Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Master of Teaching in Secondary Education

Study Writing and Publishing at UTS

Are you fascinated by the world of writing and publishing? Want a career where you’ll play a vital role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow? Well, with the dual Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Master of Teaching in Secondary Education, you can have it all.

A ‘vertical stack’ course, this program allows you to complete both your undergraduate and postgraduate degree in one. You’ll acquire advanced, in-depth communications capabilities while undertaking a practical, job-ready teaching qualification. With your enhanced writing and communication skills, you’ll have the competence and confidence to launch a rewarding career in secondary education, where you’ll help young people hone their writing and communication to accelerate their future success.

Part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

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Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Master of Teaching in Secondary Education

CODE

UTS: C10405 (version 2)

CRICOS: 102566B

UAC: 600061 English/EALD (Autumn Session), 600060 English (Autumn Session), 600062 English/Society & Culture (Autumn Session)

LOWEST SELECTION RANK

75.50 (English), 75.00* (English as an Additional Language/Dialect), 76.05 (English Society and Culture)

Don't have the ATAR?

See pathways

DURATION

4 years full time

INTAKE

Autumn D Session 2025
Autumn D Session 2026

View important dates

COURSE FEES

Indicative total tuition fee for government-supported domestic students
$70,665.00

LOCATION

City campus

What you’ll study

Over this four-year program, you’ll complete both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree. In your Communication studies, you’ll undertake a number of core and major units, where you’ll learn about the contemporary publishing industry, acquire a broad understanding of the discipline and sharpen your writing skills in a variety of genres and formats.

Then, you’ll commence your teaching studies, where you’ll study topics like inclusive education, digital tools and engaging adolescent learners. You’ll specialise in your chosen area of English and develop your classroom competencies through hands-on placements.

Subjects at a glance

Core subjects

See all subjects and majors in the UTS Handbook

Typical course program

The outline below shows an example program for the Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Master of Teaching in Secondary Education based on a full-time study load. Please note that your exact program may differ based on your unique circumstances, such as your commencement date, subject selections and recognition of prior learning.

Course structure

3

core Communication subjects
4

Communication Electives

or

3

Communication Electives
8

Writing and Publishing major subjects
7

core Secondary Education subjects
9

Secondary Education specialisation subjects

First year

You’ll kick off your degree with your Communications studies, where you’ll learn about citizenship and digital literacy. You’ll build specialised knowledge through subjects in areas like narrative, writing and editing and complete two disciplinary electives of your choice.
Second year

This year, you’ll jump into your postgraduate coursework, learning critical perspectives, approaches and methodologies for teaching numeracy, literacy and English. You’ll also continue honing your writing and publishing acumen, developing your industry knowledge and practical skills in adaptation.
Third year

You’ll finalise your Communication degree, drawing together your learnings to produce an original piece of writing in your choice of genre and form. You’ll also acquire further competencies in teaching and undertake your first hands-on placement in a real classroom.
Fourth year

You’ll conclude your program by completing final-year subjects in teaching methods, inclusive education and digital technologies. You’ll carry out a second placement, establishing advanced capabilities in secondary education teaching and classroom management to support you as you begin your career.

First year

You’ll kick off your degree with your Communications studies, where you’ll learn about citizenship and digital literacy. You’ll build specialised knowledge through subjects in areas like narrative, writing and editing and complete two disciplinary electives of your choice.

Second year

This year, you’ll jump into your postgraduate coursework, learning critical perspectives, approaches and methodologies for teaching numeracy, literacy and English. You’ll also continue honing your writing and publishing acumen, developing your industry knowledge and practical skills in adaptation.

Third year

You’ll finalise your Communication degree, drawing together your learnings to produce an original piece of writing in your choice of genre and form. You’ll also acquire further competencies in teaching and undertake your first hands-on placement in a real classroom.

Fourth year

You’ll conclude your program by completing final-year subjects in teaching methods, inclusive education and digital technologies. You’ll carry out a second placement, establishing advanced capabilities in secondary education teaching and classroom management to support you as you begin your career.

See typical course program in the UTS Handbook

Course highlights

This degree gives you an up-to-date understanding of the contemporary publishing industry as well as expert writing and storytelling competencies across nonfiction, screenwriting, digital content and more. You’ll also become a competent, confident educator, blending your acute knowledge with the hands-on experience acquired from 80 days of professional experience.

Admissions information

This course is designed for aspiring secondary school English teachers, including those interested in teaching English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) or Society and Culture. Choose this course to gain comprehensive knowledge in Communication (Writing and Publishing) alongside a Master of Teaching, equipping you to teach confidently in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
What sets this course apart is its vertical structure (undergraduate + postgraduate degree), enabling you to gain a greater depth of disciplinary knowledge in English and Society and Culture before commencing your teaching subjects from your second year of study. Gaining a wider and deeper understanding in your field of study gives you more confidence when you commence teaching.
You'll acquire expertise in curriculum design, classroom management, and the latest disciplinary developments. The course includes 80 days of practical experience in one of over 200 partner secondary schools across NSW, enhancing your teaching skills and expanding your professional network.
By completing this course, you'll fast-track your career, earning both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in less time. You can pursue careers in secondary education, writing, editing, publishing, and various communication roles in diverse sectors.
The combined "Vertical Stack" course (undergraduate + postgraduate degree) enables students to gain a greater depth of disciplinary knowledge in Communications (Writing and Publishing) before commencing their teaching subjects in the Master of Teaching from their second year of study. Gaining a wider and deeper understanding in their field of study gives students more confidence when they commence teaching. They enter the classroom up to date on the most current developments in the discipline, and this is highly valued by schools.

