Careers - Secondary Teaching - Computing Studies
A career in Computing Studies teaching
In NSW and other Australian states prospective Computer Studies teachers usually need to be qualified to teach in Computer Studies and in one other secondary school teaching subject (curriculum area). If you are interested in a career as a Computer Studies teacher you would normally be required to complete university studies in :
- Computing (a full major - 3 years study)
- a second teaching subject discipline (e.g. Science, Mathematics, a Language, English, History or TESOL)
- Education as a social science
- professional and curriculum studies (teaching methodology)
Coursework (degree) options for prospective Computing Studies teachers
The University of Sydney offers these alternative ways of gaining a qualification as a teacher of Mathematics:
- a Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Mathematics) or a Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Science) program (4 years full-time study). These are undergraduate courses for school leavers.
- a Bachelor of Arts (or an equivalent undergraduate qualification) followed by either a Master of Teaching or a Bachelor of Teaching (5-years or 4 and a half years of full-time study)
- a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Mathematics) or a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Science) joint degree program (5 years full-time study). These are undergraduate courses for school leavers.
- a graduate Master of Teaching or a Bachelor of Teaching (of 3 or 4 semesters respectively) for graduates with a first degree in Computer Science (or a related discipline).
Prerequisite and recommended studies: School leavers
Extension 1 Mathematics (3 unit) is the recommended subject for those intending to apply for admission to an undergraduate course in Mathematics teacher education at the university. A combination of arts and science subjects may also provide a suitable background.
UAI Entry levels
To view the minimum UAI entry scores in recent years for those courses which lead directly (or indirectly with subsequent postgraduate study) to a teaching qualification in secondary school Maths teaching, click here.
Prerequisite studies: Graduates
Graduates with a first degree which includes studies appropriate to teaching in Computer Studies may be eligible for admission to the Master of Teaching/Bachelor of Teaching program. Entry into the postgraduate MTeach/BTeach course is competitive and will be based upon the following criteria:
- completion of a major in Computing in an appropriate undergraduate degree OR completion of a minor in Computing together with a major in a second teaching area (such as Mathematics or Science)
- level of achievement in undergraduate studies (grade average)
- good communication skills
- demonstrated commitment to teaching as a profession
For more information see that for the postgraduate Master of Teaching/Bachelor of Teaching program.