What is the most important thing I should think
about before becoming a professional educator/teacher/carer?
You should ask yourself, Do I enjoy working with children/young
people? and What age do I enjoy working with? If you do not enjoy
working with young people then do not consider a career as a
professional educator/teacher/carer. If you arent sure, perhaps you
could undertake some volunteer work at an education or caring
setting to see how you go.
I'm interested in becoming a teacher but I haven't done a University degree before. What kinds of programs are available to me through UniSA?
If you are a school leaver: The following undergraduate degrees are available to those who haven't studied previously at a university level:
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (MBCE) focuses on children from birth to 8 years and covers development, care and education at home, in centres, community settings, kindergartens and Junior Primary schools.
Bachelor of Education Junior Primary & Primary (MBED) focuses on the education and development of children in junior primary and primary years from reception to year 7 (R-7).
Bachelor of Education Primary & Middle (LBPM) focuses on education and the development of children/students from years 3-9.
For those interested in teaching Science in middle/secondary schools your most common option would be to complete a double degree by simultaneously enrolling in a 4 year Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education under the Double Degree Science and Education (LBES).
For those interested in teaching Health and Physical Education in secondary schools your most common option would be to complete a double degree by simultaneously enrolling in a 4 year Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement and Health Stud), Bachelor of Education (Middle and Sec) IBHU
Bachelor of Adult Vocational and Workplace Training focuses on teaching and training adults
Your decision on which program best suits you should primarily be made on what age you would like to teach at.
If you have been out of school for longer than two years and are over the age of 21, or you did not complete year 12 and are over the age of 21: You can then apply for entry into the above undergraduate programs by applying as a Mature Age Student and sitting the STAT test. Any enquires about this process should be directed to SATAC.
I have completed a degree previously and now want to become a
teacher. What are my options?
If you have completed a university degree at BACHELOR level you are
eligible to apply for the following Masters degrees:
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) addresses children from birth to 8 years and covers development, care and education at home, in centres, community settings, kindergartens and schools.
Master of Teaching (Junior Primary and Primary) focuses on the education and development of children in junior primary and primary years from reception to year 7 (R-7).
Master of Teaching (Primary & Middle) focuses on education and the development of children/students from years 3-9.
To be a secondary teacher you need to have a degree in areas such
as Sciences, English, History, Economics, Human Movement, Languages,
Mathematics ...that is in a subject, or preferably subjects, which
are offered in the middle/secondary school, as well as teaching
qualifications.
Once you are a graduate, the most common option would be to enrol in Master
of Teaching (Middle & Secondary)
Students should base their choice of program on what age groups they would prefer to teach.
What are the entry requirements?
Undergraduate degrees have a TER (tertiary entrance rank) that will
vary slightly from year to year. School leavers must achieve this score or
higher to be considered for entry into the program. An equivalent STAT test
score is also calculated each year.
Postgraduate degree entry is based on your overall Grade Point Average (GPA) from your previous degree. You must have graduated from this degree at Bachelor level, or the highest equivalent available at the time of your previous study.
Master of Teaching (Middle & Secondary) and the Master of Teaching (Primary & Middle) also require you to have studies related to one or more of the following learning areas: Arts (includes dance, drama, music, visual arts); English; Mathematics; Health, Physical Education and Personal Development; Studies of Society and Environment (includes accounting, business studies, economics, geography, history, legal studies social studies); Design and Technology (includes home economics, information technology, design and technology); Sciences: Languages other than English.
How do I apply?
Potential students wishing to apply for entry into Education courses can do
so via SATAC.
The SATAC Guide comes out in the second half of the year and can be bought for around $5 or $6 at your local newsagency.
Applications can also be submitted via the SATAC website: www.satac.edu.au
There are some fees associated with the application process, and in some cases a late fee may apply after a certain date. Please refer to SATAC for fees and charges.
I have started a degree at university but I am not enjoying it and
would like to begin a teaching degree instead. What are my options?
If you are a school leaver your TER is valid as long as you have not
commenced more than 1 full year of university study. For example:
Peter got a TER of 73.3 in 2008, used it to get into a Bachelor of
Applied Finance
and began studying in 2009. 3 weeks into the program he decides that
Finance isn't for him and wished he'd put down a teaching degree in his
preferences.
Peter can do one of two things:
- He can compare his 2008 TER score and apply through SATAC for the
undergraduate entry course he's interested in for 2010 providing his TER is high enough
OR
- He can continue on in the Finance program until the end of 2009 - using
his determination to get out of that program as motivation to get GOOD
grades and a high GPA, which he would then use as a basis for entry into the
education program for 2010.
