year 4 – Advanced Practice and Professional Readiness
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your teaching skills through units such as Aboriginal Contexts in Secondary Education and Teaching Performance Assessment. The Assistant Teacher Program allows you to mentor younger teachers while refining your own classroom skills. Advanced chemistry content and studies on the education system prepare you to enter the workforce as a fully qualified and confident secondary school teacher.

Focus Areas

Secondary education pedagogy, professional teaching practice, chemistry subject knowledge, curriculum design, inclusive classroom strategies, assessment literacy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to plan, deliver, and assess effective secondary chemistry lessons, apply evidence-based teaching strategies, create inclusive learning environments, and demonstrate professional readiness through practical classroom experience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is fully accredited in Australia, preparing graduates for teacher registration in secondary schools. Professional practice placements throughout the degree ensure you are ready to enter the classroom with confidence.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Edith Cowan University is recognized for high-quality undergraduate teaching and strong connections with schools across Australia. Graduates benefit from well-supported pathways into secondary teaching roles in both public and private schools.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University, gaining real-world teaching experience is a key part of your Bachelor of Education (Secondary). From your very first placement, you’ll have the opportunity to step into secondary school classrooms and start applying the teaching strategies and chemistry knowledge you’re learning in lectures. You’ll be guided by experienced mentor teachers, supported by university supervisors, and have plenty of chances to reflect on your practice, develop your classroom management skills, and design lessons that really engage students. Alongside your placements, you’ll also benefit from ECU’s modern libraries, collaborative study spaces, and online learning tools, all of which help you prepare and reflect on your teaching journey:

Here’s what you can expect during your practical learning experiences:

Professional school placements across your four years, starting with a short placement in Year 2, moving to a longer placement in Year 3, and culminating in the Assistant Teacher Program in Year 4, where you take on substantial classroom responsibilities.
Professional Immersion Program (PIPE) opportunities, which may allow you to work one day a week in schools as an education assistant, giving extra hands-on experience.
Guided mentorship from experienced teachers, along with regular feedback and support from ECU supervisors, helping you grow as a confident educator.
Collaborative projects and curriculum design tasks, giving you practical experience in planning lessons and assessments as you would in a real classroom.
Access to ECU’s learning facilities, including award-winning libraries, online learning platforms, and student support hubs, to help you prepare for placements and reflect on your progress.
Professional Experience support office, which organizes your placements and ensures you meet all legal and professional requirements, including mentoring support and literacy/numeracy preparation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a Chemistry focus leave ECU ready to make a real impact in schools. You could step into roles as a secondary school chemistry teacher, education officer, curriculum developer, or learning support teacher, all equipped with practical classroom experience and strong teaching skills. This degree gives you the confidence and professional credibility to work in both public and private secondary schools across Australia and internationally:

Career support services: ECU’s Careers and Employability Services help you prepare for the workforce with resume advice, interview coaching, networking opportunities, and guidance on graduate teaching positions.
Graduate outcomes: ECU alumni enjoy strong employability, with most securing full-time teaching roles shortly after graduation and a median salary around AUD 86,900.
Accreditation and professional recognition: The degree is nationally accredited and qualifies you for teacher registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA), giving your career long-term credibility and flexibility.
Practical readiness: By the time you graduate, you will have documented hands-on classroom experience, a portfolio of lesson plans, and the confidence to lead learning in real secondary school settings.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue learning after graduation, there are clear pathways. You could take a Master of Education to specialise in leadership, curriculum innovation, or educational research, or pursue a Graduate Certificate in Education to develop expertise in areas like inclusive teaching or classroom technology. These options can help you expand your career opportunities and take on senior or specialist roles in schools.