ANDREW Barr has launched an unusual new ANU and UC double degree to help science students get into teaching more easily, quickly and cheaply.
“From 2016, final year Bachelor of Science (BSc) students from The Australian National University will be able to study for a Master of Teaching (MTeach) from the University of Canberra at the same time, with final-year classes credited for both awards,” Andrew said.
“The combined course will allow students to gain their science and teaching qualifications six months earlier than it would take to do the courses separately.
“This is a wonderful partnership between two leading universities. It will help students kick-start their careers in science teaching as well as helping Australia to address the growing need for more science teachers as the economy continues to modernise.
“The ANU and UC are both vital to the Canberra economy. The ACT Government’s business strategy, Confident & Business Ready: Building on Our Strengths, acknowledges the value of ANU, UC and our other higher education and research institutions in attracting students to Canberra. Higher education contributes $2.7 billion per annum to Canberra’s economy.
“In addition, teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills will provide our future workforce with the strong scientific and technical skills necessary to meet our goal of growing and diversifying Canberra’s economy.
“I congratulate the ANU and UC on this collaboration, which will position Canberra as a leader in the 21st Century knowledge economy.”
ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young AO and UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker AO said the new double degree flipped the process of teacher education by allowing students to specialise in science first, and then develop their teaching skills.
Professor Young said the new vertical double degree would help improve careers and standards for teachers in the crucial areas of science, technology, engineering and maths.
“This new vertical double degree will give students a new pathway into science teaching by giving them access to outstanding qualifications in two specialist areas in a shorter time, and at a lower cost,” Ian said.
Professor Parker said the collaboration between the two universities would allow greater choice for students wanting to study science and teaching together.
“This unique collaboration will give students the best experience of both universities, by providing them with access to Australia’s best science and teaching-education facilities,” Stephen said.
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