Melbourne Graduate School of Education Master of Teaching

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Master of Teaching ?

How does the Master of Teaching differ from the Graduate Diploma in Education (Dip Ed)?

Program Structure and Delivery Modes

I am thinking about applying but...

Applications



What is the Master of Teaching ?


Is the Master of Teaching the same thing as the Master of Education?
No. The Master of Teaching is an initial teacher qualification (sometimes called 'preservice' qualification or 'career entry'), and the Master of Education is a degree for already-qualifed teachers (sometimes called an 'inservice' qualification or 'career-development').
If you wish to become a teacher you would undertake the Master of Teaching, and if you are a teacher or educational professional and want to upgrade your skills, you would undertake the Master of Education (or alternatively, choose from one of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education's suite of postgraduate programs )

 

Do I have to do an undergraduate teaching degree before I can go into the Master of Teaching?
No. Entry requirements for the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary streams) include the successful completion of any approved undergraduate degree (non-teaching). For the Secondary stream, as well as any undergraduate degree, students will need to have completed appropriate pre-requisites for two learning area study sequences as required by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. more information

 

I have an undergraduate degree in Arts (or Science or Engineering or Commerce etc.) and I want to learn how to teach that subject. How can I do that?
The Master of Teaching has three streams available for you to choose from: Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary. Having an undergraduate degree in any discipline will enable you to enter the Early Childhood and  Primary streams. However at these levels teachers are not required to specialise in a specific discipline. For entry into the Secondary stream, your discipline will act as the appropriate pre-requisite for the specialisation.

 

Will I be more employable as a teacher if I have the Master of Teaching?
A Masters qualification is a higher qualification than a Bachelors degree or Graduate Diploma. The extra knowledge and experience you will gain from completing a Masters qualification will be highly regarded by employers. The skills you gain from the Master of Teaching will better prepare you for the classroom, and give you a competitive advantage in the employment market, both in securing initial employment, as well as progressing in your career. 

 

Does the Master of Teaching (and Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching) qualify me to teach at all levels of school?
No, you must choose from one of three streams at the outset of your course: Early Childhood / Early Years, Primary or Secondary. The Early Years stream qualifies you to teach at pre-school level and into the first years of primary school. The Primary stream qualifies you to teach in primary settings (prep to grade 6) and the Secondary stream in Secondary schools.

 

What accreditation does the Master of Teaching have from professional bodies?


Qualification

Recognised by Dept of Human Services  as qualified to work in children's services

Provisional registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching

Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood)

 

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Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

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Master of Teaching (Early Years)

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Master of Teaching (Primary)

 

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Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

 

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Master of Teaching (Secondary)

 

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* Accreditation of the Master of Teaching currently in process.

 

I want to qualify to be a teacher and work in schools as soon as possible.
Why would I do a two-year Masters program if I can do a one-year Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Dip Ed) elsewhere?
The good news is that you can graduate in 12 months if you take the accelerated mode in Early Childhood or Secondary streams and exit with the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching! But for those that articulate to the full Masters, you can be confident that you will be graduating with the ultimate preparation – both in theory and in practical classroom experience – making your transition into teaching easier and more confident. With this prestigious qualification, you will be more attractive to employers.

See question: Why has the Master of Teaching replaced the Graduate Diploma in Education?

 

Will the Master of Teaching (and associated Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching) qualify me to teach in states other than Victoria?
Yes, as per the mutual recognition legislation, the Master of Teaching will qualify you to register with Victorian Institute of Teaching, which is recognised across all states and territories of Australia upon the appropriate application. Some states may have particular requirements with regard to your undergraduate degree.  You should check with the registration authorities in the state in which you might want to teach.

 

Can I take my qualification to teach in countries other than Australia?
Yes, the Master of Teaching (and Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching)  will allow you to teach overseas. It is recommended that you check with the registering body in the country you are interested in teaching in.  

 

Will the Master of teaching certify me to teach in Canada?

