Information relevant to all programs - Faculty of Education

Credit for prior studies and recognition of prior learning

Credit may be granted for formal studies already completed at Monash University or at another tertiary institution, including overseas universities. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) can also be considered for informal learning on submission of an RPL portfolio.

All students should apply for credit and/or RPL prior to enrolment. Applications post enrolment will be considered but may affect course progression. For international students, late credit submission may also affect visa duration.

The Faculty of Education considers each application on its merit within the context of the University guidelines on credit transfer. For further information, contact the Admissions and Student Services Office, Faculty of Education, Monash University, on the relevant campus.

Special requirements

Fieldwork

Students in undergraduate teacher education programs must successfully complete a specified number of days of professional placement, which consists of a minimum of 80 days of supervised school experience for primary and secondary programs.

To fulfil course requirements, additional placement days must be completed by early childhood students. Sport and outdoor recreation students are required to complete experiential learning program days.

Students will only be given permission to complete a placement in their place of employment in exceptional circumstances and if they will receive the required level of supervision. Where permission is granted, students will not be permitted to undertake more than 50 per cent of the placement in their place of employment.

Students must be available to undertake placements on a full-time basis and attend their placement for full days at times determined by the faculty.

Working With Children Check

Some courses (e.g. education, counselling) offered by the Faculty of Education require students to obtain a Working with Children (WWC) Check.

Victorian based students

All students completing placement in an educational setting (i.e. school, kindergarten, child care centre, community program) within Victoria must apply for the WWC Check and provide evidence of this to the Partnerships and Professional Placements Office before commencing any placements. Students who fail to provide evidence that they have applied for a WWC Check will be ineligible for placement.

The WWC Check application guide and form is available at participating outlets of Australia Post and must be lodged with Australia Post. The application is free for volunteers.

Security clearances and checks outside of Victoria

Students completing their placement allocations outside of Victoria must ensure that they comply with the working with children legislation requirements of the State/Country in which their placement is occurring. Students must provide evidence to the Partnerships and Professional Placement Office that they have applied/met the legislation requirements of the relevant State/Country in order for placement to be confirmed.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies provides useful information and links relevant to the Australian States and Territories.

Note: should a student's WWC Check/relevant security clearance expire or be cancelled during their course, they will not be permitted to undertake placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are meeting the required security clearances at all times.

Professional registration

Primary and Secondary

Primary and secondary education degrees are recognised by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) with graduates able to gain teacher registration within Victoria.

Any initial teacher education student due to complete their course between 1 July 2016 and 31 December 2019 are strongly encouraged to complete the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to graduation.

Any initial teacher education student who will complete their course on or after 1 January 2020 will be required to meet the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) teacher registration requirement of achieving the standard in the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to being course completed.

Students wishing to teach outside of Victoria (i.e. interstate or overseas) are advised to check the registration requirements of that area to ensure registration eligibility.

Early Childhood

Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) are able to gain registration with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) to teach in licensed early childhood settings in Victoria, including preschools and childcare centres. Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education are eligible for registration with both VIT and ACECQA and can teach in primary schools and early childhood settings. Students wishing to teach outside of Victoria (i.e. interstate or overseas) are advised to check the registration requirements of that area to ensure registration eligibility.