Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – BEd(S) – is an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program, designed to meet the Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors – professional knowledge, professional practice and professional engagement at undergraduate teacher level, equipping them for provisional registration as teachers in high schools.
Domestic students commencing any of AC’s Bachelor of Education courses in 2023 or 2024 may qualify for a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) or scholarships. Find out more.
Course Description
Do you connect with the youth in your church? Are you excited about working with young people who want to reach their full potential? This course is for those who sense a calling to secondary (high) school teaching and is accredited by TEQSA and NESA. We tailor our learning and teaching to your individual needs, in small classes where you are known and mentored by your lecturer. Most students choose a blended learning delivery: on campus for a one-week face-to-face seminar for each subject and completing the remainder of your study online. However, all of our subjects can now be studied fully online.*
The BEd(S) provides a core of pedagogy for your area of specialisation and professional experience, completing two designated teaching specialisations from the following learning areas: The Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Digital Technologies, and Religious Studies. Through a university partnership, you may also choose subjects or specialisations from other disciplines. Your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication will be developed, and you will be equipped with theoretical knowledge in curriculum development and pedagogy, as well as skills in education areas, to equip you for classroom teaching.
*With the exception of the professional experience placements which require 80 days in schools.
Course Highlights
You can apply to study in one of our “Hubs” with partner schools. This complements our regular practical placements, which you can complete in a range of local or international schools. The hub model is an apprenticeship style of "on the job" learning where a student becomes part of a local school and has a mentor teacher. AC pioneers this program, based on the internationally renowned Clinical Teaching Model, for training the next generation of teachers. This is a global first initiative which flips the conventional educational structures and trains students onsite in partner schools.

The course structure is based on eight semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester:
- 1 subject (10 credit points) from Research
- 1 subject (10 credit points) from Christian Studies
- 12 subjects (120 credit points) from Education
- 4 subjects (40 credit points) from Curriculum Studies
- 6 subjects (60 credit points) Discipline Studies – Major
- 4 subjects (40 credit points) Discipline Studies – Minor
- 4 subjects (40 credit points) Professional Experience*
To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Education (Secondary) a candidate must complete all 32 subjects, including satisfactory completion of the Professional Experience subjects.
*Professional Experience (including Community Engagement) consisting of community-based learning and a minimum number of supervised teaching days in secondary schools as stipulated by local registration/employing bodies.
For more information see the Student Handbook.
Subjects
First Year
Semester 1
THE101 Christian Worldview
EDU102 Foundations in Christian Learning and Teaching
EDU105 Introduction to Academic Writing and Research
EDU121 Critical Thinking for Effective Learning
Semester 2
EDU235 Well-being and Engagement
EDU226 Childhood and Adolescent Development
AAA Major
BBB Minor
Second Year
Semester 3
AAA Major
EDU104 Literacy and Numeracy
EDU344 Educational Psychology
EXP211 Professional Experience 1
Semester 4
EDU125 Australian Indigenous Education
EDU224 Inclusive Education
CRS Curriculum Studies 1 Part A
EXP212 Professional Experience 2
Third Year
Semester 5
AAA Major
BBB Minor
EDU232 Curriculum Assessment and Reporting
EDU345 Equity, Diversity and Differentiation
Semester 6
AAA Major
BBB Minor
CRS Curriculum Studies 1 Part B
EXP311 Professional Experience 3
Fourth Year
Semester 7
AAA Major
BBB Minor
CRS Curriculum Studies 2 Part A
EDU340 Learning and Teaching through ICT
Semester 8
AAA Major
CRS Curriculum Studies 2 Part B
EDU333 Learning and Teaching in Community Contexts
EXP312 Professional Experience 4
Available Curriculum Studies Subjects
CRS220 Curriculum Studies - English: Part A
CRS222 Curriculum Studies - Geography: Part A
CRS223 Curriculum Studies - History: Part A
CRS224 Curriculum Studies - Mathematics: Part A
CRS228 Curriculum Studies - Information and Software Technology
CRS231 Curriculum Studies - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Part A
CRS235 Curriculum Studies - Visual Arts: Part A
CRS240 Curriculum Studies - Music: Part A
CRS241 Curriculum Studies - Drama: Part A
CRS250 Curriculum Studies - Commerce
CRS330 Curriculum Studies - English: Part B
CRS331 Curriculum Studies - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education: Part B
CRS332 Curriculum Studies - Geography: Part B
CRS333 Curriculum Studies - History: Part B
CRS334 Curriculum Studies - Mathematics: Part B
CRS335 Curriculum Studies - Visual Arts: Part B
CRS338 Curriculum Studies - Information Processes and Technology
CRS340 Curriculum Studies - Music: Part B
CRS341 Curriculum Studies - Drama: Part B
CRS350 Curriculum Studies - Business Management
CRS352 Curriculum Studies - Studies of Religion
For a full list of elective subjects please view the full list of subjects for this course.
For more information please see the student handbook or current enrolment guide for this course.
Admission Criteria
Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)
Applicants admitted on the basis of their recent secondary education must demonstrate the completion of NSW Higher School Certificate with an ATAR of no less than 65 (or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result) for admission into this course. This must include a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English. Please note assumed knowledge is recommended for most specialist teaching areas and is mandatory in Mathematics.
Special admission is also available for Year 12 students whose ATAR (or equivalent) falls within 5 points of the published lowest ATAR to receive an offer but have done well in subjects relevant to the course of study. These Special Admission Pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director and then tabled for approval by the Admissions Committee.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a complete Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification are advised to seek provisional entry into the Bachelor of Education (Secondary).