Many teachers who have completed a teacher education program in Australia have qualified for teaching certificates in Canada. Certification in Canada is under provincial jurisdiction and most certification bodies will not "pre-approve" an overseas teaching qualification. As such you will need to check in advance with your local teacher certification body for advice on exact registration requirements.  A list of Canadian certification bodies is available online:

http://resource.educationcanada.com/certification.html

Being a two year teacher training program, with a minimum 90 days practicum, youshould find the Master of Teaching will general meet minimum registration requirements for program duration and practicum experience in Canada. You may also need to show that you have adequately addressed teaching methods and foundation training. If you are missing some of the required credits, your local licensing evaluator will advise you on what you need to complete to qualify for a certificate, and which credits you may undertake to complete (generally in the first few years of your teaching) .

If you complete the Master of Teaching or the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, Canadian certification bodies will need confirmation of your with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). It's advised you obtain registration with the VIT before returning home.

 

Will the Master of Teaching enable me to teach in the United States of America?

In the United States of America (USA) teachers in almost all states must have a Bachelor's degree first, followed by an appropriate teacher preparation course such as a Master's degree. The Melbourne Master of Teaching is considered well aligned with US Master's because it is two years in length.

Certification in the USA is usually granted by the state board of education or a certification advisory committee. To be permanently certified, teachers must address requirements for pedagogy, general knowledge and knowledge of a content area. Each state has different requirements for certification, so the best way to proceed is to contact the education department or licensing office in your state.  Commissions may recommend you obtain a detailed report of foreign coursework. In some instances your transcript may be evaluated by a private enterprise who charge a fee for their services.

If you complete the Master of Teaching or the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, US certification bodies may request confirmation that you are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). As such, it's advised that you obtain your registration with the VIT before returning home.

 

Will the Master of Teaching enable me to teach in China?

An Australian one or two year Master of Teaching - for graduate students who wish to become a teacher - is well received by most of the Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary schools & colleges and TAFEs in China.

Students who obtain a foreign teaching qualification may need to sit examinations to meet certification to teach in China.

 

How does the Master of Teaching differ from the Graduate Diploma in Education (Dip Ed)?


What happened to the Graduate Diploma in Education (Dip Ed)?
The last intake for the Graduate Diploma in Education (Dip Ed) was in 2007. A new two-year program called the Master of Teaching is being introduced in 2008. The Master of Teaching technically replaces the Graduate Diploma in Education as the only pre-service teaching qualification offered at the University of Melbourne for secondary education, however the new Master of Teaching is a more academically rigorous program with different features to the Dip Ed.

 

Why has the Master of Teaching replaced the Graduate Diploma in Education?
The University considers the Master of Teaching to be a more comprehensive preparation for the classroom, not only because of its rigour, but because of the configuration and content of the program. Its key distinguishing features include:

I am partway through my Graduate Diploma of Education. Am I able to transfer to the Master of Teaching?
No.

 

I have completed my Graduate Diploma of Education. Does this count as credit towards the Master of Teaching?
No. At this level of qualification, you should enrol in a Master of Education.

 

Program Structure and Delivery Modes


How many contact hours per week will be required?
Early Childhood and Secondary streams (Accelerated mode):  Up to 18 contact hours / week with additional complementary placement in schools and early childhood settings.
Early Childhood and Secondary streams (Reduced Load) : ):  Up to 10 contact hours / week with additional complementary placement in schools and early childhood settings.
Primary stream: Up to 15 hours per / week with additional complementary placement in schools.

