Program

Arts / Education (Secondary) - 4053

Program Summary

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Contact: School of Education

Campus: Sydney

Career: Undergraduate

Typical Duration: 4 Years  

Typical UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC Per Semester: 6

Max UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC For Award: 192

UAC Code: 422100

Domestic Entry Requirements: See Domestic Entry Requirements

International Entry Requirements: See International Entry Requirements

Award(s):

Bachelor of Arts (Major)

Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

View program information for previous years

Program Description

This program is for students commencing from 2016. Students commencing prior to 2016 should refer to 4054 Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education (Secondary).

The Dual degree program, Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education (Secondary) is a four-year program (192 UOC) for intending secondary school teachers. The program is a nationally accredited pre-service qualification.

You will combine studies in two single or one double secondary teaching specialisation(s) from the Bachelor of Arts. The program covers both theoretical and practical aspects of education, including 80 days supervised professional experience in at least two different secondary schools.

Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes

Program Objectives

The UNSW Bachelor of Arts objectives:
  • to develop informed understanding of human experience, human culture and human society;
  • to teach the tools and methods of understanding associated with Humanities and Social Science disciplines, and to encourage you to perceive the relationships between these disciplines;
  • to encourage the breadth of vision and critical thinking associated with interdisciplinary scholarship and research;
  • to enable you to place contemporary Australian society and culture in an historical and comparative context;
  • to engage critically with fundamental questions about value in both ethical and aesthetic contexts;
  • to develop the skills of critical, creative and imaginative thinking about society, culture and the arts;
  • to promote the techniques and value of reasoned and open minded discussion and debate;
  • to foster understanding of the experiences and world-views of other times, other places, and other cultures.
The aim of the UNSW BEd (Secondary) is to prepare its graduates for careers as secondary school teachers. It seeks to do this by providing instruction and experience in the areas of educational theory, pedagogy, planning, diversity and management.

Graduate Attributes

The Graduate Attributes for the UNSW BEd (Secondary) are as follows:
  1. Know students and how they learn
  2. Know the content and how to teach it
  3. Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning
  4. Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
  5. Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning
  6. Engage in professional learning
  7. Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Dual Mode

Program Structure

The basic requirements for the degree in Dual mode (96 UOC) are:
  1. Education Core (66 UOC)
  2. Prescribed Education method electives (24 UOC)
  3. Prescribed Education electives (6 UOC)

Core

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Professional Experience

EDST2002, EDST6760 and EDST6761 provide you with a total of 80 days of professional experience in secondary schools and other educational settings.

Prescribed Education Methods

You will complete two courses in each single teaching specialisation or two courses in one double teaching specialisation from the following:
  • Aboriginal (Indigenous) Studies
  • Drama
  • English (single or double)
  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
  • Geography
  • History (single or double)
  • Languages: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish
  • Legal Studies
  • Music Studies (Intensive)
  • Society and Culture

Prescribed Education Electives

The teaching specialisation requirements are summarised below:
 
Teaching Specialisation (offered as a single method only unless specified)
Two single methods: A Major stream is required for the first teaching method, and a Minor stream for the second teaching method.
For double English or double History: A Major is required in English or History and a Minor in a related area (eg. For English, appropriate minor studies include Linguistics, Media, Culture and Technology, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Philosophy; for History, appropriate minor studies include any Area studies, International Relations, Politics, Indigenous Studies)
Aboriginal (Indigenous) Studies
Studies in Aboriginal history, Aboriginal anthropology, Aboriginal literature, and/or Aboriginal language and linguistics.
Drama (Theatre & Performance Studies)
Studies in Drama, including theory, performance and production, including ARTS2122 Performance Production 1: Staging the Text, ARTS3123 Solo Performance Making or ARTS3124 Performance Production 2: Collaborative Making.
English (single or double method)
Studies in English language and literature, communications, creative writing, linguistics, and/or media studies, including at least 12 UOC in literature and 6 UOC in Australian literature.
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
Studies in Linguistics, with a specialisation in the English language.
Geography
Studies in Geography
History (single or double method)
Studies in History in areas such as Australian history, Aboriginal history, modern history, ancient history, or historiography.
Languages: Chinese, Japanese,  Indonesian, French, German, Spanish, and/or Korean 
Studies in a language other than English, including the spoken and written language, beyond the HSC level.
Legal Studies
Interdisciplinary studies in  criminology, politics, philosophy and law (available as an Extended Minor stream only)
Music Studies (Intensive) Studies in musicology (music history and analysis) in a range of musical styles, periods and genres with a strong component of contemporary and western art music, compositional techniques, music performance studies (a minimum of two years of music performance studies) and preferably Australian music.
Society and Culture
Studies in Social Sciences, including at least 6 UOC in sociology and no more than 6 UOC of psychology, in areas such as: Aboriginal studies, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, civics, cultural studies, government, history, media studies, philosophy, politics, religion studies, social communication.   

