Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary)
Overview
Become a secondary school teacher with both teaching skills and specialist arts knowledge, and practise your skills in real classrooms.
This dual degree will give you a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of teaching secondary school, and specialist skills in the arts.
In the Bachelor of Education program, you'll combine university study with practical experience. You'll explore how to teach and how people learn, and study topics from two teaching areas. You'll then apply your knowledge in real classrooms.
Throughout the program you’ll be immersed in hands-on workshops, school visits and supervised placements, and gain a strong understanding of day-to-day life in a secondary school.
By combining your education training with a Bachelor of Arts, you'll gain both teaching skills and specialist subject knowledge. With one of the most comprehensive course offerings in Australia, you'll have the opportunity to explore the subjects you love by choosing from study areas across the humanities, social sciences and languages, helping you build the portfolio of capabilities you need to become an expert teacher.
Program highlights
- Graduate as an expert in two or more teaching areas, with two degrees.
- Gain early experience in classrooms, with placements available from your first year.
- Learn from world-renowned educators who’ll teach you flexible and creative ways to cater for the diverse learning needs of children and young adults.
- Choose from a wide range of study areas.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Ancient History/History
- Chinese
- Chinese Translation and Interpreting
- Drama
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
Placements and work experience
Students undertaking a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education (Secondary) must complete 90 days of supervised and assessed professional experience comprising of: 5 days of school experience/observation and 85 days of supervised and assessed professional experience throughout the program.
Every effort is made to place students within a reasonable distance of their home base but they can be expected to travel up to 90 minutes due to public transport connections and incur costs associated with travel and possible lost income over this period. Students are generally placed at Ipswich, Brisbane, and southeast Queensland and are encouraged to explore the option of a rural placement. Financial assistance may be available to assist with travel and accommodation costs for rural placements.
Students are required to have a current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) before commencing practicum. Students can apply for a Blue Card through the School of Education and should do so three months before their practicum is due to commence. The Professional Experience Handbook provides information about practicum and school experience requirements and is available from the School of Education.
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Classroom music teacher
- Drama teacher
- English teacher
- Mathematics teacher
- French language teacher
- Legal education teacher
- Geography teacher
- Economics secondary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
- History teacher
Next steps after graduation
You’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a teacher with the Queensland College of Teachers, and to work as a secondary school teacher in state and independent schools in Australia and worldwide. 96% of our graduates are offered teaching jobs.
If you complete a specialisation in music or a language (Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish), you can also teach in primary schools.
Further study and experience can lead to roles as a head of department, principal, guidance officer, learning support teacher, or student adviser.
Other graduates choose to work with non-school-based education providers (such as tutoring companies), government agencies or education advocacy organisations.
Professional memberships
When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.
- Queensland College of Teachers
Professional registration
When you graduate, you may be eligible for registration with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to register.
- Queensland College Of Teachers
Program accreditation
The Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary) is accredited by:
- Australian Institute For Teaching And School Leadership
Our lecturers prepare students to teach in a diverse range of professional settings, whether it's as a classroom music teacher, an instrumental music specialist or an ensemble director.
Lecturers have provided me with networking opportunities with leaders in the education sector that will be invaluable to my career. Their passion for education has inspired my commitment to lifelong learning as a professional teacher and as a musician.
The reason I wanted to be a teacher was because of the teachers I had in high school. They really helped me flip my life around... I’m now working alongside these teachers helping school kids realise their own potential, which is mind-blowing.
Our lecturers prepare students to teach in a diverse range of professional settings, whether it's as a classroom music teacher, an instrumental music specialist or an ensemble director.
Lecturers have provided me with networking opportunities with leaders in the education sector that will be invaluable to my career. Their passion for education has inspired my commitment to lifelong learning as a professional teacher and as a musician.
The reason I wanted to be a teacher was because of the teachers I had in high school. They really helped me flip my life around... I’m now working alongside these teachers helping school kids realise their own potential, which is mind-blowing.
Stories
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Stories
See all stories
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C); and
- one of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C).
All applicants to education programs in Australia must complete non-academic entry criteria. For further information please see QTAC's Initial Teacher Education (ITE) advice page.
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C); and
- one of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C).
All applicants to education programs in Australia must complete non-academic entry criteria. For further information please see QTAC's Initial Teacher Education (ITE) advice page.
Minimum entry score
To be considered for this program, you must meet the minimum entry score for the Bachelor of Arts.
Entry score threshold
| ATAR / Rank | IB |
|---|---|
| 75 | 26.5 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the entry score threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
Guarantee your place at UQ: If you meet our guaranteed minimum ATAR you could secure an offer for your preferred program.
English language requirements
IELTS score of 7.5 overall; speaking 8; listening 8, reading 7, writing 7. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ.
