NSW Education Standards Authority Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged) Discipline Study Requirements for Admission to NSW Graduate Entry Programs Primary programs For admission to a NSW graduate entry primary program your bachelor degree should contain at least one year of full-time equivalent studies (i.e. normally 8 units) relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary school curriculum. Appropriate postgraduate studies may also be considered in satisfying the necessary 8 units of discipline study requirement. In addition, some graduate entry primary programs may include electives units that can be used to top up any shortfall. Secondary programs For admission to NSW graduate entry secondary teaching programs, your undergraduate studies must align with the area or areas you intend to teach (e.g. first teaching area of Mathematics; or first teaching area of English and second or additional teaching area of Modern History). Your bachelor degree should contain at least one major study relevant to the first teaching area as described by the NSW curriculum and consistent with the Subject Content Knowledge requirements. Requirements for a second or additional teaching area are a minor study relevant to that area. Not all teaching areas can be undertaken as a minor. Appropriate postgraduate studies may also be considered in satisfying the required number of discipline units. In addition, some graduate entry secondary programs may include elective units that can be used to top up any shortfall in the required number of discipline units. First teaching area - Major In your undergraduate degree you are required to have successfully undertaken the equivalent of three-quarters of a year (0.75 Equivalent Full Time Study Load EFTSL) of discipline study, usually comprising sequential discipline study taken over three years. In most programs, this equates to six units, with no more than two units at first year level and no fewer than two units at third year level. Additional teaching area/s - Minor If you wish to be qualified to teach a second or subsequent secondary teaching subject (for NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 1 of 9
flexibility of employment) you are required to have successfully undertaken the equivalent of a half a year (0.5 EFTSL) of discipline study, usually comprising sequential discipline study taken over two years. In most programs, this equates to four units, with no more than two units at first year level. Note that not all teaching areas can be undertaken as a minor. Assessment of discipline study for admission Providers of NESA-approved graduate entry initial teacher education programs are responsible for assessing an applicant s eligibility for admission based on the NESA Subject Content Knowledge requirements described below. Requirements for Primary Teaching Key Learning Area Minimum discipline study for admission can include English English with a strong core component of study of English literature, communications, creative writing, language studies (English), linguistics, literature studies, media studies (i.e. the theoretical study of media or where the product is a literary text). Mathematics Pure or applied mathematics, statistics (one unit only may be counted provided it was studied as a stand-alone unit), other studies of mathematics that are relevant to the central concepts, modes of enquiry and structure of the content/discipline(s). Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical content. Science and technology Agriculture, architecture (2 units only may be counted), biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computing studies, design - interior, industrial, graphic, fashion, product, landscape (2 units only may be counted), engineering (chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental), design and technology, food technology, geology, Earth and environmental science, materials science, medicine, nursing, biomedical science, physics, psychology or similar fields which include processes of inquiry, design and production. Human society and its environment Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander studies, Aboriginal languages, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, economics, business studies, cultural studies, sociology, geography, environmental studies, government & citizenship, history, languages, legal studies, political science, studies of religion. Creative arts Dance including practical experience in choreography and performance in various dance styles appropriate for primary education, drama including experiential involvement in making and performing drama, music including performing (singing, playing and moving), listening and organising sound (composing) within a range of repertoire, visual arts including art making and art history/theory, fine arts. Personal development, health and physical education Physical education studies, family studies, health studies, health promotion, human movement studies, nutrition education, sports science. NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 2 of 9
Requirements for Secondary Teaching Areas Subject area Minimum discipline study for first teaching area (major) Minimum discipline study for a minor teaching area/s English A major in English with at least three units of a strong core of textual studies including literature. Other units may include studies in communications, creative writing, linguistics, media studies, film studies, drama/performance arts studies. A minor in English including at least two units of a strong core of textual studies including literature. Other units may include studies in communications, creative writing, linguistics, media studies, or film studies, drama/performance arts studies. Mathematics A major in pure or applied mathematics that must include algebra and calculus. One unit only of statistics may be counted provided it is studied as a stand-alone unit. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical content. A minor in pure or applied mathematics that must include algebra and calculus. One unit only of statistics may be counted provided it is studied as a stand-alone unit. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical content. Mathematics Physics A minor in mathematics (including algebra and calculus and no more than one unit of statistics) and a minor in physics. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate mathematical or physics content. Investigating Science A major in science including two units in general, interdisciplinary or applied science and one unit in each of chemistry, physics, earth & environmental science, and biology. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate science content. Biology A major in science including four units in biology including at least two units at 200 level or above. Chemistry A major in science including four units in chemistry including at least two units at 200 level or above. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 3 of 9
