Bachelor of Science/Education (Secondary)
Become a science or mathematics teacher.
Domestic
International
This double degree prepares you to become a professional high-school teacher, specialising in science or maths.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Science
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
4 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) is a four-year, full-time (or part-time equivalent) double degree that provides you with the skills to pursue a career in secondary-school teaching, specialising in science and mathematics. After completing the degree, you’ll have a professional teaching qualification as well as a flagship science degree from our science faculty, UNSW Science.
You’ll learn how science is taught and gain an understanding of STEM subject areas such as environmental science, physics or mathematics. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career that inspires the next generation to pursue their skills and passions in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The UNSW Bachelor of Education (Secondary) is a recognised qualification in initial teacher education. You'll graduate qualified to embark on a career as a secondary school teacher in both government and non-government secondary schools throughout Australia and overseas.
Key features
Develop skills in education
The UNSW Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) encompasses classroom experience, professional learning and development.
Your education at UNSW will provide you with a knowledge base across areas including educational psychology and educational theories, pedagogy, assessment, diversity, inclusivity, Indigenous perspectives and classroom management.
By your second year of study, you’ll develop skills in the classroom and gain practical experience in teaching. UNSW School of Education has strong industry partnerships that provide our pre-service teachers with experience working in and observing cutting-edge programs in classrooms.
You can complete your professional experience in a variety of locations including schools in Eastern Sydney, rural and remote schools, and overseas. Upon completion of your degree, you’ll have completed up to 80 days in supervised teaching in at least three secondary-school contexts.
Specialise in science
UNSW Bachelor of Science is the ideal choice for education students seeking a broad science degree. To expand your general understanding of science, you’ll study core subjects including mathematics, biology and chemistry.
UNSW Science is at the forefront of many new scientific developments, teaching and innovation. We’re responsive to the needs of industry, adaptive to change and take an innovative approach to teaching and learning. Our world-class laboratories, clinics and simulators give you the tools to explore new frontiers and make meaningful scientific discoveries to benefit society.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- We’re benchmarked with the highest global rating for Education research (Excellence in Research Australia)
- We’re one of the top 50 universities in the world for Environmental Sciences (#31), Psychology (#25), Mathematics (#48), Geology (#38), Materials Science (#38), Earth & Marine Science (#36)*.
- Gain accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
- Be supported by an interdisciplinary community across UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and UNSW Science.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2023.
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2023)
*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023
Program Code
4076
CRICOS Code
075263A
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
422110
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192
Indicative Enrolments
236
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
2022 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2022 A levels
13
2022 IB Diploma
29
2022 Lowest ATAR
71.25
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- The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.
- The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
Any 2 units of English (Band 5 or higher), Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen area of study) plus one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The Bachelor of Science/Education (Secondary) is a flexible program consisting of 31 courses. It can be completed in four-years full-time
Exactly which courses you study will depend on which Science major/specialisation you choose. The program generally includes:
- 10 – 14 Courses and electives from your chosen major
- 14 Education core courses
- 3 Science electives
- 1 Education elective
Study areas
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- Ecology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Mathematics for Education
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Bioinformatics
- Genetics
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
- Earth Science
- Mathematics
- Physical Oceanography
- Statistics
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Marine and Coastal Science
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
- Vision Science
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- Anatomy
- Palaeosciences
- Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Climate Science
- Physical Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Immunology
- Marine Science
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Physics
- Psychology
- Vision Science
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Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period.
Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is an example of your study options study in a standard four-year, full-time study plan:
First year
- 3 Education core courses
- 2 Courses from your major
- 1 Science elective
- 1 Foundational Maths/Statistics course
Second year
- 2 Education core courses
- 4 Courses/electives from your major
- 2 Science electives
Third year
- 7 Education core courses
- 4 Course/elective from your major
Fourth year
- 1 Education core course
- 4 Courses/electives from your major
- 1 Education elective
- 1 Placement/internship
The number of courses/electives you undertake in each term will vary depending on your major. Explore your options through a sample program.
For further information on full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Future careers
Teaching is a career path that will enable you to have a significant impact on the lives of future generations. UNSW’s Education program will prepare you to pursue a career in secondary-school teaching in New South Wales, Australia and overseas.
Combining Education with Science degree will broaden your career opportunities, enabling you to share your interest in science or mathematics with your students, and bring your knowledge and experience in education to STEM industries.
Potential careers
- Secondary-school teacher
- School policy adviser
- Corporate trainer, supervisor, manager in other industries
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by NSW Education Standards Authority as an initial teaching qualification for both government and non-government secondary schools throughout Australia and is widely accepted as a teaching qualification internationally.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$6,580*
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$44,175*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$182,005*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
