Faculty information

• About the faculty
  • Vision
  • Courses
• Undergraduate and pre-service courses
  • Initial teacher education
  • Early childhood
  • Primary teaching
  • Primary/Secondary teaching
  • Secondary teaching
  • Adult learning
  • Sport and outdoor recreation
  • Honours degree in education
  • Course and student advisers

• Information relevant to all programs
  • Credit policy
  • Special requirements (fieldwork and Working with Children Check)
  • Professional registration

Course information

• Outline of undergraduate studies
  • Courses offered in 2013

Course-related policies and rules

• Government and University legislation

The Faculty of Education is committed to innovative research and teaching that takes seriously the global/local interface of all the activities of a public university. The focus of our work is learning and development; the learning and development of individuals of all ages, and of organisations and communities.

Our mission is to contribute to the public interest through high-quality and ethical teaching, research and community service. To this end, we will create and pursue opportunities that strengthen and sustain a vibrant intellectual community.

Our vision is of:

• graduates who are capable, ethical citizens of the world, distinguished by their knowledge, intellectual engagement, professional skill and their innovation and flexibility
• research practice and scholarly output that is recognised locally and internationally for its originality, rigour and impartiality, and for providing advice and services that inform and lead professional practice, public debate, policy and community action
• an intellectual, social, physical and web environment that challenges, enthuses and supports all to learn and excel and which sustains productive working relations characterised by mutual respect, contribution and recognition.

The Faculty of Education is located on four Australian campuses: Berwick, Clayton, Gippsland and Peninsula, and also teaches in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Courses

Courses offered by the Faculty of Education are designed to develop effective, innovative and sensitive professionals who support the learning and development of a diverse range of individuals, organisations and communities.

The faculty offers courses in:

Curriculum and pedagogy

• initial teacher education (early childhood, primary, primary/secondary, secondary and adult)
• education technologies
• literacy studies
• mathematics and science education
• music education
• inclusive and special education

International education, language and cultural studies

• applied linguistics
• international education
• teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)
• teaching English to speakers of other languages - international (TESOL International)
• teaching languages other than English (LOTE)

Psychology, counselling and inclusive and special/gifted education

• counselling
• gifted education
• psychology

Sport and outdoor recreation studies

• sport
• outdoor education
• physical education

Work, learning and leadership studies

• leadership, policy and change
• organisational leadership
• school leadership
• adult and work-based learning

As well as undergraduate studies, the faculty offers a number of graduate and postgraduate qualifications. Of particular interest to current undergraduate students studying non-education degrees are the:

• Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary)
• Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary)
• Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
• Master of Teaching (Primary)
• Master of Teaching (Secondary)

These programs build upon a non-education degree and allow participants who have not studied an initial teacher education degree to gain necessary initial teaching qualifications. Details of these postgraduate programs are available in the Postgraduate Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/postgrad/.

Initial teacher education

Pre-service education of teachers is available at undergraduate and graduate levels, offering qualifications in early childhood, primary, primary/secondary (P-10 and special education), secondary and adult learning. The faculty offers undergraduate programs leading to the award of a three or four-year bachelor degree, or four-year programs leading to the award of two bachelors’ degrees; one in education and the other from partner faculties including Art, Design and Architecture, Arts, Business and Economics, and Science. While all double degrees can be completed in four years some will require students to overload as the program comprises units which total more than a standard four-year load. There is also a program within the faculty leading to the dual award of an education and a sport and outdoor recreation degree. Students should note that the single sport and outdoor recreation course does not prepare them for teaching unless studied in a double-award program with an education degree that leads to a teaching qualification, or by subsequently completing a pre-service Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching.

Early childhood

Early childhood education is offered on the Peninsula campus and off-shore in Singapore. These courses prepare students to work in preschools, childcare centres, mobile kindergartens, family day care centres and hospitals as play specialists.

The four-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is an innovative degree that prepares people to teach across the early childhood and primary years.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies has been designed as a pathway for students to upgrade their Diploma of Children’s Services (or equivalent) to a professional degree qualification. The program is only available to students with the relevant diploma qualification. All other applicants must undertake the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

The Faculty grants the equivalent of one year of block credit for the Diploma of Children’s Services (or equivalent) and has devised a course structure that permits the completion of the degree with two further years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Further recognition of prior learning is possible for professional placement units based on the student's work history in the early childhood industry. An honours year may be undertaken by graduates of either course.

