ANU and UC join forces for future science teachers »

ANU and the University of Canberra (UC) have joined forces in a unique collaboration to help students kick-start their careers in science teaching. For the first time, starting from 2016, the two universities will offer a vertical double degree for science teaching, combining a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from ANU with a Master of Teaching (MTeach) from UC. The new double degree, launched by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA, will make it possible for final year BSc students to also study for the MTeach, with final-year classes credited for both awards. "This collaboration is a wonderful partnership between two leading universities and will help Australia address the growing need for more science teachers as the economy continues to modernise," Mr Barr said. "The combined ANU-UC course will allow students to gain their science and teaching qualifications six months earlier than it would take to do the courses separately." 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 (STEM). "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," Professor Young said.