What subjects can you teach? 7 specialisations in Secondary Education

1. English

English teaching is about far more than grammar worksheets and essay structures.

Secondary English teachers help students develop communication, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. One lesson might involve analysing a novel, while the next explores film, media, speeches, or digital storytelling.

Students learn how language shapes culture, identity, and ideas. Teachers help guide discussions, encourage interpretation, and create space for different perspectives.

This specialisation can suit students who enjoy:

• reading and writing
• communication and media
• discussion and debate
• creative thinking

For students who love storytelling and ideas, English can be a dynamic subject area to teach.

2. Mathematics

Mathematics teachers help students build confidence in problem-solving and logical thinking.

From algebra and geometry to statistics and data, maths classrooms are often about helping students break complex ideas into manageable steps. Strong teaching can help students move from “I can’t do this” to “I actually get it now”.

Maths also connects directly to everyday life, from budgeting and technology to science and engineering.

This specialisation can suit students who enjoy:

• analytical thinking
• patterns and logic
• solving problems
• structured learning

Mathematics remains one of the most in-demand teaching areas across many schools.

3. Science

Science classrooms are built around curiosity.

Secondary Science teachers encourage students to ask questions, investigate ideas, test theories, and understand how the world works. Depending on the learning area, this might involve biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or practical laboratory work.

Science teaching often combines theory with hands-on learning, making lessons interactive and varied.

This specialisation can suit students who enjoy:

• experimentation and discovery
• practical learning
• environmental and scientific issues
• understanding how things work

For students who like asking “why?”, Science can be an exciting pathway.

4. Business Studies

Business Studies connects classroom learning to industries, workplaces, and everyday decision-making.

Teachers in this area might explore entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, leadership, workplace culture, or innovation. Lessons often involve real-world examples, current events, and collaborative projects.

Business Studies can help students understand how organisations operate and how ideas become opportunities.

This specialisation can suit students who enjoy:

• leadership and teamwork
• business and entrepreneurship
• communication and strategy
• analysing real-world trends

It’s a subject area that continues to evolve alongside industries and technology.

5. Economics

Economics focuses on how people, businesses, and governments make decisions.

In secondary classrooms, Economics teachers help students explore topics such as markets, trade, cost of living, global systems, and financial decision-making. Discussions often connect directly to issues students see in the news and experience in everyday life.

Economics encourages analytical thinking and informed discussion.

This specialisation can suit students who enjoy:

• analysing trends and systems
• current affairs
• problem-solving
• understanding global issues

For students interested in the bigger picture, Economics offers plenty to explore.

6. Technological and Applied Studies

Technological and Applied Studies combines creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

Depending on the subject area, students may work on design projects, explore emerging technologies, develop practical solutions, or apply technical skills in hands-on ways.

This learning area often encourages experimentation, collaboration, and project-based learning.

This specialisation can suit students who enjoy:

• designing and creating
• technology and innovation
• practical learning
• project work and collaboration

For creative thinkers who like building, making, and testing ideas, this can be a highly engaging teaching area.

7. Your teaching career can keep evolving

Choosing a teaching specialisation doesn’t mean choosing one fixed path forever.

Many secondary teachers expand into new learning areas, wellbeing roles, leadership positions, curriculum development, mentoring, or school coordination over time. Others combine multiple interests within their teaching practice, bringing creativity, technology, communication, or community engagement into the classroom.

At UTS, professional experience placements give students the opportunity to build confidence in real school environments and explore the kinds of classrooms and communities they connect with most.

Your specialisation is where your teaching journey begins. Where it goes next can continue to grow alongside your interests and experience.

Finding the right fit

The best teaching specialisation often starts with a simple question: what subject do you genuinely enjoy learning about and helping others understand?

Whether your interests sit in communication, science, business, mathematics, or creative problem-solving, Secondary Education offers the opportunity to turn those interests into meaningful learning experiences for future students.