It is VITAL not to let your grades slip just because you dislike what you are studying, or find that you made the wrong choice. This may mean in the future you make it harder for yourself to get into another program that you enjoy.
If your TER was not high enough to get into education and you accepted into your 2nd or 3rd preference you would then use the 2nd option - Making sure you got GOOD grades and therefore a GOOD GPA and hopefully you will be accepted into the program the second time around. PLEASE NOTE: Entry into any program using this method is NOT guaranteed.
What kinds of Credit or Recognised Prior Learning might I be
eligible for?
If you have previously completed or partially completed a TAFE diploma
or a university degree you might be eligible for credit
within an undergraduate program. This can be discussed with your Program Director
once you have accepted an offer into an education program. Unfortunately we are
not able to negotiate credit with prospective students - this will be
dealt with once you accept a place in a program, and will vary from
program to program.
RPL may also apply to people who have worked in an education setting, wether that be as a volunteer or in a paid position. An application for RPL must be discussed with your Program Director once you accept an offer into an education program.
In most cases RPL or Credit will not be given for Practicum courses beyond the first year.
More information about RPL and credit should be made available to you in during Orientation.
Can any education programs be taken part time?
It is possible to complete a Bachelor of Education part time; however
students must talk to their Program Director regarding this option once
they commence study. In most programs it becomes more complicated as the
requirements of full time attendance at practicums are felt.
Possible
part-time sequences need to be discussed with the Program Director. It
should be noted that part time does not mean after hours classes are
provided and students will need to arrange their personal programs so
that they can attend courses when they are offered.
Can Education programs be undertaken by external studies (distance
education)?
Only a small number of courses within each program are available
externally. On campus attendance is required for most of the programs, in
particular Field Placements which require students for full-day and
full-week availability at stipulated, non-negotiable times.
Early Childhood is the only education program that is offered totally externally. However this option is only available to prospective students who have successfully completed either the TAFE Diploma in Children's Services (Childcare) or who are entering the degree via a UniSA rural study centre and are Indigenous. This External program is not available to overseas or interstate students.
Once TAFE entry students have chosen their mode of study, either external or internal, it is expected that they maintain that mode for their the entire length of their program.
How many contact hours are there a week?
Contact hours per week for one 4.5 subject are usually around 3
hours per week total, made up of varying amounts of lectures, tutorials
and practicals.
Students should also expect to study an equal number of hours independently outside of this on campus time, and possibly more when assessments are due.
These hours may be spread across the five days of the week. It should be remembered that practicums require full time attendance. Some courses may be offered in intensive mode during semester breaks.
What kind of employment opportunities are there once I
graduate?
For more information regarding employability once students complete
their degree please contact:
Teachers Registration Board;
The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia;
Catholic Education Office;
or
The Department of
Education and Children's Services - DECS
or
Early Childhood Services such as Child and Youth Health and
Community Health Centres
Links to these departments, where available, can be found on the Professional Links page
I have an education degree from an overseas
University; how do I choose a program?
The first thing you need to do is check with the International
office as to how your qualification relates to University of South
Australia requirements.
University of South Australia International
Prospective Students Office
(CRICOS registered Provider: 00121B)
Location: 100 North Terrace, Adelaide
Postal address: GPO Box 2471, Adelaide SA 5001
Telephone: (08) 8302 0114
Facsimile: (08) 8302 0233
Email:
international.students@unisa.edu.au
Website:
www.unisa.edu.au/internat
You should also browse this site reading the various questions and answers to start developing a personal understanding of your options once you know where you stand with respect to your existing qualification.
I will want to travel after completing my
degree - will my qualifications be recognised interstate and
internationally?
Entry point qualifications from the School of Education meet the
requirements for registration in all states and territories of
Australia.
Although you will need to make enquiries regarding each specific country
in which you wish to work, it is highly likely that your
qualifications will be recognised. Also keep in mind that
recognition internationally may well be influenced by supply and
demand.
I have a 3 year teaching qualification (BEd or Dip
T) and at least a years experience of working as an educatorhow do
I upgrade to a 4 year BEd or its equivalent?
Your options are the:
Graduate Certificate of Education (Catholic Education)
LCEP
Graduate Certificate of Educational Computing MCEC
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Inservice) MBIE
Graduate Certificate of Education MCED
Please note,
the Graduate Certificate in Education MCED is an industry
partnership program. Enrolment outside of industry-sponsored cohorts
is limited
Ive been teaching/lecturing/training for a
few years nowI have entry point qualifications and I want to
prepare myself for leadership positions.
