Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at La Trobe University is designed for students who are passionate about inspiring young learners and building a rewarding career in secondary education. This four-year program combines educational theory, subject specialisation, and extensive professional experience to prepare graduates for teaching in contemporary secondary school environments.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students establish a strong foundation in education through units such as Understanding Learning and Introduction to Curriculum and Pedagogy. These subjects introduce key teaching principles, adolescent development, and inclusive learning strategies while helping students understand how to engage effectively with diverse student populations.

Second Year

The second year focuses on developing subject-specific teaching knowledge and classroom practice. Units such as Teaching English in Secondary Schools and Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy allow students to explore effective curriculum planning, assessment methods, and pedagogical approaches tailored to their chosen teaching areas.

Third Year

During the third year, students deepen their professional knowledge through advanced curriculum studies and practical learning experiences. Coursework related to classroom management, assessment design, and inclusive education helps students build confidence in planning and delivering lessons while refining their communication and leadership skills in school settings.

Fourth Year

In the final year, students undertake extended professional placements and complete advanced units such as Assessment and Reporting and Professional Experience. This year emphasizes reflective teaching practice, leadership development, and real-world classroom application, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to transition into professional teaching careers.

Focus Areas

Secondary education, curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, adolescent learning, inclusive education, classroom management

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop effective teaching practices, apply educational theory in classroom environments, engage with diverse learners, implement assessment and reporting strategies, and demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching, ensuring graduates meet the professional standards required to teach in secondary schools across Victoria and Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

La Trobe University is recognised for its strong graduate employability outcomes and practical learning approach. The university consistently performs well in graduate employment surveys, with education graduates benefiting from strong industry connections and workplace-ready experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At La Trobe University, the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) program is designed to equip you with the practical skills and hands-on experience necessary for a successful teaching career. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to engage directly with real-world educational settings. You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience, ensuring you are well-prepared for the classroom.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) program:

- Professional Placements: You will complete a series of professional placements in schools, providing you with invaluable teaching experience and the chance to apply your theoretical knowledge in real classroom environments.

- Collaborative Projects: Engage in group projects that foster teamwork and communication skills, essential for any educator. These projects often involve designing lesson plans and educational resources.

- Digital Tools and Software: Gain proficiency in various educational technologies and software, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital assessment tools, which are increasingly important in modern teaching.

- Field Trips: Participate in field trips that connect classroom learning with real-world educational practices, allowing you to observe and reflect on different teaching methodologies.

- Research Facilities: Access dedicated research laboratories and resources that support your studies, including the La Trobe University Library, which offers a wealth of educational materials and research support.

- Supportive Institutes: Benefit from the expertise of the La Trobe Institute for Education and Teaching, which focuses on innovative teaching practices and educational research.

- Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars led by experienced educators and industry professionals, providing insights into current trends and challenges in education.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to ensure that you graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive as a secondary educator.

Choosing to study at La Trobe means you’re not just learning about education; you’re living it. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards an exciting career in teaching!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at La Trobe University are equipped with the professional teaching skills, practical classroom experience, and subject expertise needed to build successful careers in secondary education. The program prepares students to confidently teach in diverse school environments while also opening pathways into leadership, curriculum development, educational support, and community education roles. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Secondary School Teachers, Learning Area Coordinators, Curriculum Developers, and Education Support Professionals.

La Trobe University’s strong focus on industry engagement and practical teaching experience helps students develop the confidence and employability needed to succeed in the education sector:

Professional Experience Placements: Students complete a minimum of 60 days of supervised teaching placements in schools, allowing them to apply their learning in real classroom settings and build valuable professional networks before graduation.
Career Development Support: La Trobe offers dedicated employability services including career mentoring, resume and interview preparation, networking events, workshops, and job search support specifically designed to help education graduates transition into the workforce.
Industry Partnerships & School Connections: The university maintains strong partnerships with schools and educational organisations across Victoria, ensuring students gain authentic teaching experience and exposure to current classroom practices.
Digital & Future-Focused Teaching Skills: Students develop expertise in digital learning tools, classroom technologies, online assessment systems, and contemporary teaching methods used in modern educational environments.
Professional Accreditation & Long-Term Career Value: The program aligns with national teaching standards and accreditation requirements, helping graduates meet the qualifications necessary for teacher registration and long-term professional recognition in Australia.
Strong Graduate Employability: La Trobe University is recognised for its practical learning approach and strong graduate employment outcomes, helping students graduate with industry-relevant experience and workplace-ready skills.
Diverse Career Pathways: In addition to classroom teaching, graduates may pursue opportunities in educational leadership, policy support, youth development, curriculum planning, educational consultancy, and community education programs.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Education (Secondary), graduates may continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Education, Graduate Certificates in specialist teaching areas, or research-focused degrees in curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education, educational leadership, adolescent development, and digital learning. These pathways can support advancement into leadership, specialist education, research, and policy-focused careers within Australia and internationally.