Home Study Postgraduate Secondary Education Major (GradDipEdu)
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    • MJRP-EDUSC

    Secondary Education

    Postgraduate major

    Build on your existing experience and gain the skills, knowledge and experience to teach years 7 to 12 in Australian high schools in just one year.

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    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Secondary Education Major (GradDipEdu)
    • Credit

      Credit

      A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
      200
    Course outline

    You can study this course as part of the following degree

    Graduate Diploma in Education

    Visit the degree page for information on admission criteria, course fees and study locations.

    Course outline

    What can I do with a degree in Secondary Education

    A meaningful career

    Teaching can be immensely fulfilling. Seeing your students learn and grow, both academically and personally, can be incredibly rewarding.

    Competitive salary

    WA teaching salaries are among the highest in Australia. As at December 2022, the starting salary for graduates is $78,397.

    High demand

    There’s a high demand for qualified secondary school teachers in WA, particularly in design and technology, English, humanities and social science, and mathematics.

    Overview

    Overview

    The Graduate Diploma course is no longer available for students studying in New South Wales, Victoria or South Australia due to restrictions in registering with the Teachers' Accreditation authorities in those states. Students from NSW, Victoria and South Australia considering a career in teacher education should consider a Curtin Master of Teaching program.

    Curtin’s Secondary Education major within our Graduate Diploma of Education program is designed for those aspiring to teach in years 7–12 in Australian secondary schools. In this course, you’ll learn how to apply your existing knowledge and expertise to become a qualified secondary school teacher. You’ll specialise in one of six curriculum teaching areas, with your selection depending on your study background.

    These teaching areas are:

    • English
    • Health and Physical Education
    • Humanities and Social Sciences (economics, geography, history, politics and law)
    • Mathematics
    • Science (physics, chemistry, biology, human biology, psychology, earth and environmental science)
    • The Arts (visual arts, drama, media).

    You’ll also build strong skills in inclusive education, with a dedicated focus on First Nations culture and perspectives in secondary schools.

    Graduates are eligible for teacher registration in Western Australia and may also apply for recognition of this registration in other Australian states and territories.

    This Secondary Education major is part of the Graduate Diploma of Education – our one-year pathway into the teaching profession – and only offers a major teaching area, with no minor. If you wish to complete a minor, you can continue your studies through our accredited Master of Teaching.

    This course is not suitable for qualified secondary teachers wishing to change their subject specialisation.

    What jobs can the Secondary Education course lead to?

    • Secondary school teacher
    • International Baccalaureate teacher
    • Policy development officer
    • Special programs officer
    • Trainer, mentor or coach
    • Curriculum designer

    What you'll learn

    • apply relevant theory and research to enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of learners from a diversity of backgrounds and of aspirations, GC1, GC2
    • apply high-level discipline knowledges and understandings to demonstrate pedagogical capabilities, including planning and delivering effective teaching and learning experiences in the technologically enhanced learning environment, with demonstrated impact for all learners, GC1, GC2, GC3
    • create and manage positive, safe and ethical learning environments that support a diversity of learners to engage in meaningful learning, GC2, GC3, GC4
    • communicate professionally with educational stakeholders, including colleagues, parents and carers, and engage collaboratively to build sustainable communities, GC3, GC4, GC6

    Why study Secondary Education at Curtin?

    Professionally recognised

    This course is recognised by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, meaning you’ll be eligible to teach secondary education in WA.

    Accelerated pathway into teaching

    This one-year program offers a focused and accelerated pathway to becoming a secondary school teacher in Western Australia. Graduates residing in other states or territories should contact their local regulatory authority to confirm eligible requirements.

    Top 70 in the world

    Curtin is ranked in the top 70 universities in the world for the field of Education in the University Ranking by Academic Performance 2022-23.

    Professional recognition and accreditation

    Graduates are eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA), which enables them to teach in Western Australia only. Graduates residing in other states and territories can register with the TRBWA and then may apply for mutual recognition of this registration at their own state registration authority.

    This course is not accredited as a national teaching qualification. Accredited qualifications refer to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses that are accredited by the relevant state or territory authority. Accredited ITE courses are recognised nationally by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, enabling graduates to teach anywhere in Australia and to have their qualification recognised internationally in many countries.

    The Graduate Diploma course is no longer available for students studying in New South Wales, Victoria or South Australia due to restrictions in registering with the Teachers'Accreditation authorities in these states. Students from NSW, Victoria and South Australia considering a career in teacher education should consider a Curtin Master of Teaching program.

    Admission criteria

    What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

    Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

    Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

    Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

    Submit an enquiry CRL search

    Fees and scholarships

    Please view the Graduate Diploma in Education degree for indicative fees.

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    How to apply

    Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

    Apply now

    • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

      The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

      While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

      View courses information disclaimer.

    • Curtin course code: MJRP-EDUSC
    • Last updated on: 10 March 2026

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