Major, Sub-Major or Part Study

[MathsNerd203]

When it comes to the Master of Secondary Education, the university's website says for most subjects, you are required to complete a Sub-Major in that subject.

So what does qualify as a Sub Major (I'm a bit confused by the brochure)?

And what does a concurrent diploma qualify for?

Brochure: http://education.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/1260223/MoT5_web.pdf

(Page 5-6)

[Aaron]

Hey MathsNerd, I will be doing the MTeach so I can help you out.

A sub-major is an area of study in which you have to complete at least four units of study (with no more than two at first year level)

So for example, say you wanted to teach Mathematics. At the bare minimum, you need to do four units at university level. Only two maximum will be taken into account at first year level, and the other two can be from second or third year.

So if you do three first year maths units, and then only one second year unit.. Even though it's four units, it's technically only three when considering your eligibility as per that condition.

Technically they classify it as 'study taken over two years with no more than two at first year'.. but the latter condition only exists (no more than two at first year level).

For further reference, when you apply via VTAC for the MTeach, VTAC checks against these guidelines in regards to your eligibility:

http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/PDF/1672_Specialist-Area-Guidelines-Nov08.pdf

Sub-major: A total of half a year of successful full-time higher education study, usually comprising sequential discipline studies taken over two years, e.g. a part in each of the first and second years of study, or equivalent study. In most programs this equates to four units, with no more than two at first year level.

So overall whilst you are doing your degree you do need to look to the future and consider what you may want to teach because you need to complete the requirement to even be considered to teach that area.

[MathsNerd203]

Thank you for your response 

So would a concurrent diploma in mathematical sciences (during undergraduate study), provide enough units to count as a major or sub-major?

I want to study a Bachelor of Music, with a concurring diploma of Mathematical Sciences. Then, I want to become a qualified Music and Maths teacher.

I want to be certain that doing this will definitely allow me to teach Maths and Music, as I don't want to stuff up my future by not being able to qualify for the Masters of Teaching.

[Aaron]

The music degree will for sure allow you to teach Music (provided you pass an interview/audition)

However i'm not too sure about the Mathematical part. Since the requirement is at least four subjects with no more than two at first year level, I'm unsure whether this would satisfy that requirement.

Your best bet is to contact the VIT (http://www.vit.vic.edu.au) directly regarding Specialist area guidelines.

[notveryasian]

Given the subjects required to complete the Diploma of Maths, it will definitely satisfy the requirement for a major study in Maths for the M.Teach. Just make sure you take the subjects Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra in 1st year, and Calculus 1 before these 2 subjects if you haven't done Specialist Maths.

[MathsNerd203]

Okay, thanks for your help guys