Interested in a career change? Try teaching
It's never too late to think about entering one of the world's most rewarding professions - teaching. Macquarie University offers three teaching programs for graduates: two for intending secondary teachers and one for intending primary teachers.
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Graduate programs at Macquarie University feature an academic strand which features units in Education, as well as a professional strand comprising units in curriculum, methodology and a supervised school experience.
The Graduate Diploma in Education is available to those with a Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university. This degree must contain an appropriate academic major chosen from the following areas: English, economics and business studies, geography, history, languages, and mathematics and science. There are also second teaching subjects available in drama; English as a second language, legal studies, society and culture, and information and communication technologies.
The GDipEd provides a professional qualification for secondary teaching. Students can complete this program in one year of full-time study or two years part-time.
The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) is an extension of the Graduate Diploma and provides the opportunity for further specialisation. It is possible to complete the program in the equivalent of 18 months of full-time study.
Most students prepare to teach two subjects. A second teaching subject is required for History and Geography and is strongly recommended for English and Languages. A second teaching subject is encouraged in other subject areas.
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) provides professional qualification for graduates seeking accreditation as primary teachers and can be completed in two years of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study. Because of the broad range of key learning areas covered within a primary program, most recognised degree programs provide a background for pre-service primary education.
DET qualification assessment
Before applying to undertake graduate study in teacher education, applicants are strongly advised to request an assessment of their undergraduate qualifications from the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET). This assessment must be included with applications. Further information can be found by visiting the DET website: www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/teachnsw/asessmentreqt.htm
Selection procedures
Applicants are required to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and also provide a written personal statement directly to Macquarie University. To be selected into a graduate program, applicants must have the appropriate academic qualifications and the ability to communicate with and relate to adults, young children and adolescents. Admission is competitive.
Job prospects
Currently there are teacher shortages in mathematics, science, economics and English. Macquarie graduates in other areas are also employed at high rates. While there are fewer vacancies in the primary sector, the majority of graduates are readily employed. Following employment, promotion prospects are high given the projected loss of senior staff over the next decade.
Application deadlines
The UAC Apply-By-Web site for 2007 intake is scheduled to be available from 1 September 2006. On-time applications close 31 October 2006. Late applications will be accepted until 13 November 2006.
For further information on the programs available visit the School of Education website: www.aces.mq.edu.au/educ_downloads.asp