Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary)(Chemistry)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Chemistry) at Deakin University blends a solid scientific foundation with professional teacher training so you graduate ready to inspire the next generation of learners. If you love chemistry and want to turn that passion into a rewarding career as a qualified secondary school teacher, this combined degree gives you the science depth and teaching expertise schools look for.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year you’ll dive into key science units like Ecology and the Environment, Cells and Genes, and Physics for the Life Sciences while also learning essential scientific communication skills in Communicating Science Ideas. You’ll begin to build your teaching foundations by selecting introductory education‑related electives and completing units such as Career Tools for Employability and Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program, gaining both scientific literacy and preparation for classroom teaching.

Year 2:
Your studies broaden with deeper science discipline units—you’ll explore more advanced chemistry content such as Chemistry for the Professional Sciences and build analytical thinking alongside optional specialist science electives. At the same time, you’ll engage with education units that introduce pedagogical thinking and begin to understand how students learn in secondary classrooms, preparing you for future teaching practicums.

Year 3:
This year typically marks your entry into the Master of Teaching (Secondary) component, where you’ll study core professional practice units like Pedagogy in Action: Research and Design Foundations and Relational Pedagogies for Collaborative Engagement. You’ll also undertake curriculum‑specific units such as Teaching Science: Middle Years and Teaching Chemistry: Senior Years, deeply connecting chemistry content with teaching methodology.

Year 4:
In your final year you’ll complete extensive professional experience placements in schools where you apply your science knowledge and teaching skills in real classrooms under the guidance of experienced educators. Alongside this, you’ll finish advanced teaching units that focus on inclusive education, wellbeing and literacy strategies, ensuring you’re ready to meet classroom challenges with confidence.

Focus areas (in a string):

Chemistry expertise, science pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, educational research, secondary teaching methods, inclusive learning strategies

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Deep scientific understanding, ability to apply chemistry concepts in secondary education, effective teaching and communication skills, trauma‑informed pedagogical strategies, professional teacher competencies ready for classroom practice

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and aligns with national professional standards for graduate teachers, qualifying you for teacher registration in secondary schools.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Deakin’s education degrees are recognised for their strong research base and practical focus, and the university is highly regarded for graduate employability — particularly in teaching and education fields where practical placement and pedagogical training are key strengths.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Deakin University’s Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Chemistry), your learning goes far beyond lectures — it’s about developing practical skills you’ll use in real classrooms and science environments. You’ll learn through a blend of hands‑on chemistry lab work in modern science facilities and extensive professional teaching experiences that ensure you’re confident and capable before graduating. The program embeds real school placements from early in your studies alongside classroom‑based preparation, giving you the tools, confidence and real‑world insight that employers and schools value. Students also use digital learning platforms and collaborative projects to build both science and teaching expertise throughout the degree:

Here’s how your practical experience plays out in this program:

Hands‑on laboratory science: You’ll work in well‑equipped chemistry and science labs as part of units like SLE210 Chemistry the Enabling Science, where you conduct experiments, develop lab techniques and work as part of a scientific team.
School professional placements: Across the Master of Teaching (Secondary), you complete a compulsory 60 days of supervised professional experience in real secondary classrooms, where you learn from experienced teachers and apply teaching strategies directly with students.
Professional Experience support: Deakin’s School of Education provides structured placement frameworks, preparation resources and mentor support so you’re ready and confident as you transition into classroom environments, including rural and international placement options.
Work‑integrated learning opportunities: Beyond placements, Deakin encourages participation in community science projects, study tours, and integrated workplace experiences that connect your chemistry knowledge with education practice.
Campus facilities and learning spaces: You’ll have access to modern science labs, teaching preparation spaces and extensive library and digital resources that support research, lesson planning and collaborative project work across both science and teaching units.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Deakin University’s Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Chemistry) are well‑positioned for a meaningful and diverse career — you’ll leave ready to step straight into the classroom as a qualified secondary school teacher, while also opening doors to roles beyond schools thanks to your strong science and teaching background. Typical roles include secondary science teacher, academic adviser or curriculum specialist, education consultant, and youth engagement officer in community and government sectors. With Australia’s demand for teachers growing and Deakin’s emphasis on practical, research‑informed practices, you’ll enter the workforce with confidence and credibility:

Here’s how Deakin supports your career progression and future success:

Dedicated career support services: Through DeakinTALENT, you’ll access personalised career coaching, résumé and interview preparation, and job connection tools tailored to education sectors and professional pathways.
Strong employment outlook: Employment in education and training in Australia is projected to grow significantly, reflecting ongoing demand for qualified teachers and educational professionals.
Professional accreditation and registration: Graduating from this course makes you eligible to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and meet national teaching standards — a long‑term professional credential that schools and employers trust.
Versatile graduate outcomes: As well as classroom teaching, your skills in curriculum design, communication and critical thinking prepare you for roles in policy, education consulting, community services, and youth advocacy.
Graduate satisfaction and employability: Deakin’s education pathways show strong graduate satisfaction and good employment rates in teaching and related fields, helping you step confidently into your first professional role.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re passionate about deepening your expertise even further, there are clear pathways beyond this combined degree. You could pursue research‑focused postgraduate studies like a Master of Education (Research) or even a PhD, specialising in areas such as science education, curriculum innovation, or educational leadership. These higher‑level qualifications expand your opportunities into academic research, policy roles, and senior leadership positions within education systems.