This degree combines practical experience and theoretical engagement in communication, media and contemporary creative writing with a teacher education course to teach English in NSW secondary schools. Students may also qualify as teachers of English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) or Society & Culture - Human Society and its Environment (HSIE). Students earn both an undergraduate Bachelor of Communication and a postgraduate Master of Teaching in Secondary Education in four (4) years of full-time study.
The course is suitable for high-school leavers and provides a grounding in disciplinary studies before students learn, through pedagogical and curriculum subjects, how to apply their knowledge and skills in a secondary school context.
The Bachelor of Communication component allows students to develop analytical skills and writing techniques through studies of key texts, genres and narrative forms. By studying with a team of experienced writers, publishers, scholars and industry professionals, students learn to use language to communicate for different audiences, contexts and purposes. A focus on critical skills and collaborative workshopping leads to the development of individual writing skills and the ability to provide constructive feedback. Students may complete general electives or specific subjects in the Society and Culture stream.
The Master of Teaching core component provides students with research-based studies of educational theory and practice as a basis for professional decision-making in secondary schools. Students undertake teaching methods and professional experience related to their chosen teaching area(s) to develop skills and confidence in curriculum and classroom management for effective teaching. Campus-based academic study scaffolds 80 days of professional experience across a variety of school settings in preparation for completion of the mandatory Teaching Performance Assessment. Students may undertake Education electives to broaden out their studies in areas such as learning design and digital pedagogy or complete specific subjects related to English as an Additional Language/Dialect.