Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Newcastle
Duration4 years full-time.4 years full-time.
Mode of deliveryFace to Face
Start dates{asset_metadata_UON.Degree.StartDate.Domestic_key^tag:start_dates^xslt:558562}Semester 1 (21 Feb 2022),
FeesFind information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 34,680 (indicative annual fee, 2022)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
English proficiencyIELTS overall minimum - 6.5, IELTS section minimum - 6.5 Find out more about IELTS.
Program Code40226
N/A
This was the minimum selection rank for recent school leaver offers in 2022. It may change in 2023.
Entry requirements
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
Study Secondary Education Studies
Secondary teachers have the unique distinction of being able to nurture, teach and empower students at a critical period of their development. If you dream of being a teacher in your home country, a degree in secondary education studies will provide you with the skills to directly influence future generations.
Learn how to inspire high school students to make the most of their education and ignite their passion in a particular subject area. You’ll gain in-depth expertise, confidence and skills to empower high school students and change their lives.
If you are from a country that only requires a Bachelor degree to teach, you may want to enrol in this Bachelor of Education (Secondary Studies) degree because it will allow you to do your final placement in your home country. If you are from a country that requires an accredited teaching degree, then please enrol in our NESA accredited Bachelor of Education (Secondary) degree.
Why study with us?
- Carve your own path to teaching: Combine your chosen teaching major (first teaching area) with additional teaching areas under any of the three specialisation streams: Humanities, Health and Physical Education, STEM (Science, Technology, Computer and Engineering Studies and Mathematics)
- Stand out with an Australian degree Graduate with a degree from one of the top 200 Universities in the world, ready to apply what you’ve learned in your home country (QS World University rankings 2020)
- Our secondary education graduates get teaching jobs - 94.1% of our undergraduate education students found full time employment within four months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-2021)
- Flexible career options with professional accreditations for both early childhood and primary school settings, as well as opportunities for non-teaching roles in related sectors.
- Cutting-edge and experience-based learning with Sim Tech, our virtual reality teacher training tool. You’ll also benefit from Ed Outreach community experiences from your first year.
Top 200
?
university in the world
Top 150
?
in the world - Education
94.1%
?
of undergraduate Education graduates found employment within four months
professional placement
completed by every student in the program
What you will study
Specialise and diversify with up to three teaching areas – choose from 34 teaching areas and increase your knowledge, expertise and career pathways.
- Complete one major (as your first teaching area); and
- Choose to complete one or two additional teaching area/s;
- Extended studies is also an option in Health and Physical Education stream.
To focus your studies and gain flexibility in your degree, you may combine your major (first teaching area) with additional teaching areas under any of the three streams – Humanities; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering Studies and Mathematics) and Health & Physical Education.
Additional teaching areas are available in the below majors (first teaching area) with the exception of Computing Information Systems and Software Design; Design and Technology, Health and Physical Education.
Career
Career opportunities
Our Bachelor of Education Studies graduates are both teachers and non-teaching professionals who work in classrooms, various education settings and across related industries around the world. For instance, you could find yourself encouraging a student to follow their passions in Mathematics; or encouraging the quiet student to find their voice in public speaking and debating; or nurturing the leadership qualities of a great CEO.
Graduates of this program will be able to seek employment as Primary or Elementary teachers in their home countries (Graduates should check their local accreditation requirements to determine the suitability of this program).
When you study secondary education at the University of Newcastle, your flexible skillset and specialist expertise will widen your employment prospects. Below are some typical jobs available to our graduates:
- secondary school teacher
- specialist teacher in secondary school
- special education
- English as a second language teacher
- community educator
- education policy analyst
- educational consultant
- education publication writer or editor
- curriculum developer or evaluator
Professional recognition
This program does not meet the requirements for Australian accreditation (i.e. NESA). For an accredited program, consider the Bachelor of Education (Secondary).
Practical experience
This degree provides opportunities for you to gain experience both within Australia and within your home country. During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility. Students must meet all the Education Placement Requirements for their Australian placements, including a NSW Working with Children clearance.
The Bachelor of Education Studies degrees are designed to increase your competitive edge and employability. Learning is more innovative and experience-based, ensuring that University of Newcastle Education graduates are more employable than ever.
Enjoy practical teaching experience from your first year and develop your skills through SimTeach where you will enjoy simulated classrooms and virtual reality experiences. First year students can also participate in community service experiences.
This degree requires students to participate in two placements:
- Completion of 20 days teacher observations in a 7 - 12 setting in a NSW Department of Education or other NSW school or service providers; and
- Completion of 50 days of supervised practice in a Secondary school setting in their own state, country or territory or the country in which they intend to teach.