TOEFL iBT (Paper Edition), PTE Academic, BE, CES, and OET are not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Inherent requirements
To complete this degree, you have to meet its inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes. Read the inherent requirements before you apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary) are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Arts/B Education(Secondary) for Semester 1, 2024
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 96.75 | 96.75 |
| Median | 85.1 | 85.95 |
| Lowest | 72.5 | 75.5 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | 37 | 32.7% |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
(C) Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 0 | 0% |
| 70 | 61.9% |
| 0 | 0% |
International students | <5 | <5 |
Total | 113 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Additional application information
Students in the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education are restricted to the following majors in order to satisfy prerequisites for teaching curriculum areas: Ancient History/History; Chinese or Chinese Translation and Interpreting; Criminology; Drama; Economics; English; Film and TV Studies; French or French Advanced; Geography; German; Japanese or Japanese Advanced; Mathematics; Media and Digital Cultures; Music or Popular Music and Technology; Psychology; Spanish.
All applicants to education programs in Australia must complete non-academic entry criteria (online questionnaire and personal statements). For further information please see QTAC's Initial Teacher Education (ITE) advice page. Please refer to the School of Education for further information on entry requirements and becoming a teacher.
All students are required to successfully meet the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) standards prior to graduation. Please contact the School of Education for further details (education@uq.edu.au) or visit the School of Education office. For more information on the test including sample tests, indicative fees, testing institutions and registration information, please visit the School of Education LANTITE website and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) website.
Additional application information
Students in the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education are restricted to the following majors in order to satisfy prerequisites for teaching curriculum areas: Ancient History/History; Chinese or Chinese Translation and Interpreting; Criminology; Drama; Economics; English; Film and TV Studies; French or French Advanced; Geography; German; Japanese or Japanese Advanced; Mathematics; Media and Digital Cultures; Music or Popular Music and Technology; Psychology; Spanish.
As part of the Australian Institute for Teaching and Leadership (AITSL) revised Standards and Procedures (2015), applicants to initial teacher education courses (pre-service teachers) must satisfy both academic and non-academic entry criteria for selection to the course. All applicants will need to complete an online questionnaire to meet the non-academic entry requirement for this program. Once you have submitted your application, you will be directed to the online questionnaire.
All students are required to successfully meet the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) standards prior to graduation. Please contact the School of Education for further details (education@uq.edu.au) or visit the School of Education office. For more information on the test including sample tests, indicative fees, testing institutions and registration information, please visit the School of Education LANTITE website and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) website.
Majors
Specialisations
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
You'll explore the written and aural complexities of music and approach the study of Western music in an engaging way.
This specialisation will grant you two teaching areas under music: Music, and Choral and Instrumental Music.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Given the lasting influence of ancient ideas and institutions, the study of ancient history helps to provide a basis for deeper understanding of modern society.
You could pursue roles in museums, publishing, media, international agencies, public and government sector in Australia and overseas.
Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.
This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
Encounter the spectrum of theatre practice through time and across cultures, from antiquity to today and most stages in between.
Work with leading global practitioners to develop work in our specialised studio facilities. Learn to understand the performances you see, and those you might want to make.
Graduates typically pursue creative roles within the arts sector like performing, directing, playwriting, writing and reviewing.
Undertake this advanced major and you'll understand how economics, globalisation, development and sustainability shape the availability of resources in today's societies.
Graduates are highly employable across private and public sectors, agencies, international organisations, consultancies, companies and utilities.
English is the medium of communication, business and entertainment for millions of people around the world. From witty plays and elegant films to songs and novels, it allows people to formulate and convey their particular vision of the world and their often urgent need to celebrate or improve it.
Explore examples of English at work in different circumstances by combining courses from English literature, writing, poetry, media, film and television studies and the Internet.
You'll learn to examine familiar ideas from new perspectives, to approach unfamiliar ideas with intelligence, and to research, write and communicate your own ideas with confidence.
Graduates typically work in education as school teachers, heads of department, education advisors and student mentors.
Explore the commerce and aesthetics of film and television across cultures and history.
Critically analyse film and television style, and examine new industry and artistic trends ushered in by digital media.
Graduate opportunities include careers in education, festivals and events, publicity, marketing, film culture, screen corporations and film distribution.
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, the French Advanced major is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, the French major is for you.
Roles for graduates include areas like natural resource management, wildlife conservation, ecotourism, transport and planning.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese major is for you.
This senior syllabus area examines the interface of law and society, providing an understanding of the legal system and its protection of individual rights in line with obligations and responsibilities.
The major includes a variety of courses dealing with legal foundations - criminal, civil and business law, international law and human rights law.
Elective courses cover topics including offender rehabilitation and crime prevention.
Prerequisite courses cover essential topics, with higher-level courses covering mathematical analysis, probability bioinformatics, mathematical biology and many other subjects.
Graduates go on to research positions at universities, government agencies and private companies. There are also opportunities in banking, finance, insurance and risk management.
Focus on the ubiquity of digital media technologies in our lives, the role of media in cultural life, the emergence of digital media industries and technologies and much more.
Learn about new forms of media consumption and cultural practice, digital media industries and technologies and the cultural formations characteristic of media-dense digital societies.
Graduates often go on to careers in the events, marketing, media and communication fields.
You'll explore the written and aural complexities of music and approach the study of Western music in an engaging way.
