Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Science
Inspire a new generation to discover science. This double degree lets you combine your passion for science with five-star teaching skills, qualifying you to teach students in Years 7-12. Specialise in two teaching areas such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, geography or psychology. Plan lessons, assess students, and manage a classroom. Teach a diverse range of students in varied educational settings.
In this program you will:
- Learn how to plan lessons, assess students, and manage a classroom
- Be provided the opportunity to experience different school settings and learners by taking a trip to rural and remote areas
- Gain eligibility to become members of the Queensland College of Teachers
Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships available from 2024
The Australian Government is providing financial support for initial teacher education (ITE) students commencing full-time teaching degrees from 2024. Receive $10,000 per year of study for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2024 fees (A$)
CSP Annual fee / Estimated total feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Psychological Sciences Extended Minor is only available for students admitted in the program in Semester 1.
Psychological Sciences Extended Minor is only available for students admitted in the program in Semester 1.
Career opportunities
- Children’s television presenter
- Community education centres
- Education consultant
- Education exhibition organiser
- Education policy analyst
- Private college teacher
- Private practice tutor
- Secondary school teacher
- Teacher of English overseas
- Universities
- Youth support worker
Memberships
Graduates may be eligible to become members of:
- Queensland College of Teachers
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 32
- Total units
- 384
- Duration
- 4 years 4 years
- CRICOS code
- 082694G
- UniSC program code
- SE303
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
EDU101 Human Development and Learning
EDU114 Professional Experience: Orientation to the Profession
EDU119 English Language and Literacy
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Developing courses (1) 12 units
SCS203 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Graduate courses (9) 108 units
EDU300 Assessing Learning
EDU328 Professional Experience: Managing Learning Environments
EDU410 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
EDU412 Diversity and Inclusion
EDU415 Teacher as Researcher
EDU417 Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
EDU421 Using Data for Learning
EDU424 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
EDU426 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
Required courses from a specified list (4)
Select 48 units of curriculum and pedagogy courses related to your major and minor from:
EDU352 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 1
EDU353 Teaching Senior Secondary Science 1
EDU354 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 2
EDU355 Teaching Senior Secondary Science 2
EDU356 Teaching Junior Secondary Geography
EDU357 Teaching Senior Secondary Geography
EDU363 Teaching Junior Secondary Mathematics
EDU364 Teaching Senior Secondary Mathematics
EDU375 Teaching Senior Secondary Psychology
Major courses (8) 96 units #
Biological Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Extended Minor courses (6) 72 units*
Biological Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Geography
Mathematical Sciences
Psychological Sciences
* Note: Students must undertake a minor from a different discipline area to their major
# The following Major and Extended minor combinations will take longer than four years to complete and students will need an additional semester to finish.
-
Psychological Sciences Extended Minor combined with any of the majors;
-
Biological Sciences Extended Minor combined with any of the majors, for students commencing in Semester 2;
-
Biological Sciences Major combined with the Chemical Sciences Extended Minor, for students commencing in Semester 2.
These combinations are NOT available for international students.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 70.00 |
| Moreton Bay | 70.00 |
Special selection criteria
Applicants must write a 1000-word written statement that describes their non-academic capabilities. Effective teachers possess both academic and non-academic capabilities. Research has shown that the best teachers are those who have academic capability, literacy and numeracy skills and personal characteristics (non-academic capabilities). Non-academic capabilities include motivation to teach, self-efficacy, willingness to learn, conscientiousness, engagement with learning, resilience, interpersonal and communication skills, organisational and planning skills, and written communications skills. Research has also shown that a personal written statement describing self- assessment of non-academic capabilities is a suitable means for assessing non-academic capabilities for teaching.
Complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate your motivation for teaching.
Entry to this program requires applicants to meet academic and non-academic criteria.
Full details of entry to this program are on the QTAC website.
The program includes activities and assessment that require a minimum level of personal mobility and physical fitness to complete. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
To commence field experience placement within this program, students must have a Working with Children Check.
As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), pre-service teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre in which children under 18 years of age are present. It is highly recommended that students be proactive in applying for a card as soon as they are accepted into the program. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that pre-service teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional learning.
Student must be able to travel to attend professional experience placements.
Post admission requirements
Students must complete 80 days of supervised professional experience, completed as full-time blocks as program approved. Most of this experience must be completed in a Queensland school. Students must undergo a criminal history check and obtain a Suitability Card before the first workplace experience, refer to institution.
Students undertaking an Initial Teacher Education program are expected to undertake and meet the benchmark in the Personal Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Educators (ITE). Students must complete and pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) prior to graduating.
Additional entry information
Applicants must demonstrate non-academic capabilities as per Personal Statement requirement. Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS score of at least 7.5 with a minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in all other subtests - refer to English language requirements.
- Prerequisites
English (Units 3 and 4, C); General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths (Units 3 and 4, C); non-academic entry requirements also apply
- Recommended prior study
- A science subject (preferably Chemistry)
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete a minimum of 80 days Supervised Professional Experience, completed as full-time blocks, most of which must be completed in Queensland schools
- Successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. For more information on this Government initiative please visit the Students First website. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website
- AITSL require a minimum of four courses chosen for a minor teaching area, with no more than two introductory courses.
- Professional Experience courses (EDU328, EDU424, EDU426) should not be completed in the same semester as a course from a major or extended minor. All courses studied concurrently with a Professional Experience course should be EDU coded
Program notes
- The following combinations of teaching areas will take longer than four years to complete and students will need an additional semester to finish.
• Psychological Sciences Extended Minor combined with any of the majors;
• Biological Sciences Extended Minor combined with any of the majors, for students commencing in Semester 2;
• Biological Sciences Major combined with the Chemical Sciences Extended Minor, for students commencing in Semester 2.
These combinations are NOT available for international students - The Psychological Sciences Extended Minor is only available for students admitted in the program in Semester 1
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Cross-institutional study is not permitted for the education (EDU) coded courses and SCS203 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Science
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
WIL notes
In order to commence Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) placement you must:
- Obtain a Blue Card (or link your existing Blue Card to USC) prior to commencing supervised professional experience. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the SPE start date. View the Blue Card Fact Sheet for further information
- Complete PrePlace and a Student Placement Agreement (further information will be provided by the placement office upon enrolment)
- Be willing to travel to attend supervised professional experience placements
- Visit Education - Professional Experience (PEx) for more information on requirements for placement.
-
It is no longer a requirement that students in Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Science are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your placement.
UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Previous qualifications or experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
- CSP estimate
- A$9,099 - 2024 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2024)
- A$27,000
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2024)
- A$108,000
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.
Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to USC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 017231 |
| Moreton Bay | 014231 |
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.