What is the difference between the Early Years and Early Childhood streams of the Master of Teaching?
Students in the Early Childhood/Early Years stream who opt to graduate after 150 points (ie. one year)  will be accredited with a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood) qualification, which is recognised by the Department of Human Services and allows them to teach in registered pre-school settings.
Those that continue on to the final 50 points (one semester) have two choices:

 Will students be able to undertake school placements in regional areas? 
Yes

 

What does "Reduced Load Full-time" mean? Applies to the Master of Teaching  (Secondary) and Master of Teaching (Early Childhood / Early Years) only
A usual full time load is 50 point per semester, whereas "Reduced Load Full-time" refers to a load of 37.5 points per semester. This is the minimum number of points required to classified as full time by the relevant government bodies (Dept of Education, Science and Technology). A full-time course attracts the benefit of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP, previously known as HECS).
This option may be particularly appealing for students who have heavy work and family commitments.

 

What does "Accelerated Full-time" mean? Applies to the Master of Teaching  (Secondary) and Master of Teaching (Early Childhood / Early Years) only
A usual full time load is 50 point per semester, whereas "Accelerated full-time" refers to a load of 75 points semester. Streams that offer Both Accelerated and Reduced Load modes will operate on a non-standard academic calendar. Students choose this to be ready to take employment as a teacher within 12  months.
See question: Will the Master of Teaching operate on a standard academic calendar?


Can I transfer between the Accelerated and Reduced Load streams of Secondary?
Transfers are possible, however, each application for transfer is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Can international students undertake the Reduced Load Full-time stream (ie. 37.5 points/semester)?
TBC

 

If I decide to exit after completing 150 points (Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching), how long do I have to decide whether I want to articulate to a Masters? Will I come out with two qualifications?
The final 50 points of the program can be commenced up to 5 years after completion of the Postgraduate Diploma of Teaching. This means that you can commence employment and have the option of coming back to university to take out the Master of Teaching if you wish. There will be full-time and part-time options available in the final 50 points. Technically you would receive two qualifications however the Master of Teaching is a higher level qualification and therefore would supersede the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching.

 

Will my academic transcript/graduation certificate indicate whether I undertook the Accelerated or Reduced Load stream?
No

 

I am an international student considering doing exchange at the University of Melbourne. Are any of the Master of Teaching subjects available on exchange or as a complementary course subject?
Yes.

 

Can I take leave of absence during my course?
Applications for leave of absence will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Are students permitted to enrol directly into the early exit award course (Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching)?
No

 

When do I have to decide whether I will exit early with a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, or to complete the full 200-points to graduate with a Master of Teaching?
Near the end of the first 150 points, you will be required to indicate whether you wish to exit at the completion of the Postgrad Diploma.  Otherwise it will be assumed that you are continuing on to study in the following semester.

See also: Are students permitted to enrol directly into the early exit award course (Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching)?

 

I am thinking about applying but...


What are the entry requirements for the Master of Teaching (and Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching)?
Entry requirements for the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary streams) include the successful completion of any undergraduate degree. For the Secondary stream, as well as any undergraduate degree, students will need to have completed appropriate pre-requisites for two learning area study sequences as required by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Refer to the Master of Teaching website under prerequisites.

 

What are the English language requirements?
If you are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident postgraduate applicant, you can satisfy the English language requirements in a number of ways. View a full list of requirements.

If you are required to sit an IELTS or TOEFL test, you will need to attain the following scores

 

IELTS

TOEFL (paper based test)

TOEFL (computer based test)

TOEFL (internet based test)

Master of Teaching

7.0 (written 7.0)

600 + TWE 5.0

250 + 5.0 essay rating

100 + written score of 24

Master of Teaching (TESOL, English, and Language and Literacy)

8.0 (with no band less than 7.0)

643 + TWE 5.0

275 + 5.0 essay rating

115 + written score of 24

Eligible for the UMELBP

6.5 (no band less than 6.0)

577 + TWE 4.5

233 + 4.5 essay rating

90 + written score of 21

If you attain a score lower than the required IELTS or TOEFL score, you may be eligible for the Univeristy of Melbourne's 10 week English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP)[pdf, 124KB]

 

Are there Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP, previously HECS) available in the Master of Teaching (and Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching)? / Will I have to pay full fee in the Masters?
Approximately 90% of the places offered in the Master of Teaching (and Postgrad Dip) will be CSPs, which means they are subsidised by the government, resulting in a reduced fee for students.

