Specialist science and maths teachers are in demand across Australia. This double degree lets you combine your passion for science with five-star teaching skills, qualifying you to teach students in Years 7-12. Specialise in two teaching areas* such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, geography or psychology#, and learn how to plan lessons, assess students, and manage a classroom of students. You will have the opportunity travel to rural and remote areas for a teaching placement and learn to teach a diverse range of students in varied educational settings.

In this program you will:

• Learn how to plan lessons, assess students, and manage a classroom
• Link theory and practice through 80 days of supervised professional experience in Queensland schools
• Engage with community projects through 30 hours wider field experience with children, families and communities
• Be provided the opportunity to experience different school settings and learners by taking a trip to rural and remote areas

Prior to commencing, students will need to:

As part of your application, you are required to complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate your motivation for, and understanding of, the program and profession. In the questionnaire, you will be asked to rank a series of statements in order of what you think is most to least important. You will also need to write a 600-1000 word personal statement on why you think you would make a great teacher, and why influencing the future appeals to you.

After you have submitted an application for this program, you will be contacted with further information about the written statement and how to complete your application.

More information is on the QTAC website.

Post-admission requirements

Students complete 80 days of Supervised Professional Experience (SPE), completed as full-time blocks, and 30 hours of Wider Field Experience. The majority of Supervised Professional Experience must be completed in Queensland schools. Students must obtain a Blue Card (or link your existing Blue Card to USC) prior to commencing supervised professional experience. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the SPE start date. View the Blue Card Fact Sheet for further information. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when applying through the School of Education at USC.

Students will also need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website.

Career opportunities:

• Secondary school teacher
• Community education centres
• Private college teacher
• Universities
• Private practice tutor
• Education consultant
• Education exhibition organiser
• Education policy analyst
• Children’s television presenter
• Youth support worker
• Teacher of English overseas

Graduates are eligible to become members of:

• Queensland College of Teachers

* The following combinations of teaching areas will take longer than four years to complete and students will need an additional semester to finish: Biological Sciences or Psychological Sciences extended minors combined with any of the majors, and the Biological Sciences major combined with the Chemical Sciences extended minor. These combinations are NOT available for international students.
# The Psychological Sciences Extended Minor is only available for students admitted in the program in Semester 1.