Your options include completing:
Graduate Certificate of Education
MCED,
LCEP,
MCEC
AND/OR
Master of Education by Coursework:
Master of Education MMEU
Master of Catholic Education
LMCA
|
NOTE: Since your long-term goal is to gain leadership position(s), you are recommended to consider working towards a doctorate by incorporating at least 18 points of research-related courses (research methods, projects) in the Master of Education by Coursework program. |
|---|
I have a Master of Education by CourseworkId
like to complete a doctorate but Ive not got any research
experience
Your best option would be to enrol in at least 18 points of
research-related courses at
Masters level to act as a bridge
into a doctoral program.
I have a Masters Degree by Research OR a Masters
Degree by Coursework with courses totalling at least 18 points on
research methods what could I do next?
You are recommended to consider applying to complete a
Doctorate (MPEU,
MPEM,
MPEE,
LPEN)
I want to do a Mastersshould I do one by course
work or research?
Which you chose and which will fit your needs depends upon:
- your career aspirations
- your current qualifications and experience
- your interests at the moment.
These are quite different degrees and you will need to think clearly about what you anticipate or know will be your short-term and long-term career goals in deciding which of the degrees will suit you most right now.
If you completed your original degree with no expectation that you would complete further qualifications and you are now just thinking about adding to your repertoire then the Coursework Masters or a Graduate Certificate is for you.
If you want to keep open the door for going on to a doctorate then include at least 18 points of the 36 total in the Masters by Coursework for courses relating to research methods and research projects.
If, however, you have already completed an Honours degree, and you have long had the intention of carrying out research then the Masters by research could be the best for you to investigate.
|
Aspect |
Coursework Master of Education | Research Master of Education |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Involves | 36 points with some compulsory courses and a range of optional specialisations. | Carrying out some research and completing a thesis based upon that research. |
| Costs |
http://www.unisa.edu.au/study/ausres/ feesfin/default.asp |
Currently research students receive a
scholarship from the Commonwealth RTS program which covers all fees
other than Student Association fees. Grants for living allowances, Austudy and research costs need to be researched on this website at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/studysas/ scholarships/default.asp |
What will be better for mea professional doctorate (EdD) or a PhD?
What they have in common
These degrees share much and will suit the needs of many people equally.
They:
-
are research-based programs which lead to the development of original knowledge which contributes to the field of education
-
require you to be a self-starter with the capacity to work alone and to maintain your focus without constant interventions by staff and constant short-term external deadlines
-
demand that you write a body of theoretical and analytic work which is examined externally
-
are equally intellectually demanding.
However, before you enrol in these degrees, you should understand that how you arrive at the final outcome and the final product of each degree are different.
The PhD program (LPEN,
MPEE,
MPEM)
Offered at both Magill and Mawson Lakes campuses and by distance education.
To enter this program you need a working knowledge of research methods and a developing understanding of the field which you wish to research. The PhD program assumes that by completing an Honours degree and/or a Masters degree you have learned about and practised research of increasing sophistication.
Under supervision you read and research, and develop a theoretical analysis which will enhance the knowledge base of education.
Finally, you write up your data and your analysis and theorising in a thesis which is examined externally.
Your choice of specific PhD program listed above will in part be determined by your choice of supervisor; structurally each program is the same.
The professional doctorate (EdD)
(MPEU)
Offered at Magill Campus
This program was designed for the many educators who have spent most of their career within a field of practice such as teaching or lecturing, or leading and managing within a range of settings such as kindergartens or TAFEs or community agencies or schools or bureaucracies .
It involves the completion of 4 courses on reading and writing policy and research before starting the research component of the program and is designed to assist working professionals fill in the academic gaps which their involvement in the field has created and to integrate that knowledge with their practice(s) and experience(s).
After the course work phase you work under supervision to carry out 3 linked research projects and write a report on each + write a thesis where you establish how your theorising and analysis is a contribution to the knowledge base of the field of education; together these form a portfolio which is examined externally.
To enter this program you require at least five years experience within the field of education and to have a broad research agenda which you wish to explore by systematic study and analysis.
So to decide:
-
Are you a mid-career professional whose focus until now has been upon practice within a range of sites, or have you been building towards the decision to complete a research doctorate for a number of years and with a range of qualifications?
-
Do you wish to undertake 1 research project or 3 linked ones?
-
Do you wish to make use of the structured courses for the first part of the time or work independently under supervision for the whole time?
-
How much prior knowledge of and experience with planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating research will you bring to your work as a doctoral student?