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Graduate Diploma of Education

Graduate Diploma

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    GradDipEd

  • Course code

    1151020

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Education is a one year diploma (full-time or part-time equivalent) that offers graduates of disciplines other than education a qualification to teach one subject in a secondary school.

Specialisation units are generally delivered by practising teachers who bring their first-hand teaching experience to the course. School-based, professional experience enables student teachers to put theory into practice as they observe and reflect on the dynamics of the classroom. This experience also enables students to become acquainted with the formal and informal aspects of what occurs in classroom and secondary schools.

All core education units can be studied by distance education, but students will be required to attend a two-day workshop at Lismore or Coffs Harbour in session one and session two.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills which show a broad understanding of knowledge and depth

Analyse and appraise the relevant concepts, ideas and principles relating to educational practice

Identify and categorise appropriate data and information in relation to student performance

Creativity

Demonstrate an ability to develop creative and effective responses to intellectual, professional and social challenges

Demonstrate creativity, innovation and enterprise to design and implement effective teaching programs and strategies

Ethical practice

Demonstrate a knowledge of social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with what is expected of an education professional working in a learning community and with students, parents and carers

Demonstrate an awareness of the need for student safety and support within professional frameworks

Demonstrate understanding of the need to implement policy requirements from a duty of care perspective

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate a broad, integrated knowledge and understanding of secondary teaching area disciplines

Apply e knowledge and skills relating to a specific discipline area to effectively achieve syllabus outcomes

Apply pedagogical principles and practice to ensure effective teaching and learning including assessment and reporting practices

Lifelong learning

Demonstrate skills in maintaining or advancing information and literacy skills to keep currency with pedagogical practice

Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice

Communication and social skills

Communicate concisely and appropriately in oral and written form in professional educational settings

Communicate sensitively and appropriately with students within a professional framework

Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills applicable in professional learning community settings

Cultural competence

Apply academic practices that are informed by cultural awareness and cultural competence, global perspectives, inclusivity and respect for the rights of all persons

Identify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement and behaviour including diverse groups of learners such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, migrants and students from non-English speaking backgrounds

Students complete a program of practical in-school teaching experiences throughout the course to demonstrate their independent and professional capabilities as secondary school teachers.

Students study one of the following curriculum specialisations:

  • English (Lismore, Distance education*)
  • Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), which comprises modern history or geography, with the optional addition of ancient history, business studies, legal studies, economics, society and culture (Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast)
  • Mathematics (Distance education)
  • Music (Lismore)
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) (Lismore)
  • Science (Distance education*)
  • Technology and Applied Studies (Distance education)
  • Visual Arts (Lismore).

* The English and Science specialisations each require attendance at a two-day Lismore workshop in session one and session two. Contact the School of Education if you have any further queries.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1 N/A N/A
Gold Coast Session 1 N/A N/A
Lismore Session 1 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

This course is approved by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards and is nationally recognised. Graduates of the course meet the qualification requirements for accreditation/registration as a teacher in schools across all Australian states and territories.

Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, but students need to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding accreditation requirements.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of the Graduate Diploma of Education a candidate shall successfully complete not less than eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A;
    2. a two (2) unit sequence selected from Part B
  2. Permission to undertake a practicum will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of the School of Education

Entry requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Language requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of the Graduate Diploma of Education a candidate shall successfully complete not less than eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A;
    2. a two (2) unit sequence selected from Part B
  2. Permission to undertake a practicum will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of the School of Education

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Please refer to the course enrolment guide available on the School of Education website (www.scu.edu.au/education) within the student information and downloads tab

Note 1:

Sequential units in a curriculum specialisation are indicated by their naming; e.g. Curriculum Specialisation: Visual Arts I and Curriculum Specialisation: Visual Arts II.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
EDU10710 Learners, Teachers and Pedagogies Intermediate
EDU10711 Effective Communication in the Classroom Intermediate
EDU10712 Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities Intermediate
EDU10713 Curriculum, Assessment and New Media Advanced
EDU10714 The Inclusive Classroom Intermediate
EDU10715 Issues in Education Advanced

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
EDU01153 Curriculum Specialisation: Visual Arts I Intermediate
EDU01154 Curriculum Specialisation: Visual Arts II Advanced
EDU01021 Curriculum Specialisation: Personal Development, Health, Physical Education I Intermediate
EDU01022 Curriculum Specialisation: Personal Development, Health, Physical Education II (Lifestyle) Advanced
EDU01246 Curriculum Specialisation: Science I Intermediate
EDU01247 Curriculum Specialisation: Science II Advanced
TCH10007 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment I Intermediate
TCH10008 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment II Advanced
EDU01145 Curriculum Specialisation: Mathematics I Intermediate
EDU01146 Curriculum Specialisation: Mathematics II Advanced
EDU01143 Curriculum Specialisation - Music I Intermediate
EDU01144 Curriculum Specialisation - Music II Intermediate
TCH10174 Curriculum Specialisation: English I Intermediate
TCH10175 Curriculum Specialisation: English II Advanced
EDU10631 Technology Pedagogy and Curriculum I Intermediate
EDU10632 Technology Pedagogy and Curriculum II Advanced
TCH10303 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment IA Intermediate
TCH10304 Curriculum Specialisation: Human Society and its Environment IIA Advanced
Note 1