FAQs – Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is an initial teaching training course designed to prepare students to teach at a Secondary level (ages 12–18). While the course includes placements within schools from the first semester of study, these are concentrated placements at different schools, rather than an ongoing internship at one school. During these placements teacher candidates are directly supervised in the classroom by a qualified teacher. Students can choose between the full-time study mode of two years, accelerated mode of 18-months and extended mode of three years.

In contrast, the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship is an initial teacher training course where students (Interns) undertake an internship at a single school for the duration of the course. Interns are employed with a starting salary in a school and complete their studies alongside their practical experience in two years. Interns are responsible for their own classes and teach without the direct supervision of a qualified teacher. Admission into the course is conditional on employment in a school as an Intern and Permission to Teach (PTT) registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

While completion of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) enables students to apply for provisional registration with the VIT, graduates from the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship can apply for full registration with the VIT upon completing the course.

It’s important to keep in mind that this is an intensive program. Interns will be undertaking a full-time study load and teaching at a school in their own classroom at either 0.6 or 0.8FTE. It is worth considering what other commitments you have in your life and ensuring that you have the time and energy to dedicate to your school and studies. It is also important to think about your learning style and level of confidence. This course best suits people who are highly organised and enjoy learning by doing.

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship are:

1. A completed undergraduate degree from an approved institution.
2. Successful completion of the Teacher Capability Assessment Tool (TCAT). TCAT is an online tool that helps us discover how well suited you are to teach. TCAT results are assessed as part of your application.
3. Meeting English language requirements. Students who completed tertiary degree(s) over three years prior to course commencement may be able to meet the English language requirements by providing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) showing sustained work experience in an English-speaking environment.
4. Previous study that satisfies the requirement for two learning areas from the modified list for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship. Note: The Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship has fewer learning areas available than the Master of Teaching (Secondary).
5. Successful completion of a selection interview and short teaching demonstration.
6. Permission to teach (PTT) granted by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Note: Successful applicants will be notified when to apply for PTT. Note: Only applicants who are appointed as an intern to a teaching vacancy in a participating school will be made an offer of admission into the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship.

Applicants are ranked based on academic merit as part of the selection process.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider all of the following:

• prior academic performance;
• the results of the TCAT;
• interview performance; and
• the teaching demonstration.

Yes, the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship is a popular program for career changers. There is no age limit for the program, and we welcome applications from a diverse range of people with different backgrounds and experience.

No, the Department of Education and Training (DET) have responsibility for matching prospective candidates with job vacancies in schools.

The list of available learning areas for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship reflects the strategic priorities of schools and includes those learning areas that are difficult to fill – either due to high demand, or small numbers of teacher candidates in these learning areas.  For the November 2022 intake the following learning areas are available for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• English
• Environmental Science
• History
• Humanities
• Humanities Additional
• Languages
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Science
• TESOL
• Visual Arts and Design A
• Visual Arts and Design B

Visit our dedicated Learning Areas page.

Interns will be employed on a  reduced teaching load of either 0.6 or 0.8 FTE, with 0.2 paid study allowance. In a Department of Education and Training (DET) school (i.e. a government school), the salary  will be in line with Paraprofessional scale 1 – 3 as outlined in the Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA).

The course starts in November with an intensive study program and school induction. Interns will then commence employment in a school the following January from the beginning of Term 1.

Interns will complete 200 points of coursework over the two years while teaching on a reduced teaching load (0.6 - 0.8 FTE), enabling time for university studies.

Study is structured around four intensives with additional study conducted online throughout each year.

Support is provided to students through a combination of visits to Interns in their schools by a designated Clinical Teaching Specialist, and online help from academic tutors.

The University Handbook provides detailed course information. You can access the timetable by visiting the individual subject pages.