chemistry content. Earth & Environmental Science A major in science including three units in earth & environmental science, including at least two units at 200 level or above, and one unit in biology. Physics A major in science including at least four units in physics including at least two units at 200 level or above. Engineering units may be considered upon review of unit statements for appropriate physics content. Aboriginal Studies A major in Aboriginal studies, drawn from areas such as Aboriginal Peoples relationship to Country; contact, colonization and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures; government policies affecting Aboriginal Peoples including Segregation, Assimilation and Aboriginal Self- Determination; the Land Rights movement and the recognition of native title; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature and oral expression; Aboriginal languages and cultures. A minor in Aboriginal studies drawn from areas such as Aboriginal Peoples relationship to Country; contact, colonization and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures; government policies affecting Aboriginal Peoples including Segregation, Assimilation and Aboriginal Self- Determination; the Land Rights movement and the recognition of native title; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature and oral expression; Aboriginal languages and cultures. Ancient History A major in history drawn from areas such as ancient history, archaeology and historiography. One unit in medieval or modern history must be included. A minor in history in areas such as ancient history, archaeology and historiography. One unit in medieval or modern history must be included. Business Studies A major in business related studies, including at least one unit of finance or accounting and one unit of business management, with the remaining studies drawn from: business law (Australian/ English), economics, human resource management, industrial relations, marketing, finance, accounting and business management. A minor in business related studies, including at least one unit of finance or accounting and one unit of business management, with the remaining units drawn from: business law (Australian/ English), economics, human resource management, industrial relations, marketing, finance, accounting and business management. Economics A major in economics. A minor in economics. NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 4 of 9
Geography A major in geography that includes units in both physical and human geography. Units in earth & environmental science may be considered upon review of units for appropriate discipline knowledge. A minor in geography that includes units in both physical and human geography. Units in earth & environmental science may be considered upon review of units for appropriate discipline knowledge. Legal Studies A major in law or legal studies including the Australian legal system. A minor in law or legal studies including the Australian legal system. Modern History A major in history drawn from areas such as Australian history, contact and Aboriginal history, early modern history, historiography and modern history. One unit in ancient or medieval history must be included. A minor in history drawn from areas such as Australian history, contact and Aboriginal history, early modern history, historiography and modern history. One unit in ancient or medieval history must be included. Society and Culture A major in social sciences including at least one unit of sociology and the remaining units drawn from areas such as Aboriginal studies, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, civics, cultural studies, government, history, philosophy, politics, psychology, religion studies, social communication and sociology. A minor in social sciences including at least one unit of sociology and the remaining units drawn from areas such as Aboriginal studies, anthropology, archaeology, Asian or Pacific studies, civics, cultural studies, government, history, philosophy, politics, psychology, religion studies, social communication and sociology. Studies of Religion A major in the study of religion including comparative religions and culture. A minor in the study of religion including comparative religions and culture. Agriculture A major in agriculture in an area such as agricultural science, agricultural technology, horticulture, agronomy, primary industries and rural science. The major must include studies of plants and animals, animal care, agricultural enterprises, chemical safety. A minor in agriculture in an area such as agricultural science, agricultural technology, horticulture, agronomy, primary industries and rural science. The minor must include studies of plants and animals, animal care, agricultural enterprises, chemical safety. Design and A major in areas such as architecture, agriculture, computing studies, engineering, fashion design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, landscape design, multimedia, product design and system design. The major must include two units of practical application in designing and hands on producing in two or more of the NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 5 of 9
following technology related areas: agriculture, food technologies, digital technologies, engineering systems, material technologies (electronics, graphics, metal, multimedia, polymers, timber, textiles) including evidence of the use of tools, equipment and techniques to a high level in the production of working solutions to design challenges. Engineering Studies (Stage 6) A major in engineering in areas such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronic engineering or relevant discipline including studies of the application of engineering principles and methods, management and problem-solving in engineering contexts, responsibilities of engineers in society and design thinking and problem based thinking as used in the engineering profession. A minor in engineering in areas such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronic engineering or relevant discipline including studies of the application of engineering principles and methods, management and problem-solving in engineering contexts, responsibilities of engineers in society and design thinking and problem based thinking as used in the engineering profession. Food A major in food in areas such as dietetics, nutrition, food technology, food science or other relevant studies. The major must include studies of the Australian food industry, food manufacture, food product development and nutrition. A minor in food in areas such as dietician, nutritionist, food technology, food science or other relevant studies. The minor must include studies of the Australian food industry, food manufacture, food product development and nutrition. Industrial A major in areas such as industrial design, industrial technology, technics or mechanical, civil, electrical, software engineering. The major must include studies in areas such as timber, metals, polymers, composites, electronics, technical drawing and engineering using resistant materials.** Industrial Engineering A major in engineering technology studies or relevant discipline including studies of technology, engineering, project based learning and CAD/CAM. A minor in engineering technology studies or relevant discipline including studies of technology, engineering, project based learning and CAD/CAM. NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 6 of 9
