Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)
Deakin course code	E737
Campus	This course is only offered Online with a requirement to attend on campus intensives
Online	Yes
Duration	2 years full-time, or part-time equivalent* * full-time students may complete in 1.5 calendar years with compulsory study in trimester 3
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025: Option 1 Research Project Stream Option 2 Research Paper Stream These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025: Option 1 Research Project Stream Option 2 Research Paper Stream Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
# Some units within this course have face-to-face intensives. Please refer to individual unit entries in the handbook, as well as the Online Unit Site, for accurate advice around this requirement; and This course requires students to undertake studies throughout the Trimester 3 academic period (core unit ECN733).

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Inspire students through applied, inclusive and holistic approaches to teaching by studying the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary). Enter this VIT-approved course with an undergraduate degree in at least one discipline area, or via our new Graduate Certificate of Adult Vocational Educational and Training with your industrial experience, and graduate with the qualifications to teach in secondary schools and other youth settings like VCAL.

Want to go beyond textbook teaching to make a lasting impact on your students?

The Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) focuses on the middle and upper years of schooling and has a strong emphasis on experiential and applied learning pedagogies that enhance student engagement. With expertise in applied methods of teaching, you can work more effectively with your students by connecting theory and classroom discussions to real-world relevance. On top of that, you will be trained to teach students in a holistic manner, moulding their studies to their personal strengths, interests and goals.

You’ll thrive under the personalised support of our experienced course academics, access sought-after professional development opportunities and develop your skills through authentic learning, all on the way to becoming a world-class educator.

The course is designed for professionals from other backgrounds who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with future generations and seeking a career change. As a result, the course covers foundational topics, including an introduction to teaching for middle and later years, as well as advanced study areas like applied learning practice and teaching strategies for vocational pathways. In addition, you will choose elective units that match your interests and enhance your teaching practice. With themes including social justice, equity in the workplace and personalised learning, electives offer a broader perspective of education and highlight the need for cultural diversity and inclusivity in Australian education participation.

A highlight of the course is the practical learning opportunities that prepare you to teach with confidence and conviction. Every student in the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) will undertake at least 75-days of professional experience in schools. This valuable experience allows you to develop your teaching methods, interact with students and work alongside experienced teachers with a wealth of knowledge to pass on.

Indicative student workload

Successful students typically spend about 150-hours in learning and assessment for each one credit point unit. The time required to prepare evidence for credential assessment varies based on the student's existing documentation.

Professional recognition

This initial teacher program is approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) against the National Graduate Teacher standards for the purposes of teacher registration in Victoria.

Graduates intending to apply for registration in Victoria should carefully check all VIT requirements relating to this process.

Career opportunities

The Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) equips you with the advanced professional knowledge, skills and attributes required of educators working in high schools and other youth learning contexts where applied and vocational learning are implemented.

As a graduate, you will have the qualifications required to teach in:

secondary schools (in subject areas relevant to your undergraduate study areas)
the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in Australia (pending your specialist teaching area).

For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

Mandatory student checks

Students will be required to apply for and hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.

For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience office.

Alternate exits

Graduate Certificate of Applied Learning and Teaching (E537)

Research information

Students are able to undertake 1 of 2 options for research training and research in the course. Each option has a common foundation that is based on an introductory unit of 1 credit point in research design and method. This research study is then further supported by 1 of the 2 research options:

Option 1: application of the research training through a 1 credit point research based project for professional practice
Option 2: advanced research training of 1 credit point of either quantitative or qualitative research methods; and Research Paper (2 credit points).

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Critically analyse and apply specialist knowledge of current theories of young people’s social and cognitive development, along with theories of learning and curriculum to plan, teach, assess and reflect for effective design and innovative learning programs.
Communication	Make critical use of professional judgement to engage in effective and inclusive interpersonal communication in order to create positive learning relationships with students, parents, colleagues and other stakeholders.
Digital literacy	Identify, evaluate and implement a range of digital teaching and learning resources and technologies to facilitate creative but safe student engagement in learning with responsible and ethical practice.
Critical thinking	Identify, synthesise and critically evaluate context-specific information to make informed judgements to improve students’ learning.
Problem solving	Research authentic challenges and opportunities of professional practice to develop and evaluate innovative responses through drawing on relevant literature and professional practice.
Self-management	Work and learn independently whilst participating actively and effectively as a member of the teaching profession.
Teamwork	Work collaboratively and effectively within interdisciplinary teaching teams in order to enhance professional practice of self and others.
Global citizenship	Exercise self-knowledge and ethical responsibility to engage effectively with diverse learners and communities in local and global contexts.

Approved at Faculty Board June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) students must pass 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
ELN010 Australian Literacy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
ELN011 Australian Numeracy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
12 credit points of core units
one of:
- option 1: Research Project
  - 2 credit points of research project units
  - 2 credit points of course electives
- option 2: Research Paper
  - 4 credit points of research paper units

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University's vocabulary.

Note:

This course includes 75-days of professional experience in schools, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment (DTPA)*. This must be complete in the final year of study. Successful completion of this course indicates that a student has met the expected standard of performance for each of the Graduate Teacher Standards. * Students who do not pass the DTPA must seek advice from the course director.
Students are also required to complete 2 zero (0) credit point units ELN010 and ELN011 as part of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to graduate from their course. Students are expected to attempt the tests within the first year of their course. Students who do not attempt the tests within their first year may be unable to progress with their studies until an attempt has been made.

Course structure

Core units

ELN010

Australian Literacy Test Zero (0) credit points

ELN011

Australian Numeracy Test Zero (0) credit points

ECN704

Applied Learning: Theories and Practice

ECN724

Later Years Teaching Strategies (Years 10-12)

ECN726

Teaching Literacy and Numeracy

ECN729

Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students

ECN733

Youth Identities and Diversities

ECN735

Introduction to Teaching: Middle Years

ECN736

Introduction to Teaching: Later Years

Professional Experience Placement Units*

ECN734

Orientation to the Teaching Profession

ECN725

Teaching Strategies for Vocational Pathways

ECN723

Middle Years Teaching Strategies (Years 5-9)

ECN732

Teaching in the 21st Century: Transition to Practice (2 credit points)

*please note unit rules for order in which these must be completed

Plus 4 credit points in one of the following two configurations:

Option 1: Research Project

EDX701

Research Design Development and Method

EDX707

Independent Research Project for Professional Practice

Plus 2 credit points of course electives

Option 2: Research Paper

EDX701

Research Design Development and Method

EDX712

Theory and Methodology in Education Research

EDX703

Research Paper A

EDX704

Research Paper B

Elective units

EIE701

Personalising Learning

EIE703

Designing Engagement for Learning

EXE732

Social Justice and Difference

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

In 2023, the Victorian Government announced a range of government-administered scholarships for eligible domestic students commencing a secondary school teaching degree in 2024 and 2025. These scholarships are not automatic, and you will need to apply.

Deakin does not administer these scholarships. For more information about the eligibility, application process and opening and closing dates, please visit the Victorian Government website.