Applicants with Higher Education Study
Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a complete or partially complete higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion or partial completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
If you are over the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply for admission into this course on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate.
Language
If English is not the applicant’s first language or if their first degree was awarded in a non-English speaking nation, they will be required to show proficiency in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (or equivalent). Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.5 (with no score below 7 in any of the four skills areas, and a score of no less than 8 in speaking and listening). For full details of the policy on the ‘English Language Proficiency for Teachers see the NESA English Language Proficiency Policy.
IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of full-time study (or equivalent) of a secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher, where the medium of study was English and completed no earlier than two years prior to the commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission.
Essential Requirements for Admission
Pre-Admission Interview
The Program Director conducts a pre-admission interview (either face-to-face or phone or via Skype) with all academically eligible applicants. This interview aims to assess the key capabilities associated with successful teaching.
Literacy and Numeracy Test
AC students are required to sit for and pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to enrolling in their final Professional Experience Placement.
Working with Children Check
AC students are required to complete the Working with Children Check online. You are classified a ‘volunteer’ in Education. Submit application online and also print a copy and upload as an attachment to your application.
Anaphylaxis e-Training
Training is provided free online by the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) http://etraining.allergy.org.au/ On completion of the online module participants receive a certificate of completion which must be included with your application. The training is required to be successfully undertaken every two years. This is the only training for anaphylaxis management in schools that New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) will accept.
NSW Department of Education Child Protection Awareness Training
All students are required to complete the NSW Department of Education Child Protection Awareness Training before enrolling into a work-integrated learning subject and undertaking Professional Experience. Students who have met the academic and essential entry requirements can progress into the course prior to completing this training.
Study Modes
Delivery Mode*: Face-to-Face (Campus class), Online Live (Zoom class), Online Recorded
Locations**: Sydney, Online
Duration: 4 years full time/up to 8/12 years part-time
Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2
* Our study modes are flexible so you can mix-and-match different modes throughout your course to fit your needs. For example, a face-to-face student can choose to attend some classes online or an online student may choose to take some subjects face-to-face.
** Some subjects may only be available in certain study modes each semester. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information. Face-to-face classes can be delivered weekly or via intensives, where the subject is delivered in a block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends. Some subjects must be completed face-to-face to meet professional accreditation requirements.
Fees & Timetable
Fee-Help information and a complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis courses can be found in our Fees Information section.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.
FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page. For students who cannot access government loans, an alternative option is Study Loans, a private student loan provider. To learn more about loans provided by Study Loans, click here.
Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
Demonstrate:
- a broad and coherent knowledge of Christian doctrine, tradition and history as a foundation for development of a Christian worldview;
- an in-depth knowledge of key issues and practices in the discipline area of secondary teaching;
- a general knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the subject areas pertaining to secondary teaching;
- a broad and coherent understanding regarding the planning, implementation, assessment and reporting of pedagogically sound learning activities consistent with a Christian worldview and appropriate to the demands of the teaching context.
Skills
Demonstrated ability to:
- analyse and interpret the stages of development in physical, cognitive, social/emotional and spiritual growth in children and adolescents and apply it to diagnosis and teaching strategies for progression of students;
- analyse and synthesise various pedagogical approaches with differing ideologies and develop skills and strategies (including technologies) to enhance the quality of learning for all students, including those from marginalised communities;
- communicate effectively coherent ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts;
- identify and critically evaluate new developments of research and scholarship in the discipline area of secondary teaching;
Application of Skills and Knowledge
Demonstrated ability to:
- discuss and analyse contemporaneous topics, issues and challenges impacting on secondary teaching, from a Christian worldview, to develop appropriate solutions;
- comply with professional codes of ethics and regulations which impact on the ability to work with children and adolescents and keep abreast of changes in the legislation and practice applicable to the specific teaching context;
- work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in secondary teaching;
- collaborate with the broader community of Christian teachers and school leaders to provide appropriate collegial support;
- undertake self-reflection and evaluation of teaching performance for the purpose of vocational development
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) may find employment in schools (faith-based, government and non-government schools), not-for-profit and mission-focused organisations, community service-orientated positions, and positions that require research skills, academic knowledge, practical experience and critical thinking. This includes careers such as corporate trainers and development managers, curriculum consultants and developers, educational administrators, educational researchers, government policy advisers, community educators, education publication writers or editors, or education policy analysts. Additionally, graduates may progress further along the pathway toward Level 8 and 9 (postgraduate studies) upon completion of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary).
Student Story
“It is refreshing and encouraging to be able to learn to teach through the Teaching School Alliance, and to be able to have hands-on experience under a mentor teacher in my first year of study. I was so fortunate to have great teachers around me in my schooling and to be helped to develop academically and beyond. I want to be able to help other students grow academically and personally, as a way to thank my own teachers and to honour them, but also to work in a way that serves others, and contributes to God’s bigger picture.”
Joshua Hales,
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Student

Work-integrated Learning
To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of Education (Secondary), all teacher education students will complete 4 subject (40 credit points) of Professional Placement:
1. EXP211 Professional Experience 1
2. EXP212 Professional Experience 2
3. EXP311 Professional Experience 3
4. EXP312 Professional Experience 4
In addition, the teacher education student, once admitted into the course, may apply for a Clinical Teaching Module (CTM) placement. This is a mode of study that places the student, typically one day a week in a host school under a Host Coach(es), where they can practice their new skills and understanding without the pressures of assessment. They are encouraged to seek modifications to their subject assignments for their CTM context and so create synergy with their CTM commitment and their academic study.
Professional Accreditation
Please see Applying for Accreditation with NESA for more information.
Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.