Study with us
Hear from our students
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
How to apply
Applying for Bachelor of Education (Secondary Studies)
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Newcastle
Let's just check you are eligible
Pick your situation from the list below for more information.
If you are an international student, read the information below before completing an application.
Recently completed secondary education, either at high school, TAFE or with another VET provider? If so, you will generally be considered for entry based on your Selection Rank (SR). Some degrees may also have extra requirements such as auditions or interviews. Additional requirements can be found on the relevant degree page.
Choose what you are most interested in and then research some back up options with lower Selection Ranks (SR) to put as your later choices. A good tip is to look at degrees that may have similar first year subjects. This will help you reduce your overall study time if you want to apply to transfer to your degree of choice after the first year.
We also recommend choosing one of our free pathway programs as a backup option as your fifth preference on your UAC application. Selection Ranks (SR) requirements for our degrees do change from year to year so only use the Selection Rank (SR) as a guide.
You should start planning your way into uni from Year 10 onwards. Think about:
- Using our study areas to narrow down study options based on what you are interested in
- Come and speak to us at events like Open Day, Schools Visit Day and campus tours
- Check the Assumed Knowledge and Recommended Studies of the degrees you are interested in
- If you are a high performer you can get a head start by completing some uni subjects while still at school
- Sign up to our mailing list for regular updates
- Have a look at adjustment points and other entry schemes that may give you an extra boost
- Decide on some back up options like Open Foundation and other entry pathways if you don't get the required marks
- See our Application FAQs .
- Have questions? Ask a student. We know you must have heaps of questions about university life – what’s needed to get into your degree, where to go for support, what on-campus accommodation is available and of course, where to find the best coffee. Jump on our website to chat to one of our Student Ambassadors.
Secondary results don’t have a use-by date. Even if you completed high school 20 years ago, these results may be used to apply to the University of Newcastle. You can use your ATAR or equivalent (UAI, TER etc) to apply irrespective of when you completed Year 12.
It can be complicated to calculate your Selection Rank (SR) based on high school results before the introduction of the ATAR in 2009. Contact us at 1300 275 866 and let us do the calculating for you.
If you don’t think you will meet the Selection Rank (SR) for admission there are other options to get in depending on your situation:
- Open Foundation
Complete this program full-time (in a single semester) or part-time (up to 2 years) to get guaranteed entry to over 40+ degrees or to receive a new University Selection Rank.
- Yapug
Complete this program full-time (in two semesters) or part-time (up to 2 years) to gain entry into an undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle.
- Diplomas
Complete a diploma either full-time or part-time to get entry into one of our related Bachelor degrees.
- Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Admission Scheme
Get entry help by identifying you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- Elite Athlete Program
Get adjustment points and support by applying as an elite athlete.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test
Complete this test for a mark for entry into some of our degrees.
For advice on these other options please contact us by calling 1300 275 866.
When reviewing admission eligibility, we take into account vocational education and training. Many educational providers offer Certificate III, IV and Diploma Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) awards. Some also offer Advanced Diploma and Associate Degrees.
We can convert assessable qualifications into selection ranks. This helps to ensure fairness and transparency. Selection ranks from different individual qualifications are not combined or added together to form a rank.
The highest of the two numbers will be the one used to assess your eligibility for admission.
The tables below provides information on how to assess your selection rank based on your AQF qualification.
TAFE Guaranteed Entry
Many of our students come to us after completing TAFE studies.
Completed an accredited Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma ? You can gain entry into many of our undergraduate programs.
Complete Graded AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma
| Grade Point Average | Rank - AQF Diploma | Rank - AQF Advanced Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5+ | 95 | 96.95 |
| 6.25-6.49 | 93 | 95.25 |
| 6.00-6.24 | 90 | 93 |
| 5.75-5.99 | 88 | 91 |
| 5.50-5.74 | 86 | 89 |
| 5.25-5.49 | 83 | 86 |
| 5.00-5.24 | 81 | 83 |
| 4.75-4.99 | 78 | 80 |
| 4.00-4.74 | 75 | 76 |
Complete and Incomplete Ungraded AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma
| Rank - AQF Advanced Diploma | Rank - AQF Diploma |
|---|---|
| 76 | 75 |
Complete Graded AQF Certificate III or AQF Certificate IV
Please note: Certificate III qualifications and below are not accepted for the Bachelor of Nursing program.