Completing the single music major provides you with the content knowledge for teaching music in schools. You will need to choose another major for a second, distinct teaching area.
If you want to graduate with two teachings areas in music, then the Music Specialisation plan is for you.
Learn to express yourself through writing and music production, and become technically equipped for changing music-making environments.
Graduates often find work in teaching, music production, broadcasting and audio engineering.
Graduates undertake careers in human resources, mental health services, youth and child support work, or fields a diverse as marketing, aged care and corrective services.
Only the extended major in Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. For more information on becoming a registered psychologist, visit the School of Psychology website.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Specialisations
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
You'll explore the written and aural complexities of music and approach the study of Western music in an engaging way.
This specialisation will grant you two teaching areas under music: Music, and Choral and Instrumental Music.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Given the lasting influence of ancient ideas and institutions, the study of ancient history helps to provide a basis for deeper understanding of modern society.
You could pursue roles in museums, publishing, media, international agencies, public and government sector in Australia and overseas.
Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.
This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
Encounter the spectrum of theatre practice through time and across cultures, from antiquity to today and most stages in between.
Work with leading global practitioners to develop work in our specialised studio facilities. Learn to understand the performances you see, and those you might want to make.
Graduates typically pursue creative roles within the arts sector like performing, directing, playwriting, writing and reviewing.
Undertake this advanced major and you'll understand how economics, globalisation, development and sustainability shape the availability of resources in today's societies.
Graduates are highly employable across private and public sectors, agencies, international organisations, consultancies, companies and utilities.
English is the medium of communication, business and entertainment for millions of people around the world. From witty plays and elegant films to songs and novels, it allows people to formulate and convey their particular vision of the world and their often urgent need to celebrate or improve it.
Explore examples of English at work in different circumstances by combining courses from English literature, writing, poetry, media, film and television studies and the Internet.
You'll learn to examine familiar ideas from new perspectives, to approach unfamiliar ideas with intelligence, and to research, write and communicate your own ideas with confidence.
Graduates typically work in education as school teachers, heads of department, education advisors and student mentors.
Explore the commerce and aesthetics of film and television across cultures and history.
Critically analyse film and television style, and examine new industry and artistic trends ushered in by digital media.
Graduate opportunities include careers in education, festivals and events, publicity, marketing, film culture, screen corporations and film distribution.
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, the French Advanced major is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, the French major is for you.
Roles for graduates include areas like natural resource management, wildlife conservation, ecotourism, transport and planning.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese major is for you.
This senior syllabus area examines the interface of law and society, providing an understanding of the legal system and its protection of individual rights in line with obligations and responsibilities.
The major includes a variety of courses dealing with legal foundations - criminal, civil and business law, international law and human rights law.
Elective courses cover topics including offender rehabilitation and crime prevention.
Prerequisite courses cover essential topics, with higher-level courses covering mathematical analysis, probability bioinformatics, mathematical biology and many other subjects.
Graduates go on to research positions at universities, government agencies and private companies. There are also opportunities in banking, finance, insurance and risk management.
Focus on the ubiquity of digital media technologies in our lives, the role of media in cultural life, the emergence of digital media industries and technologies and much more.
Learn about new forms of media consumption and cultural practice, digital media industries and technologies and the cultural formations characteristic of media-dense digital societies.
Graduates often go on to careers in the events, marketing, media and communication fields.
You'll explore the written and aural complexities of music and approach the study of Western music in an engaging way.
Completing the single music major provides you with the content knowledge for teaching music in schools. You will need to choose another major for a second, distinct teaching area.
If you want to graduate with two teachings areas in music, then the Music Specialisation plan is for you.
Learn to express yourself through writing and music production, and become technically equipped for changing music-making environments.
Graduates often find work in teaching, music production, broadcasting and audio engineering.
Graduates undertake careers in human resources, mental health services, youth and child support work, or fields a diverse as marketing, aged care and corrective services.
Only the extended major in Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. For more information on becoming a registered psychologist, visit the School of Psychology website.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$9,564
2024
$9,564
2024
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $41,120
2024
AUD $41,120
2024
Additional costs
- There may be additional course costs associated with travel or materials.
- Students are expected to fund travel and living expenses associated with placements, some of which may be outside the Brisbane metropolitan area.
- All students are required to successfully meet the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) standards prior to graduation.
- Students are responsible for the cost of the LANTITE (approximately $196 or $98 per test). ACER website (https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au) lists current fees.
- Please contact the School of Education for further details (education@uq.edu.au) or visit the School of Education office.
- For more information on the LANTITE tests, including sample tests and registration information, please visit the Australian Council for Educational Research website: https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au
- Students are responsible for the cost of transportation and accommodation to attend residential schools or practicals.
- A clinical uniform shirt is required and may be purchased through the School.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary) are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
If your senior schooling is from outside Australia, you can submit your application to UQ. Or, if you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary) is 2066.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
If your senior schooling is from Australia
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you're an international student who is currently studying:
- Australian Year 12 (in Australia or another country), or
- the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary) is 707202.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelors of Arts / Education (Secondary) is 707202.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
Express yourself. And your interest.
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