What is real world learning?

The faster our world evolves, the more important teachers become. Teachers prepare students for a future that is very different to today. That’s why we place emphasis on authentic and realistic learning approaches to prepare you for the real world.

Real world learning in your course

Our courses are regularly reviewed in consultation with the education profession to meet the latest teaching standards. Our aim is to prepare you to be a well-rounded professional, whether you want to step into the classroom with confidence, or explore the world of opportunities available. We’ll teach you essential skills that you can put into practice on professional experience.

Inclusive teaching strategies

QUT has units that will prepare you for teaching a range of diverse learners. You will develop specialist knowledge based on current research. Through inclusive classroom practices, you will be able to effectively engage students who have a variety of learning needs.

Curriculum and pedagogy

Learn innovative strategies and approaches to teach subjects in the Australian curriculum and other curriculum frameworks. Your classes at QUT will include opportunities to design and experiment with planning for learning experiences. You will observe, plan, teach and evaluate programs to ensure all learners are realising their full potential.

Stepping Out workshop

In your final year, the Stepping Out workshop will prepare you to step out of university and into your teaching profession. Learn about what you can expect of the first year of teaching through early career teachers and school principals.

Trauma-aware education

QUT is the only university to offer both postgraduate courses and core units for pre-service teachers, designed to build your awareness, knowledge, skills and leadership capacities in trauma-aware education.

Identify ways to strengthen educational policies and practices that better respond to the holistic needs of children and young people.

Health and physical education classes

Secondary students in the health and physical education teaching area can gain extra practical teaching experiences in an authentic real-world environment.

In curriculum units, students can explore different teaching approaches over a series of physical education lessons with small school groups from Kelvin Grove State College. You’ll be supported and guided by an experienced university mentor.

Put your skills into practice

Unforgettable lessons are often experienced outside the classroom. See how our extensive networks and partnerships with the education community have let students gain relevant knowledge, experiences and skills.

Industry contacts

'During my degree I had the opportunity to develop industry contacts and gain teaching experience through the St Laurence’s College Fellowship Program.

'I taught at SLC for a whole term on my final practicum and developed strong collegial relationships with the staff. This opportunity developed my skills as an Early Career Teacher and gave me the opportunity to plan, teach and reflect on my practices for 10 weeks.'

Read Teresa's story

Country and Indigenous language immersion

QUT is offering programs for pre-service teachers to develop the knowledge and skills associated with planning and implementing Indigenous languages programmes in schools.

Led by Dr Grace O’Brien, students have joined Wakka Wakka language classes and are involved with cultural practices such as observing ochre markings and scar trees, and engaging with the local language.

School Readiness Immersion program

The School Readiness Immersion program creates opportunities for education students to become a part of a school community for the year.

This program aims to help QUT students gain a deeper understanding of the fullness of the professional work of a teacher, and is a useful way to build meaningful connections and future employment opportunities.

Foster local connections

A contemporary inner-city school, Fortitude Valley State Secondary College has partnered with QUT to deliver classes and provide students with access to innovative technologies and expertise, while offering QUT students a stronger pathway to further their education, training and employment through professional experience placements. Students taking up this opportunity will work closely with mentor teachers and students at the school, gradually building up to teaching the class a lesson.

Teach in rural and remote communities

QUT is partnered with the Mount Isa and Atherton Centres for Learning and Wellbeing to provide an opportunity for students to experience life and teaching in rural and remove education settings. Increasing trauma-informed research indicates that there are often high levels of trauma present in these communities.

Read more

View available funding

Turn to Teaching internship program

QUT is one of three universities in Queensland to offer the Queensland Government’s Turn to Teaching Internship Program. The program is open to students enrolling in the Master of Teaching (Secondary) course.

Participants in the Turn to Teaching program will complete an accelerated program in the first year, including a summer semester. In the second year participants will continue part-time study while completing a paid internship.

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Professional experience

In addition to a range of experiences and opportunities, all students will benefit from professional experience placements during the course.

Undertake your placements in schools or early childhood and education services alongside practicing educators.

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International experiences

Gain valuable experiences overseas. Diverse cultural experiences can enhance your personal development and cultural competence, and show employers that you can deal with change and have initiative, commitment, flexibility, and compassion.

Apply for exchange

Apply for semester exchange or short-term international programs offered in conjunction with our global partners. Your experience may contribute towards a unit in your course. You may also be eligible to receive funding for travel.

Studying overseas

Learn more about studying education at QUT

Professional experience

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