Industrial Graphics and Multimedia A major in graphics and multimedia or equivalent discipline including studies of technical illustration, industrial design, graphic design or multimedia design including computer-aided design (CAD). A minor in graphics and multimedia or equivalent discipline including studies of technical illustration, industrial design, graphic design or multimedia design including computer-aided design (CAD). Information Processes and A major in computing or computing technology including at least two units that develop skills in information and communications technologies and information systems, e.g. database design including relational databases and communication systems/networking, coding and systems management, and skills in designing and producing digital products including non-visual programming languages. A minor in computing or computing technology including at least two units that develop skills in information and communications technologies and information systems, e.g. database design including relational databases and communication systems/networking, coding and systems management, and skills in designing and producing digital products including non-visual programming languages. Marine Studies A major in science, marine studies, biology, earth & environmental science or discipline relevant to project based learning in Marine Studies and Aquaculture. [Project based learning must be a component of the pedagogical study associated with this teaching area. Teachers must ensure that they have the required first aid, permits, licences or certifications for any project based activity.] A minor in science, marine studies, biology, earth & environmental science or discipline relevant to project based learning in Marine Studies and Aquaculture. [Project based learning must be a component of the pedagogical study associated with this teaching area. Teachers must ensure that they have the required first aid, permits, licences or certifications for any project based activity.] Software Design and Development A major in computing or computing technology including at least two units that develop skills in the design and development of software for example programming in a computer-based language and system analysis, design, development and testing. A minor in computing or computing technology including at least two units that develop skills in the design and development of software for example programming in a computer-based language and system analysis, design, development and testing. Textiles and Design A major in textile or equivalent discipline including textile technology and fashion design and also including studies of design, properties and performance of textiles and the Australian textile industry. A minor in textile or equivalent discipline including textile technology and fashion design and also including studies of design, properties and performance of textiles and the Australian textile industry. NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 7 of 9
Personal Development Health & Physical Education A major in personal development and/or health studies (with a socio-cultural perspective) and/or physical education WITH at least three units of study in health education including mental health, sexual health, relationships, drug education, child protection education, gender studies and risk taking behaviour AND at least three units of study in physical education including contemporary physical activities, dance, gymnastics, games and sport. Vocationally oriented courses, coaching certificates, umpiring/refereeing accreditation in sports and physical activities are not recognised as equivalent. Languages A major in a language including study of the spoken and written language. Units counted towards the major must be above an introductory level of study. Where the language is an Aboriginal language there will be specific cultural requirements. Native speakers of a language must hold an undergraduate degree and may obtain verification from an Australian university indicating that their level of competency in reading, writing, speaking, listening and culture is equivalent to the completion of a major in that language. A minor in a language including study of the spoken and written language. Units counted towards the minor must be above an introductory level of study. Where the language is an Aboriginal language there will be specific cultural requirements. Native speakers of a language must hold an undergraduate degree and may obtain verification from an Australian university indicating that their level of competency in reading, writing, speaking, listening and culture is equivalent to the completion of a major in that language. Dance A major in dance including all of the following: history and analysis of dance; performance with a technique base in modern/contemporary dance and/or ballet; applied anatomy and kinesiology; and composition/choreography. Dance studies must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent. A minor in dance including all of the following: history and analysis of dance; performance, with a technique base in modern/ contemporary dance and/or ballet; applied anatomy and kinesiology; and composition/ choreography. Dance studies must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent. NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 8 of 9
Drama A major in drama including all of the following: performance, production, theory, and preferably Australian drama. Drama studies must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent. A minor in drama including all of the following: performance, production, theory, and preferably Australian drama. Drama studies must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent. Music A major in music including all of the following: musicological study (music history and analysis) in a range of musical styles; periods and genres with a strong component of contemporary and western art music; compositional techniques; music performance studies (a minimum of four units) and preferably Australian music. The study of music and music practice must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent. Visual Arts A major in visual arts including all of the following: practical studies in 2 dimensional art forms such as drawing, printmaking, photography, visual design, graphics and multimedia; practical studies in 3 dimensional are forms such as ceramics, sculpture, installation and site specific works and/or 4 dimensional art forms such as animation, filmmaking, web-based art, game design, time-based works, graphics and multimedia; and art theory/history (a minimum of one year), and studio art making practice (a minimum of one year). The study of visual arts must be developed as a discrete discipline. Vocationally oriented courses are not recognised as equivalent. Source: NESA Supplementary Documentation: Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (July 2018). Additional notes ** Additional study may be undertaken in Industrial technology automotives - at least two units of automotive studies; Industrial technology building and construction - at least two units of study in building and construction; Industrial technology electronics - at least two units of study in electronics; or Industrial technology multimedia - at least two units of study in multimedia. NESA Subject Content Knowledge Requirements (Abridged), updated July 2018 Page 9 of 9