Primary teaching

Primary school teacher education is a four-year, full-time course offered on the Peninsula and Gippsland campuses. This bachelor degree focuses on teaching and children's learning in the learning areas of arts, English, mathematics, health and physical education, science, humanities and technology. Students undertake a range of practical experiences in primary schools and other appropriate settings, with the opportunity to include discipline studies options during the course.

Middle school specialism (Gippsland)

Gippsland students have the option of completing a middle school specialism where their four education electives are replaced with two middle school units and two specialism units related to their chosen discipline sequences. These students will be required to do a minimum 25 days’ placement in a secondary school, and a minimum 55 days’ placement in a primary school. Students who complete this option are qualified to teach from Prep to Year 10.

Double degrees

Undergraduates can take a double degree combining a Bachelor of Education (Primary) specialising in primary education with another bachelor degree. These double degrees are offered in collaboration with another faculty at the home campus of Gippsland or Peninsula or across several campuses (i.e. Peninsula and Clayton, or Peninsula, Clayton and Caulfield). The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is available with bachelor degrees in Arts, Arts and Social Sciences, Music, Science, Sport and Outdoor Recreation, or Visual Arts. An honours year may be undertaken by graduates of any of these courses.

Primary/Secondary teaching

P-10

The Bachelor of Education (P-10) is a four-year, full-time course offered on the Berwick campus. This course prepares students for careers as teachers across the years Prep to Year 10 and provides graduates with the essential understandings relating to child and adolescent development, learning and teaching. Students study units that cover each of the learning areas of the primary school curriculum together with discipline study of two subject specialisms. Students undertake a range of practical experiences in primary and secondary schools.

Special Education

The Bachelor of Education (Special Education) is a four-year, full-time course offered on the Berwick campus. This specialised course prepares students for careers in special education (special schools and classes), as well as facilitating inclusion in regular schools. It will provide graduates with a comprehensive background in educating school students with diverse needs and working with their families. Students study a range of units that cover topics in legislation, policies, assessment and intervention for students with diverse needs. The degree qualifies students to teach across the years Prep to Year 10 in regular and special education settings.

Secondary teaching

Secondary teacher education courses are offered on the Clayton campus. Undergraduates can undertake a four-year double degree combining a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with another bachelor degree in Arts, Commerce, Music, Science, Sport and Outdoor Recreation, or Visual Arts. An honours year is available on completion of the double degree program.

Secondary teaching method units

Each student must choose two secondary teaching method units for study in the fourth year of a double degree. Secondary teaching method units require a minimum minor sequence of tertiary undergraduate study (usually two units at first year and two units at second year). Students choose their secondary teaching method units based on their major and minor studies in their companion undergraduate degree. Students are advised to consult the following list of secondary teaching method units together with the outlines for each unit and their prerequisites. Students in doubt about the suitability of their qualifications for employment should check with the Registration and Accreditation unit of the Victorian Institute of Teaching on telephone +61 3 8601 5800, or at PO Box 531, Collins Street West, Melbourne, Victoria 8007, Australia.

With the permission of course advisers, students may undertake the study of teaching method units in a combination of on-campus and off-campus modes.

Note: the availability of any of the secondary teaching method units from year to year is dependent on the faculty's ability to provide appropriate tutorial assistance, supervision and teaching practice facilities.

