You could help spark that 'lightbulb moment' for kids in your classroom.
Ranked in the Top 100 in the world for Education, you'll gain the skills needed to empower future generations and inspire young minds. See yourself here in 2020.
A great teacher can change lives and truly impact the communities in which they live. Through our education degrees you’ll learn more than just how to teach – you’ll gain the skills needed to empower future generations and inspire young minds. A career in education is rewarding and diverse, and with access to the latest technologies including TeachLivE simulated classrooms, you’ll graduate with globally-transferable skills and qualifications.
Empower future generations and influence positive change within classrooms and communities, from early childhood through to secondary education, by playing a critical role in the growth of children into young adults. Whether you work as a teacher, curriculum developer, community educator, or more, you will be at the forefront, shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.
We understand that sometimes you don't know exactly which area of education and teaching you'd like to specialise in. You might, however, have an idea of what, or who you’d like to teach. Use these areas of interest to narrow down your study and learning options based on your interests and career goals.
An early childhood degree focuses on the study of teaching during the period from birth to five years old. As an early childhood graduate you play a significant role in the intellectual and social development of young children during these crucial early years. Degrees in this area prepare you for both teaching and non-teaching roles within educational settings and related industries. You will learn to work with diverse families and children in settings including childcare centres and preschools.
Primary school education degrees focus on teaching during the critical period where children cultivate life-long skills. Primary school teaching graduates are qualified to teach children from Kindergarten to year 6. Graduates who specialise their studies in this area work as teachers, industry leaders and professionals across related sectors in Australia and around the world.
Health and Physical Education (PE) graduates play constructive roles within and beyond the school system. They learn to motivate and teach secondary students to explore a range of physical activities, sports and healthy lifestyle issues. Their degree helps them empower future generations to develop self-esteem, fitness, teamwork and a healthier outlook. Health and PE professionals pursue careers not only in education, but also in related industries such as health promotion; fitness; sport and recreation; physical activity research; and community sports.
Humanities educators customise their education degree to become experts in a range of teaching areas including Aboriginal Studies; Ancient History; Business and Legal Studies; Drama; Economics; English; Geography; Languages; Media Studies; Modern History; Society and Culture; Studies of Religion; and Teaching English as a Second Language. Humanities teaching students usually specialise in up to three areas of focus which dramatically improves employment prospects. While many Humanities professionals choose to work in education, others enjoy careers outside teaching in a variety of industries.
Unlock unique and exciting opportunities when you combine your education degree with study of a language. Study our Diploma in Languages either on its own or alongside your degree. Learn a range of different languages and get a diploma level qualification.
As a secondary Mathematics professional, your love of numbers can shape, guide and nurture the next generation. Maths teachers and mathematicians are in high demand and a degree in this area gives you the flexibility to choose where you end up. You could work as a classroom teacher or move into other roles within the Education sector; or you could use your qualifications to become a specialist mathematician in public or private enterprise.
Science education professionals have the unique opportunity to combine their passions in one rewarding career. These graduates are versatile scientists, but have also learned valuable skills in how to educate the next generation of budding science experts. Science teachers are qualified to teach secondary students from year 7 to 12. However completing the science component of your Education degree may open up career options in other growing industries such as health and sciences.
By studying to be a secondary teacher in your chosen technology subjects, you will learn to nurture students’ abilities to innovate in real-world situations using technological applications. This includes the design, creation and evaluation of products and systems. Careers are not only limited to the education sector, with opportunities in a range of other innovative industries like research and design; construction; architecture; and creative industries.
Medical education students become specialists who contribute to science and innovation in education or commercial and industrial ventures. Throughout your degree you will develop a background in biomedical science, and will learn to simplify complex medical or scientific information for general consumption. The strong science background of these medical professionals may also mean they have the option to branch into science teaching.
A degree in special education prepares teachers to work with students who have physical and intellectual disabilities, visual or hearing impairment, mental health diagnosis or learning difficulties. Graduates learn to work collaboratively with parents, teachers and other professionals to ensure students’ learning opportunities and outcomes are met in either integrated mainstream or specialist learning settings. Qualified special education professionals work in a range of immensely rewarding roles both in and out of school settings.
Visual arts teachers help develop confident, creative individuals, artists, designers and cultural participants. Within your degree you will learn to teach the practical skills and theory of various art forms, and study how to teach the history of these art forms. Career options extend beyond the classroom, with a range of other roles in local government and other community organisations available for qualified visual art education professionals.
Watch Maddison's story
Interested in making a lifelong difference for students of all backgrounds? Consider experiences like those of Primary Teaching (Honours) student Maddison.
“I chose to study primary teaching to be in the classroom, working with students, to allow them to reach their goals and full potential,” says Maddison. “I’m passionate about working with kids with special needs…providing a supportive and engaging platform for them to receive the best possible education that will resonate with them for life,” says Maddison.
She discovered that passion during a practical placement in rural Dubbo, NSW.
“I was lucky enough to go into the Special Education unit that they had there, work with some students with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and autism. It was extremely valuable to see the impact I had on them and their learning,” she says.
The experience expanded her horizons culturally, as well.
“Working in a region like Dubbo was an incredible experience. It was completely different from what I’m used to here in Newcastle, and it was great to be exposed to an environment that’s so rich with different heritages and cultures like their Indigenous community.”
In addition to the cutting edge curriculum of teaching and learning, Maddison is also learning best practices from observing her instructors’ techniques.
“The education staff here at UON are great! They bring such a wealth of knowledge from their experience and past teaching experiences. Personal experiences, personal stories. They’ll teach and relate content to real life stories, so it enables me to imagine what it’s like in a teaching environment, not just reading it from a textbook.”
Maddison believes in unlocking the potential of each student through tailoring approaches to their personal learning styles.
“Each student has an individualised way of learning. Some students learn better with a kinaesthetic approach, some take to videos through an aural lesson, some are visual learners and prefer pictures or images to develop their understanding of a certain concept. It’s been great for me to learn how to cater for all types of learners.”
Maddison has a bright future ahead of her as a teacher. But at the end of the day, she says it’s all about the difference she can make for her students.
“I’m motivated with everything to do with teaching, the school environment, the opportunity to work with an incredible cohort of staff, creating my own learning space, but it always comes back to my future students. They are the reason I’m working so hard to become the best teacher I possibly can, for them.”
Mikahlia is bringing dynamic new perspectives to education.
Head of our School of Education provides hard numbers debunking this myth and provides future students practical advice.
What excites and motivates you? Let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest info and events relevant to you.
If you are a prospective international undergraduate student interested in studying at the University of Newcastle, please contact us directly via International Enquiries
