Subject requirements

Learn more about the subject requirements when retraining as a teacher of a high-demand subject in a NSW public school.

Mathematics

The requirements to become a qualified secondary mathematics teacher are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each applicant's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in mathematics will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in pure or applied mathematics with at least 4 subjects at second-year level or above (must include algebra and calculus). Only one statistics subject may be counted provided it is a stand-alone subject.
Complete mathematics method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary mathematics (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in mathematics will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in pure or applied mathematics with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above (must include algebra and calculus). Only one statistics subject may be counted provided it is a stand-alone subject.
Complete mathematics method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary mathematics (years 7 - 12).

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning mathematics content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete mathematics method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary mathematics (years 7 - 12).

Physics

The requirements to become a qualified secondary science – physics teacher are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each applicant's qualifications.

It is a requirement under the scholarship, that applicants be approved in 2 areas of science, one of which must be physics.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in science will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects of science with at least 4 subjects in physics and another 2 subjects in another science (4 subjects must be at second-year level or above).
Complete science method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary science (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in science will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects of science with at least 2 subjects in physics and another 2 subjects in another science (2 subjects must be at second-year level or above).
Complete science method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary science (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary science teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in physics will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 2 subjects in physics.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning science content studies (including physics) will need to complete the following studies:

Complete science method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary science (years 7 - 12).

Food technology

The requirements to become a qualified secondary food technology teacher are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each applicant's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in food technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in food technology including studies of the Australian food industry, food manufacture, food product development and nutrition, with at least 4 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in food technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in food technology including studies of the Australian food industry, food manufacture, food product development and nutrition, with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary TAS teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in food technology content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in food technology including studies of the Australian food industry, food manufacture, food product development and nutrition, with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning food technology content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Engineering studies

The requirements to become a qualified engineering studies teacher in NSW public schools are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each individual's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in engineering will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in engineering studies 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, with a least 4 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in engineering will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in engineering studies 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, with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary TAS teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in engineering will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in engineering studies 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, with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning engineering content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Industrial technology - timber

The requirements to become a qualified industrial technology – timber teacher are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each individual's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in timber technology with at least 4 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in timber technology with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary TAS teachers of any industrial technology subject, or design and technology, or engineering studies with no previous undergraduate studies in timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 2 subjects in timber technology.

Approved secondary TAS teachers of any TAS subject other than any industrial technology subject, or design and technology, or engineering studies with no previous undergraduate studies in timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in timber technology with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning timber technology content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Industrial technology - metal

The requirements to become a qualified industrial technology – metal teacher are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each individual's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in metal technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in metal technology with at least 4 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in metal technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in metal technology with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary TAS teachers of any industrial technology subject, or design and technology, or engineering studies with no previous undergraduate studies in metal technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 2 subjects in metal technology.

Approved secondary TAS teachers of any TAS subject other than any industrial technology subject, or design and technology, or engineering studies with no previous undergraduate studies in metal technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in metal technology with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning metal technology content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
2. Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Industrial technology - metal and timber

The requirements to become a qualified industrial technology – metal and timber teacher are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each individual's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in metal and timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in metal and timber technology (must complete a minimum of 2 subjects in metal technology and 2 subjects in timber technology) with at least 4 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in metal and timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in metal and timber technology (2 subjects in metal technology and 2 subjects in timber technology) with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary TAS teachers of any industrial technology subject, or design and technology, or engineering studies with no previous undergraduate studies in metal and timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete one subject in metal technology and one subject in timber technology.

Approved secondary TAS teachers of any TAS subject other than any industrial technology subject, or design and technology, or engineering studies with no previous undergraduate studies in metal and timber technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in metal and timber technology (2 subjects in metal technology and 2 subjects in timber technology) with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning metal and timber technology content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Agriculture

The requirements to become a qualified agriculture teacher in NSW public schools are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each individual's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in agriculture will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in an area such as agricultural science, agricultural technology, horticulture, agronomy, primary industries and rural science (including studies of plants and animals, animal care, agricultural enterprises and chemical safety), with at least 4 subjects at second year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in agriculture will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in an area such as agricultural science, agricultural technology, horticulture, agronomy, primary industries and rural science (including studies of plants and animals, animal care, agricultural enterprises and chemical safety), with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary TAS teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in agriculture will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in an area such as agricultural science, agricultural technology, horticulture, agronomy, primary industries and rural science (including studies of plants and animals, animal care, agricultural enterprises and chemical safety), with at least 2 subjects at second-year level or above.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning agriculture content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Design and technology (including technology mandatory)

The requirements to become a qualified design and technology teacher (including technology mandatory) in NSW public schools are outlined below. The studies outlined are indicative only. The actual program of study required will be dependent on each individual's qualifications.

Approved primary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in design and technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 6 subjects in design and technology (with at least 4 subjects at second-year level and above) including 2 subjects of practical application in designing and hands on producing (including evidence of the use of tools, equipment, and techniques to a high level in the production of working solutions to design challenges) in two or more of the following technology related areas: agriculture, food technologies, digital technologies, engineering systems, materials technologies (electronics, graphics, metal, multimedia, polymers, timber, textiles). In addition to these areas, units can also be drawn from agriculture, architecture, computing studies, engineering, fashion design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design and landscape design.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary teachers with no previous undergraduate studies in design and technology will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 4 subjects in design and technology (with at least 2 subjects at second-year level and above) including 2 subjects of practical application in designing and hands on producing (including evidence of the use of tools, equipment, and techniques to a high level in the production of working solutions to design challenges) in two or more of the following technology related areas: agriculture, food technologies, digital technologies, engineering systems, materials technologies (electronics, graphics, metal, multimedia, polymers, timber, textiles). In addition to these areas, units can also be drawn from agriculture, architecture, computing studies, engineering, fashion design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design and landscape design.
Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Approved secondary TAS teachers of a single TAS subject only, will need to complete the following studies:

Complete 2 subjects in design and technology including practical application in designing and hands on producing (including evidence of the use of tools, equipment, and techniques to a high level in the production of working solutions to design challenges) in one or more of the following technology related areas: agriculture, food technologies, digital technologies, engineering systems, materials technologies (electronics, graphics, metal, multimedia, polymers, timber, textiles). In addition to these areas, units can also be drawn from agriculture, architecture, computing studies, engineering, fashion design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design and landscape design.

Note: The additional study must be in a design area other than your approved TAS teaching area.

Approved primary or secondary teachers with underpinning design and technology content studies will need to complete the following studies:

Complete TAS method and curriculum studies appropriate for years 7 – 12 (some universities may require teachers to complete this study across 2 subjects. e.g. one subject for years 7-10 and one subject for years 11-12).
Complete a professional experience placement in secondary TAS (years 7 - 12).

Note: Secondary TAS teachers approved to teach more than one TAS subject may be eligible for approval to teach design and technology (including technology mandatory) and should contact additional.approval@det.nsw.edu.au for further information.