Full-year secondary teaching method units

• EDF4812 Accounting education
• EDF4813 Biology education
• EDF4814 Business management education
• EDF4815 Chemistry education
• EDF4816 Drama education
• EDF4817 Economics education
• EDF4818 English as a second language (ESL) education
• EDF4819 English education
• EDF4820 General science education
• EDF4821 Geography education
• EDF4822 Health education
• EDF4823 History education
• EDF4824 Information and communication technology education
• EDF4825 Jewish studies education
• EDF4826 Languages education 1
• EDF4846 Languages education 2
• EDF4827 Legal studies education
• EDF4828 Mathematics education
• EDF4830 Music education 1
• EDF4831 Music education 2
• EDF4832 Outdoor education
• EDF4833 Physical education
• EDF4834 Physics education
• EDF4835 Psychology education
• EDF4836 Social education
• EDF4837 Visual art and design education 1
• EDF4838 Visual art and design education 2

Adult learning

The Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development is designed specifically for people working in the field of adult learning and development who wish to upgrade their formal qualifications, gain recognition for prior work experience, and improve their theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Completion of the course leads to a recognised tertiary degree in adult education and training that places graduates at the forefront of professional knowledge and practice and gives them a competitive edge in the employment market. The course aims to develop highly qualified educational professionals and leaders who can facilitate the learning and development of individuals and enterprises within local and global communities. Opportunities exist for further study at honours or master’s level.

Sport and outdoor recreation

The sport and outdoor recreation courses offered on the Peninsula campus prepare students to work in a variety of recreation and outdoor settings. The faculty offers the Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation as a single degree, or in double degrees with either a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or  Bachelor of Business, which also provide opportunities in traditional education and business settings.

Honours degree in education

The Honours degree of Bachelor of Education provides a foundation for students wishing to pursue a higher degree by research. A one-year full-time honours degree is available to students who have completed an undergraduate education degree with strong academic results.

Course and student advisers

Course advisers are located in the Admissions and Student Services Office at each campus and assist students from point of admission to course completion; all course enquiries should be directed to them.

Student advisers (academic staff members) work with and support students, including developing and maintaining systematic processes for student transition, monitoring, pastoral care and advice relating to academic content.

For routine inquiries, students should initially contact the Admissions and Student Services Office on their campus at http://www.education.monash.edu.au/contacts/courseenquiries.php.

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. 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.

Note: the course details provided in the entries below are for those students who began their studies in 2013. Students who commenced their studies prior to this date should consult the Handbook edition for the year in which they started their course. Archived Handbooks are available at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks.

Early Childhood teaching courses

• 1515 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - four years full-time; Peninsula
• 3708 Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies - three years full-time; Peninsula, Singapore

Primary teaching courses

Single degrees

• 1515 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - four years full-time (also prepares students to teach across the full primary years); Peninsula
• 1514 Bachelor of Primary Education - four years full-time; Gippsland*, Peninsula

* A Gippsland option also prepares students to teach middle school. Students who complete this option are qualified to teach from Prep to Year 10.

Double degrees

• 1541 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary) - four years full-time; Peninsula/Clayton
• 4208 Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences and Bachelor of Education (Primary) - four years full-time; Gippsland
• 3717 Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education (Primary) - four years full-time with overload; Peninsula/Clayton
• 3711 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Primary) - four years full-time; Peninsula/Clayton
• 2070 Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation and Bachelor of Education (Primary) - four years full-time; Peninsula
• 3712 Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary) - four years full-time; Peninsula/Caulfield/Clayton

Prep – Year 10 teaching courses

• 3750 Bachelor of Education (P-10) - four years full-time; Berwick
• 4209 Bachelor of Education (Special Education) – four years full-time; Berwick
• 1514 Bachelor of Primary Education - four years full-time; Gippsland*, Peninsula
  

*A Gippsland option prepares students to teach middle school. Students who complete this option are qualified to teach from Prep to Year 10.

Secondary teaching courses

• 1641 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - four years full-time with overload; Clayton
• 2026 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - four years full-time with overload; Clayton
• 2025 Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - four years full-time with overload; Clayton
• 1633 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - four years full-time with overload; Clayton
• 3718 Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - four years full-time with overload; Peninsula/Clayton
• 3719 Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - four years full-time with overload; Clayton/Caulfield

Adult learning

• 2296 Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development - three years full-time; Clayton

Sport and outdoor recreation (non-teaching**) courses

• 2069 Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation - three years full-time; Peninsula
• 3749 Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation - four years full-time; Peninsula

**Note: the Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation is also offered as a double degree with the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary). Refer to these course entries for further information.

Honours course

• 2674 Honours degree of Bachelor of Education - one year full-time; Berwick, Clayton, Gippsland, Peninsula.