Prescribed Education Electives

A Prescribed Education Elective is any course chosen from the offerings of the School of Education.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in English is essential in all Education courses. Prospective teachers must be able to communicate effectively with school students and staff members. It is expected that all applicants will have a Higher School Certificate minimum Band 5 in Standard English or a Higher School Certificate minimum Band 5 in English as a Second Language or a Higher School Certificate minimum Band 5 in Advanced English or an overall IELTS score of 7.5, with a minimum of 8.0 in speaking and Listening and a minimum of 7.0 in reading and writing or the equivalent.

Proficiency in Languages other than English

If you are undertaking a major or extended minor stream in a language other than English as a first or second teaching specialisation, you may be asked to take an additional assessment of your language skills before being permitted to enrol in your specific language teaching specialisation (i.e., method). This is to ensure that you have the necessary language competence, including both spoken and written language, to teach the target language at HSC level in NSW schools.

National Literacy and Numeracy Test

You must pass a national literacy and numeracy test as part of the program requirements.

Award with Distinction

If you secure a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 75 across your program and you have completed at least 48 UOC of your program at UNSW, you are eligible for the award of your Pass Degree "with Distinction."

Honours

Once you have completed your Bachelor of Education in Dual mode and 144 UOC overall you can apply for admission to do an Honours year in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) program 4509. Entry to Honours requires a WAM of 70 or higher in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) component of the dual degree.

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) program 4509

Academic Rules

To qualify for the award of the degree at Pass level, you must:
  1. enrol in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Dual mode and complete 96 UOC;
  2. complete the method requirements for one or two areas of teaching specialisation
  3. complete at least 30 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses
  4. complete at least 30 UOC of Level 2 courses before enrolling in Level 3 courses

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Dual Mode

Program Structure

The basic requirements for the degree in Dual mode (96 UOC) are:
  1. A home major stream (60 UOC)
  2. A minor stream (24 UOC)
  3. Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives (12 UOC)
OR
  1. A home major stream (60 UOC)
  2. An extended minor stream (36 UOC)

Home Major Streams

The following home major streams in the Bachelor of Arts will prepare you for a first teaching specialisation in schools:

Chinese Studies English French Studies German Studies History
Japanese Studies Korean Studies Music Studies (Intensive) Spanish and Latin American Studies Theatre and Performance Studies

The following majors are also offered in subject areas less commonly taught in schools and/or restricted to the senior secondary level, hence are recommended as more appropriate for a second teaching specialisation:

External Major Stream

Geography exemption in BA/BEd (Secondary)
You can secure an exemption from the Home-based Major rule if you are completing the dual award program BA/BEd (Secondary) and wish to complete Geography as your first teaching method.

You must complete a home-based minor if you are seeking this exemption.

NOTE: For details of individual major and minor streams please consult the relevant stream entries.

Extended Minor Streams

The following streams are available as 36 UOC extended minors and will prepare you for an additional first teaching specialisation:

Chinese Studies English French Studies German Studies History
Indigenous Studies Indonesian Studies Japanese Studies Korean Studies Legal Studies
Linguistics Politics Sociology and Anthropology Spanish and Latin American Studies Theatre and Performance Studies

Minor Streams

The following streams are only available as 24 UOC minor streams and can be combined with a major stream in English or History as preparation for a double first teaching specialisation:

Asian Studies Australian Studies Creative Writing Enviromental Humanities European Studies
Film Studies International Relations Media, Culture and Technology Philosophy Women's and Gender Studies

Minors that are suitable as a supporting Minor for double History are as follows:
  • Asian Studies
  • Australian Studies
  • Environmental Humanities
  • European Studies
  • Indigenous Studies (Extended)
  • International Relations
  • Politics (Extended)
  • Sociology and Anthropology (Extended)
  • Women's and Gender Studies
Minors that are suitable as a supporting Minor for double English are as follows:
  • Creative Writing
  • Film Studies
  • Linguistics (Extended)
  • Media, Culture and Technology
  • Philosophy
  • Women’s and Gender Studies

Language Studies for Commencing Mid-Year Students

If your language skills are assessed as Level A in Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced or Professional you cannot commence study until Semester 1.

Major and Minor Stream requirements in Dual Programs

You must choose courses in the Bachelor of Arts (Dual mode) that will enable you to meet the teaching requirements for specific areas of specialisation.

You should check with the School of Education the teaching specialisation requirements in the Bachelor of Arts (Dual mode) to ensure the courses you have chosen will provide the appropriate background for two single or one double secondary teaching specialisation.

UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives

UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives are any courses chosen from the offerings of UNSW Arts and Social Sciences. You can use these courses to add depth to your major or minor stream (above the minimum requirements) or undertake other courses from other areas of study within UNSW Arts and Social Sciences. Indigenous Studies courses (ATSIxxxx) cannot be studied as UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives.

Award with Distinction

If you secure a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 75 across your program and you have completed at least 48 UOC of your program at UNSW, you are eligible for the award of your Pass Degree "with Distinction".

Honours

Once you have completed your Bachelor of Arts in Dual mode and 144 UOC overall you can apply for admission to do an Honours year in the Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Honours) program 4504. Entry to Honours requires a WAM of 70 or higher in the major stream(s) in which you want to study at Honours level.

Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Honours) program 4504

Academic Rules

To qualify for the award of the degree at Pass level, you must:
  1. complete 96 UOC in the BA;
  2. complete the requirements for one 60 UOC home major stream;
  3. complete the requirements for one 24 UOC minor stream or one 36 UOC extended minor stream;
  4. complete 12 UOC Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives if not completing an extended minor stream (36UOC);
  5. complete at least 30 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses;
  6. specify your major(s)/minor at the time of enrolment into Level 2;
  7. complete at least 48 UOC overall, including 6 UOC at Level 1 and 6 UOC at Level 2 in your major/minor, before enrolling in Level 3 courses

Sample Program

Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a 24 UOC Minor Stream - Example only

 Semester 1Semester 2UOC 
Level 1EDST1101 Educational Psychology 1 (6)

EDST1108 Indigenous Perspectives (6)

Major stream (6)

Minor stream (6)
EDST1104 Social Perspectives in Education (6)

Major stream (6)

Minor stream (6)

UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Elective (6)

 48
Level 2EDST2003 Learning and Teaching Introductory Perspectives (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

Minor stream (6)

EDST2002 Professional Engagement (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

Minor stream (6)

 48
Level 3EDST4084 Managing the Classroom (6)

EDST6760 Professional Experience 1 (6)

*Method 1A (6)

*Method 1B (6)

EDST4080 Special Education: Inclusive Strategies  (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Elective (6)

 48
Level 4EDST4096 Gifted and Talented Students (6)

EDST Elective (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

EDST4081 Professional Issues in Teaching (6)

EDST6761 Professional Experience 2/Internship (6)

*Method 2A (6)

*Method 2B (6)

 48
 *Or Double Method *Or Double Method 

Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a 36 UOC Extended Minor Stream - Example only

 Semester 1Semester 2UOC 
Level 1EDST1101 Educational Psychology 1 (6)

EDST1108 Indigenous Perspectives (6)

Major stream (6)

Extended Minor stream (6)
EDST1104 Social Perspectives in Education (6)

Major stream (6)

Extended Minor stream (6)

Extended Minor stream** (6)

 48
Level 2EDST2003 Learning and Teaching Introductory Perspectives (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

Extended Minor stream (6)

EDST2002 Professional Engagement (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

Extended Minor stream (6)

 48
Level 3EDST4084 Managing the Classroom (6)

EDST6760 Professional Experience 1 (6)

*Method 1A (6)

*Method 1B (6)

EDST4080 Special Education: Inclusive Strategies  (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

Extended Minor stream (6)

 48
Level 4EDST4096 Gifted and Talented Students (6)

EDST Elective (6)

Major stream (6)

Major stream (6)

EDST4081 Professional Issues in Teaching (6)

EDST6761 Professional Experience 2/Internship (6)

*Method 2A (6)

*Method 2B (6)

 48
 *Or Double Method *Or Double Method 

** BOSTES requires all students to complete 48 UOC in Arts courses by the end of Semester 1 Year 2. If you are completing an Extended Minor Language stream at Introductory Level you will complete a Level 2 course for your Major stream instead.

More sample programs can be found on the School of Education website.

Fees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Exit Strategies

Students completing the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Dual mode with the Bachelor of Arts who decide to discontinue their enrolment in this program may exit the program and enrol in the Bachelor of Arts program in Single mode. They would be awarded a major stream in Education (60 UOC). Students seeking to exit the program should contact the UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Student Centre.

Important Information

The Academic Rules for the UNSW BA BEd (Secondary) and the online enrolment facility provide students with a wide range of course choices. The online enrolment facility checks that students meet the enrolment requirements for individual courses but not that a course complies with Program Rules. Students are responsible for ensuring they are enrolling in accordance with the Academic Rules outlined above. Students should not assume that because they have enrolled in a course online that the course is automatically credited to their degree program.

Further Information

Contact the UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Student Centre for advice.
Tel: + 61 2 9385 2289
Email: arts@unsw.edu.au
Location: Room G1 Ground Floor, Morven Brown building (C20)
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Frequently asked questions

Glossary of Terms


Area(s) of Specialisation