Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching (Secondary)

• UWA is the only university to offer this course in WA and is a world-leading science university.
• Gain a competitive edge in your career and enjoy strong employment opportunities with two qualifications in just 4 years.
• You'll qualify to teach two STEM subjects during a national shortage of STEM teachers.
• We're ranked #1 in WA for Education (QS 2024) and in the top 10 in Australia for Teaching (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
• 85.6% of UWA teaching graduates are employed full time four months after completing their course (Good Universities Guide 2024).
• We've got 100+ years' experience in teaching educators.

In your first three years, you will complete the Bachelor of Science, in addition to four units of postgraduate study. In your final year, you'll complete the remaining units in the Master of Teaching (Secondary). 

For more information on the course structure, see our handbook here. 

• apply skills, understanding and professional competencies to practise as an inspiring, flexible and ethical educator who supports all students to reach their full potential
• build and sustain relationships with students and educational stakeholders
• meet the challenges of dynamic educational contexts
• engage in classroom research to continuously improve your educational impact

 Instilling future generations with a love of learning and a desire to seek wisdom could be the greatest way of all to make a difference.

Indianna Brewer-Williams describes how she combined her passion for sport with science and now shares this with the next generation of global leaders as a secondary school teacher.

If you're planning to study teaching, whether you're a school leaver or career changer the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship provided by the Department of Education is available to eligible new full-time students.

Not only does the scholarship help with study costs but it also provides opportunities to teach in government schools or government-run early learning settings once you graduate.

For information on eligibility and how to apply visit education.gov.au

Demand for teachers is strong and trending upwards, particularly for teachers in mathematics, physics and chemistry, who are already in short supply in some areas.

A national school survey from the Australian Education Union highlighted this shortage of maths and science teachers around the country, with more than half of responding principals saying maths and science classes are taught by teachers without a specialisation in those subjects. 

Karlie Payne completed a Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching (Secondary) before landing a job at Perth College in science and sport.

Q: What has your career looked like since UWA?

A: I have been fortunate to be the Teacher in Charge of Rowing at Perth College, as well as teach PDHPE (personal development, health and physical education) from Kindergarten to Year 10 at Perth College for six years, as well as Sparc, a new innovative subject at Perth College.

Q: Were you always planning to be a STEM high school teacher?

A: I initially intended to pursue psychology; however, I became heavily involved in the UWA Boat Club, co-ordinating rowing programs and developing the Shenton College Rowing Program. By engaging in these opportunities, I realised my passions laid in engaging students to pursue an active lifestyle and using rowing as a tool for this opened up opportunities to connect with schools and education.

Q: What do you love about working in STEM teaching?

A: Working with a range of students to pursue what they love and find new ways to help them explore their creative and curious side!

Q: Who is best suited to a career in STEM teaching?

A: There is a significant push right now to grow innovation, agile thinking and curiosity, so I'd recommend it to people who are willing to stay open to opportunities and encourage investigations and student-centred learning.

Charlie Greif completed a Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching (Secondary) before landing a job at Como Secondary College.

Q: Did you always plan to be a STEM high school teacher?

A: No! I started my undergrad in neuroscience and genetics, originally planning to get into research. However, towards the end of my degree I realised it wasn’t for me. While at uni, I was a swimming teacher, nanny and volunteer with Uni Camp For Kids and this definitely pointed me in the direction of teaching.

Q: What were your favourite aspects of the Master of Teaching (Secondary)?

A: The course itself taught me a great deal; however, it was on prac that I felt I really learned how to teach. I loved heading up to Karratha for my final prac; it was an incredible experience.

Q: What has your career looked like since UWA? 

A: I began full-time work last Semester 2 as a science teacher but also the ATAR psychology teacher at Como. I collaborate with other teachers on lower school assessments, and review, redesign and rewrite resources and assessments for my Year 11 and 12 ATAR students.

Q:What do you love about working in STEM teaching?

A: I adore working with students from every background – their unique views and opinions always spice up every classroom discussion. STEM keeps work exciting with so many different topics and experiments available at your fingertips; seeing the look of awe on students' faces will never get old.

Q: What type of people are best suited to STEM teaching?

A: In order to be a teacher, you must love working with and helping people. A STEM teacher is a person who loves working with kids, helping others and constantly problem solving, who so happens to also have a passion for STEM.

Read about all the industry connections and hands-on opportunities within UWA teaching courses that will set you up for success.

Hear how a Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree, including the Bachelor of Science + Master of Teaching (Secondary), can get you into work sooner with two qualifications in just 4 years.