The unique vertical structure of this combined course means students do not need to meet the standard three Band 5 HSC results, including English, for admission to an initial teacher education course.

To ensure that a high quality of teachers is maintained in the education sector, students need to achieve a Credit average in the first two years of their university studies before progressing into the final years of the program.

If students do not meet the Credit average, they can still continue in the Bachelor of Communications (Writing and Publishing) and graduate with that qualification.

Students spend 80 days in one of more than 200 secondary schools across NSW. This practical experience with a trusted UTS partner school helps them gain the skills and confidence in curriculum and classroom management required for effective teaching in English (and EALD or Society and Culture if relevant), and also helps them develop personal and professional networks within and beyond education for their future career path.

Not only are students accelerated in their career pathway to secondary teaching by achieving two qualifications, including one at postgraduate level, within the duration of a single undergraduate degree, they also have the benefits of a range of career options.
Your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a score between 0.00 and 99.95. It shows you how you rank compared to all the students in your year group in New South Wales. A selection rank combines your ATAR with any other adjustment points that make up your overall university entrance score. Your selection rank may differ from university to university, depending on the adjustment points granted to you at each institution.
Employers tell us the skills our graduates acquire from undertaking a Transdisciplinary Elective sets them apart from the crowd. That’s why we have embedded this program into every undergraduate degree.

All you need to do is choose the Elective that inspires you the most.

Transdisciplinary Electives integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, allowing you to approach complex problems from a range of perspectives.

By combining methods and insights from various disciplines, transdisciplinary learning often leads to breakthrough ideas and creative innovations that may not be possible within the confines of a single discipline.

If you find yourself rapt by the world of innovation – you can pair your core degree with a Diploma in Innovation, graduating with two qualifications in the same timeframe.

In both instances, you’ll work on a real-world challenge presented by an industry partner organisation – partners who often create career pathways for our graduates.

* Excludes students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation.
Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.
Applicants must submit a personal statement as part of their application.

Applicants should also review the inherent requirements to ensure they are able to complete this course.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
2025 Indicative tuition fees for government-supported domestic students

All offers for domestic undergraduate students are for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).This means the Australian Government contributes to your education costs, and you pay the remaining tuition fees, known as the student contribution. If eligible, you can defer payment through HECS-HELP, or you can choose to pay your fees upfront each session.

2025 Tuition Fees

Indicative first-year tuition fee: $16,992.00

Indicative total tuition fee: $70,665.00

Additional Costs

Your tuition fees do not include:
- The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
- Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
- Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).
Important Information
- Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
- The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
- Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
- You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table.

Find more Communication courses

Return to Communication

Entry schemes and pathways

Learn more

UTS Early Entry program

If you've excelled in Year 11, our Early Entry program rewards the hard work you've put into your studies. Successful applicants receive a provisional offer before their HSC/IB exams.

Elite athletes and performers

If you're an elite athlete or performer who has represented your school or state at a national level, and your studies have been affected, this scheme is for you.

InpUTS

If you've experienced long-term disadvantages that have affected your education, you may be eligible for selection rank adjustments through inpUTS.

Completing a recognised TAFE or VET provider qualification

With a VET qualification, you're eligible to apply for certain courses. Take the next step in your education.

Jumbunna Admissions Program

If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Jumbunna is an alternative application process for our courses that emphasises diverse pathways to success.

Changing from another undergraduate course

You can apply for our courses using your previous study. You may even be eligible for recognition of prior learning, so you won’t need to repeat subjects.

Learn more

Careers

Your future career

As a graduate, you’ll possess both the in-depth knowledge of the writing and publishing industry and the job-ready capabilities in secondary school education you need to launch a rewarding, meaningful career in English teaching. You’ll be an accomplished writer, blending your knowledge and skills in a range of genres and formats with your editing and publishing acumen to inform your practice.

Plus, with your cutting-edge educational abilities honed in real classroom environments, you’ll be fully prepared to become the informed, inspirational and creatively-minded secondary teacher of the future.

Career options

“Studying at UTS has been a wonderful experience; it’s the perfect mix between campus and city vibes.”

Amy Robson

Undergraduate student

Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) - Previously known as Creative Writing) (Digital and Social Media)

“Securing a place at UTS before my final Year 12 exams allowed me to approach the HSC with confidence and peace of mind.”

Czeyden Raposas

Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of International Studies

UTS Early Entry program

“Communication at UTS is different from other universities in the way that you gain practical experience in the industry whilst learning up to date methodologies from tutors who are working in the industry themselves.”

Daniel Snell

Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts & Production) (Public Communication)

Where you’ll study

Our world-class facilities support your future-focused learning and high-impact research. They enable effective partnerships with industry and provide services to our community.

See more facilities

Students shooting video in a green screen studio. — Direct productions in our Bon Marche Studio.

Undergraduate students collaborate on a project in the Building 3 sound studios — Collaborate in our media production facilities.

Aerial view of the UTS Library reading room, showing desks, study areas and shelves with books. — Find your perfect library study spot and enjoy the quiet away from the campus bustle.

Why UTS?

Why study Communication at UTS

With a degree in Communications, you'll develop a professional portfolio and learn the skills to adapt in a rapidly evolving field.

We offer innovative and interdisciplinary media, communication and creative production programs that combine theory with practical learning and industry experience.