Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Mathematics)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) – Mathematics at the University of New England is a graduate-entry teaching degree designed for students who want to become qualified secondary mathematics teachers, combining educational theory, specialist mathematics pedagogy and substantial professional experience. Students develop the skills to teach mathematics across Years 7–12 while building practical capabilities in curriculum planning, assessment, classroom practice and inclusive education.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their professional teaching foundation through education units and begin developing mathematics-specific teaching knowledge. Key Mathematics teaching units include EDME392 – Junior Secondary Mathematics Education 7–10 and EDME393 – Junior Secondary Mathematical Investigations, while professional experience begins through units such as EDUC540 and EDUC550, providing opportunities to connect theory with classroom practice.

Year 2: Students progress into senior-secondary mathematics pedagogy and more advanced professional practice. EDME394 – Senior Secondary Mathematics Education 11–12 develops knowledge of teaching and assessing senior mathematics, while EDME395 – Senior Secondary Mathematical Investigations strengthens students' ability to use mathematical investigation in teaching; students also complete their final professional experience placement and Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment.

Focus areas: Secondary mathematics education, Years 7–10 mathematics, Years 11–12 mathematics, mathematical investigations, curriculum design, assessment, inclusive education, classroom practice, professional experience.

Learning outcomes: Curriculum planning, mathematics pedagogy, mathematical investigation, student assessment, learning-theory application, classroom management, inclusive teaching, professional reflection and evidence-based teaching practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The course is an initial teacher education program designed around the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, and students must complete the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students and Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment requirements.

Reputation (employability rankings): UNE states that students consistently award the university 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, while the university describes itself as a leader in online education for current and future teachers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Mathematics) at the University of New England gives students practical preparation for teaching mathematics in secondary schools, combining professional education study with supervised school-based experience. Students develop classroom skills through professional experience placements and use UNE’s mathematics, education, library, and digital learning resources to build confidence in lesson planning, teaching, assessment, and classroom practice.

Practical learning opportunities include:

Professional experience placements: Students complete supervised professional experience in school settings, allowing them to apply educational theory, observe experienced teachers, plan lessons, teach mathematics, and develop classroom-management and assessment skills.
Mathematics teaching practice: The course develops students’ knowledge and skills for teaching mathematics in secondary schools, including the ability to design learning experiences and assess student learning against curriculum requirements.
Education facilities: UNE provides education students with access to specialist teaching and learning resources, including education laboratories and teaching spaces designed to support practical teacher preparation.
UNE Library: Students have access to Dixson Library, including education resources, electronic journals, databases, books and online learning materials that support lesson preparation, assignments and professional research.
Digital learning: UNE’s online learning environment provides access to course materials, learning activities, assessment information and communication tools, supporting students throughout their on-campus study and professional placements.
School-based professional experience: Placement experiences provide direct exposure to authentic secondary-school environments, helping students connect university coursework with the day-to-day responsibilities of a mathematics teacher.
Professional teacher preparation: The program is designed around the professional requirements for secondary teaching and supports students in developing the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required for classroom practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Mathematics) prepares graduates to become qualified secondary mathematics teachers, combining specialist teaching knowledge with substantial classroom experience. Graduates can pursue teaching in public or private secondary schools and develop pathways towards education leadership and broader educational roles.

Typical career roles: Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Education Manager, Education Leader.

Career support and employment preparation:

Professional experience: Students complete 60 days of professional experience across three units, including an online demonstration school and professional experience internship, providing direct classroom preparation before graduation.
Career preparation: UNE's practical teacher-training structure combines theoretical knowledge with classroom experience, while its teaching programs focus on student engagement, curriculum assessment, data analysis, technology in the classroom and interpersonal skills.
Employment statistics: UNE is rated in the top 20% of Australian universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary in the Good Universities Guide 2026 (undergraduate). UNE does not publish a specific employment rate or salary figure for graduates of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Mathematics), so no program-specific figure is stated.
Industry and school connections: Professional placements are undertaken in NESA-registered or NSW Department of Education schools, or equivalent interstate settings, with students assessed against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
Professional accreditation: The qualification is accredited with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and meets the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) requirements for initial teacher education, with graduates meeting the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Career Stage.
Long-term professional value: UNE's NESA accreditation and alignment with the AITSL framework provide a recognised professional pathway into teaching, although teacher-registration requirements vary between Australian states and territories.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are equipped to demonstrate information literacy, ethical and socially responsible practice, lifelong learning, independent professional practice and collaboration, supporting progression within the teaching profession.
Institutional reputation: UNE has received five stars for Overall Experience for 20 consecutive years in the Good Universities Guide 2007–2026 and is rated in the top 20% nationally for Social Equity in the 2026 guide.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, graduates can pursue further postgraduate study in education, educational leadership, curriculum, mathematics education or related fields. The qualification can also provide a foundation for continued professional development and progression into education leadership positions such as education manager, subject to relevant registration and employment requirements.