Major 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 is designed for those aspiring to teach in years 7–12 in Australian secondary schools.
In this course, you’ll 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.
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.
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 course is not suitable for qualified secondary teachers wishing to change their subject specialisation.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Double Degrees
Career outcomes
There’s a high demand for qualified secondary school teachers in WA, particularly in design and technology, English, humanities and social science, and mathematics. WA teaching salaries are among the highest in Australia. As at October 2025, the starting salary for graduates is $85,610.
- Secondary school teacher
- International Baccalaureate teacher
- Policy development officer
- Special programs officer
- Trainer, mentor or coach
- Curriculum designer
Professional accreditation and recognition
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.
Why study 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.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
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.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this degree either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Double Degrees
Explore more
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