 

Can I get Austudy or Youth Allowance if I do the Master of Teaching  (and Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching)?
Yes, in light of the recent Federal budget announcements, Austudy and Youth Allowance will be granted to students in the Master of Teaching and associated Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, assuming they are eligible.

 

Are there scholarships available for the Master of Teaching?
The Melbourne Scholarship Program for postgraduate students aims to provide access to a world-class university for the best Australian and international postgraduate students. We encourage you to investigate the range of scholarships and awards here.
Graduate Access Melbourne gives consideration to applicants with special circumstances. Successful applicants receive financial support in the form of a one-off grant of $5,000.

 

Can I do the Master of Teaching (and Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching) part-time?
No, the Master of Teaching is only available full-time in 2008. The only instance where this is not strictly the case is in the Secondary stream and Early Childhood stream, where students can opt to undertake one of two delivery modes: Accelerated Full-time or Reduced Load Full-time.
In addition, with the Secondary stream, the final 50 points of the Masters may be undertaken as an induction which comprises of full-time employment complemented by part-time study.

See also:
What does "Reduced Load Full-time" mean? and What does "Accelerated Full-time" mean?

 

Does the Master of Teaching operate on a standard academic calendar?
No. Each stream operates on a start and finish dates, and none of them adhere to a standard academic calendar. The commencement and completion dates for each stream are as follows:

Secondary
Semester 1: 18 Feb - 13 June
Semester 2: 21 July - 14 Nov

Primary
Semester 1: 3 Mar - 23 May
Semester 2: 28 July - 17 Oct

Early Childhood / Early Years
Semester 1: 18 Feb - 30 May
Semester 2: 14 July - 21 Nov

Will the classes be held in the evening?
No

 

Will the Master of Teaching (and Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching) be offered in distance mode?
No.

 

I've completed part of a teaching degree. Does this count as credit towards the Master of Teaching?
No. Those who are partway through a teaching degree (at the undergraduate or graduate level), are advised to complete their studies. There will be no credit given for partial completion of other teaching degrees. Following the completion of their initial teaching degree, graduates are then eligible to enrol in the Master of Education, which is a Masters program designed for qualified educators.

 

I did not perform well in my undergraduate degree. What weight is given to academic records in the pre-requisite requirements?
Selection is done on academic merit, and so you will need to have done quite well to get into the course.
Each year is taken on a selection period by selection period basis, and therefore one's grades are assessed in relation to fellow prospective students.

 

Applications


How do I apply?
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents, and New Zealand citizens may apply for entry to the Master of Teaching through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Timely applications close on 28 September and late applications close on 16 November.
Refer to : www.vtac.edu.au

International students, for information on entry requirements and tuition fees, go to: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/ipg/

 

When is the deadline for applications?
See How do I apply?

 

Is there mid-year entry?
No, entry into the Master of Teaching is only accepted at the beginning of each academic year.

 

Can I defer my place?
No

You may find the answers to many of your questions here.

Download the Master of Teaching brochure

 

Can I defer my payment if I get a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in the Master of Teaching?

Yes. You do not have to pay for your place upfront and can defer your payment until a later time. There is something called HECS-HELP available, and more information can be found at www.goingtouni.gov.au or by calling the Education Student Centre on 8344 8285.


What are the VTAC codes for applying for the Master of Teaching?

Master of Teaching (Secondary) - Accelerated mode:
96231 (Commonwealth Supported Place - CSP)
96232 (Fee paying place)

Master of Teaching (Secondary) - Reduced Load mode:
96241 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
96242 (Fee paying place)

Master of Teaching (Primary) :
96221 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
96222 (Fee paying place)

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) - Accelerated mode:
96201 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
96202 (Fee paying place)

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) - Reduced Load mode:
96261 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
96262 (Fee paying place)

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