Inspire a new generation to discover science.
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.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- Recommended prior study: A science subject (preferably Chemistry)
- Applicants must demonstrate non-academic capabilities as per Personal Statement requirement. Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS score of at least 7.5 with a minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in all other subtests - refer to English language requirements.
- ^First- and second-year courses available at USC Moreton Bay from Semester 1, 2021.
- ^First- and second-year courses available at USC Moreton Bay from Semester 1, 2021.
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.
Program structure
Required courses (14) 168 units
EDU114 Learning for Sustainability in Schools
EDU119 Human Development and Early Learning
SCI110 Teaching Reading and Writing
SCS203 Alternative Schooling Pedagogies
EDU300 Contexts of Disability and Differences
EDU328 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
EDU410 Science and Sustainability in Primary Schools
EDU411 Dimensions of Learner Engagement
EDU412 Pedagogy, Play and Assessment
EDU415 Pedagogy of the Arts and Technology
EDU417 Sustainable Communities for Children and Families
EDU419 Guiding Play and Inquiry-based Learning
EDU420 Vocational Education and Training: Philosophy and Practice
EDU421 E-Learning Leader
Curriculum and Pedagogy courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 curriculum and pedagogy courses (48 units) associated with your teaching areas (major and minor courses) from:
EDU352 Learning for Sustainability in Schools
EDU353 Human Development and Early Learning
EDU354 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
EDU355 Senior Phase Curriculum
EDU356 Transition to School: Early Learning Environments and Curriculum
EDU357 Investigating the World Around Us
EDU363 Physical Competence, Health and Well-being
EDU364 Policy and Practice in Early Education
EDU375 Self Expression and Communicating Through the Arts
Major courses (8) 96 units #
Biological Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Extended Minor courses (6) 72 units*
Biological Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Geographical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Psychological Sciences Δ
* Note: Students must undertake a minor from a different discipline area to their major
Δ The Psychological Sciences Extended Minor is available for students admitted in the program in Semester 1 ONLY.
# The following Major and Extended minor combinations 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
-
Biological Sciences major combined with the Chemical Sciences extended minor.
These combinations are NOT available for international students.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
- (Sunshine Coast) Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Chemical Sciences Major - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Biological Sciences Major - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematical Sciences Major - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sunshine Coast) Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Biological Sciences Major - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematical Sciences Major - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Fraser Coast) Biological Sciences Major Mathematical Sciences Extended Minor - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Fraser Coast) Biological Sciences Major Mathematical Sciences Extended Minor - Semester 2 commencement
- (Moreton Bay) Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Moreton Bay) Semester 2 commencement (July)
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses (180 units), including the core course
- Complete a minimum of 80 days Supervised Professional Experience, completed as full-time blocks
- Complete 30 hours Wider Field Experience
- Successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. For more information on this Government initiative please visit the Students First website. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
- AITSL require a minimum of four courses chosen for a minor teaching area, with no more than two
introductory courses.
In order to commence Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) placement you 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
- Complete PrePlace and a Student Placement Agreement (further information will be provided by the placement office upon enrolment)
- Be willing to travel to attend supervised professional experience placements
- Visit Education - Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) for more information on requirements for placement.
Program notes
- EDU415 MUST be studied in your final semester of study with your final Professional Experience
- The following combinations of majors and extended minors 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.
- Cross-institutional study is not permitted for the education (EDU) coded courses and SCS203 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Science
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.