| Grade Point Average | Rank - AQF Certificate III | Rank - AQF Certificate IV |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5+ | 78 | 90 |
| 6.25-6.49 | 78 | 88 |
| 6.00-6.24 | 77 | 86 |
| 5.75-5.99 | 76 | 84 |
| 5.50-5.74 | 75 | 82 |
| 5.25-5.49 | 73 | 80 |
| 5.00-5.24 | 71 | 78 |
| 4.75-4.99 | 69 | 75 |
| 4.00-4.74 | 67 | 73 |
Complete Ungraded AQF Certificate III and AQF Certificate IV
| Rank - AQF Certificate III | Rank - AQF Certificate IV |
|---|---|
| 67 | 73 |
Note: Incomplete VET studies must be AQF Diploma level or above and more than 0.2 of a full time student (FTE) to be considered for admission.
Contact our Enquiry Centre on 1300 275 866 to discuss your qualifications and grades. Our team are happy to advise you on your options.
Your previous qualifications may also make you eligible for credit to your degree. This will cut down on your study time. You can apply for credit before you start. See our credit page for more information.
If you don’t think you will meet the requirements for admission there are other options to get in depending on your situation:
- Open Foundation
Complete this program full-time (in a single semester) or part-time (up to 2 years) to get guaranteed entry to over 40+ degrees or to receive a new University Selection Rank. - Yapug Complete this program full-time (in a single year) or part-time (up to 2 years) to gain entry into an undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle.
- Diplomas Complete a diploma either full-time or part-time to gain entry into a related Bachelor's degree
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme
Get entry help by identifying you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. - Educational Access Scheme
Get up to four points if you have experienced educational or other disadvantage. - Elite Athlete Program
Get adjustment points and support by applying as an elite athlete. - Special Tertiary Admissions Test
Complete this test for a mark for entry into some of our degrees.
Completed higher education or partial higher education studies? Your grade point average (GPA) can be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes.
For fairness and transparency, all assessable qualifications are converted to a selection rank. The selection rank from this qualification is not added to your ATAR. The highest of the two numbers will be the one used to assess your eligibility for admission.
If you have completed a degree and want to move onto postgraduate study please see our Postgraduate website.
Bachelor degree studies
| Min GPA (>0.5FTE*) | Selection Rank |
|---|---|
| 6.5+ | 97.30 |
| 6 | 93.40 |
| 5 | 86.30 |
| 4 | 77.65 |
| 3 | 67.25 |
*Your GPA can only be calculated if you have completed at least 20 units of study. A full-time study (FTE) load is usually 80 units per year.
Completed pathway (also known as enabling or tertiary preparation) programs
| Overall Grade Average | Selection Rank |
|---|---|
| >97 | 99.55 |
| 80 | 84 |
| 70 | 77 |
| 60 | 70 |
| 50 | 65 |
Want to transfer across to another degree? Visit our Internal Transfers page for current students for more information.
If you have completed or are soon to complete an Enabling Pathways program (Open Foundation or Yapug) you can apply for most degrees. Please visit the Your Next Move website for more information.
If you want to transfer or complete a tertiary preparation program at another university you will need to apply through UAC. Please contact our Enquiry Centre 1300 275 866 for information and advice.
If you think you may be eligible for credit please visit our credit section.
If you have secondary qualifications from overseas, there are some that are assessed as the equivalent to an Australian Year 12 qualification. Note that equivalence of qualifications alone does not guarantee entry into programs. For fairness and transparency, overseas qualifications will be converted to a selection rank.
For advice on your options please contact us by calling 1300 275 866 or visit AskUON.
If you haven’t completed any formal secondary, VET or higher education studies we offer a range of options to get you on the pathway to your dream degree.
Our recommended pathways are:
Pathway programs (Open Foundation and Yapug)
The University of Newcastle is the largest provider of pathway programs in Australia. If you haven’t studied for a while, or your high school results weren’t what you expected, you can start at university with one of our pathway programs.
Our pathway programs offer guaranteed entry to over 40+ University of Newcastle degrees. When you complete this program your Grade Point Average can be converted to a selection rank.
The programs on offer are:
- Open Foundation
Completing our Open Foundation pathway program will award you a new rank to apply to uni. Finish Open Foundation in just a single semester or take your time - up to 2 years. Flexible study supports you to learn at your own pace, including online, part-time or full-time options. - Yapug
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student you could complete our one year Yapug pathway program. - New Diplomas
Complete a diploma either full-time or part-time to get entry into one of our related Bachelor's degree.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is an aptitude test, organised through the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. If you are over 18 and not a current Year 12 student, results from the test can be used for entry into some (but not all) University of Newcastle degrees. Make sure you look into which degrees accept STAT for entry.
If your qualification is not listed and you are unsure whether you can use it to gain entry please contact us on 1300 275 866 or AskUON.
If your qualification is not listed and you are unsure whether you can use it to gain entry please contact us on 1300 275 866 or AskUON.
Non-Award Admission
If you want to do one or two subjects at the University of Newcastle but not a full degree you can apply for non-award admission. You may want to do this for preliminary work for a higher degree, professional requirements or because of an interest in the area.
Find out more and apply by visiting Non-Award Admission.
Cross-Institutional Study
Currently at another university and want to do one or more subjects at the University of Newcastle for credit? You can apply for Cross-Institutional Study.
Find out more and apply by visiting Cross-Institutional Study.
If you have more than one of the qualifications listed above they may all count towards your application.
We are always happy to provide advice and discuss your circumstances so please contact us by calling 1300 275 866.
Senior secondary school qualification
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools. To check if your qualification is recognised for direct entry into the University of Newcastle, please refer to the entry requirements below.
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
The Australian Government operates a student visa program that enables people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents to undertake study in Australia. A person who wants to undertake a course of study under the student visa programme must obtain a student visa before they can commence a course of study in Australia. A successful applicant must be both a genuine temporary entrant and a genuine student.
An applicant who is a genuine temporary entrant will have circumstances that support a genuine intention to temporarily enter and remain in Australia, notwithstanding the potential for this intention to change over time to an intention to utilise lawful means to remain in Australia for an extended period of time or permanently. All Australian education providers must have strategies and arrangements in place to ensure that all students and prospective students meet the requirements with Direction 69 as a condition of admission to the institution.
When your application for admission is received, the University of Newcastle will assess this against university entrance requirements including: minimum age, English and academic entry requirements. To comply with Australian law your application will also be assessed to check that you are genuinely seeking temporary entry to Australia to study. You may be asked to provide the University of Newcastle with evidence addressing Ministerial Direction 69 as part of finalising your admission. If the University forms the opinion that you are not a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) it may refuse to assess your application, withdraw an offer of a place, or cancel your confirmation of enrolment.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection in Australia will also assess each application for a student visa (subclass 500) against the applicant’s intention to stay temporarily in Australia as a genuine student. The criteria for this assessment are outlined in Ministerial Direction 69. Applicants that don’t satisfy the criteria under Direction 69 will not be granted a student visa.
For more information, please refer to the following areas of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website:
Other things to consider
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
Admission to this program is available to international students only and requires the successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
All Applicants must have an English Language proficiency equivalent to an IELTS Overall Score of 6.5, with a Section Minimum in all areas of 6.5.
Admission to this program is restricted to applicants from countries where there is no reciprocal accreditation with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).
Prior to admission to the program, applicant’s must verify their eligibility to undertake placement with the relevant education authority and be qualified to teach in their chosen state, country or territory.
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
Applicants for this program must satisfy a minimum English Language Proficiency Standard equivalent to an IELTS overall minimum of 6.5 with no subtest result below 6.5.
This degree requires students to participate in two placements:
- Completion of 20 days teacher observations in a 7-12 setting in a NSW Department of Education or other NSW school or service providers; and
- Completion of 50 days of supervised practice in a Secondary school setting in their own state, country or territory or the country in which they intend to teach.
Placements may extend beyond normal semester times and students must meet their own associated travel and accommodation costs, where applicable.
During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility.
Students must meet all the Education Placement Requirements, including a NSW Working with Children clearance.
Students must check the professional experience website for all placement information.
Anaphylaxis Training
Working With Children Check
Child Protection Awareness Training
You can look at NUPrep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
You should also think about degree add-ons like combined options or a Diploma in Languages. If you would like to learn an additional language alongside your main bachelor degree, then this program is for you. Languages offered include: Australian Sign Language (Auslan), Chinese, French, German and Japanese.
Ok, great, let's go!
Apply to study this degree through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
You can select up to five preferences in your UAC application, so have a look around and select some back-up options. Put the degree you are most interested in first.
Apply to study in Australia
The Bachelor of Education (Secondary Studies) is not a New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) accredited program, which means upon completion of the program students will not qualify to practice as a teacher in NSW.
Completion of the program requires students to return to the state, country or territory in which they intend to teach to undertake the final professional experience placement in the final semester of the program.
Admission to this program is restricted to applicants from countries where there is no reciprocal accreditation with NESA.
Prior to admission to the program, please ensure that you have verified your eligibility to undertake placement with the relevant education authority and be qualified to teach in your chosen state, country or territory.
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.