Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
This degree is part of the programs offering government subsidised places
Study a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) and start working as a conditionally accredited casual or temporary classroom teacher after just 12 months of study.*
This niche program offering is designed for graduates who wish to specialise in one or two teaching areas in a single learning area only, and is a pathway into the NESA accredited Master of Teaching (Secondary) program.
The diploma is taught online, supported by state-of-the-art simulation facilities, and informed by evidence-based pedagogies. Our graduates will be prepared to make a difference in the classroom, and shape and inspire young minds.
*Conditional accreditation at the completion of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) is dependent on enrolment in the Master of Teaching (Secondary) program. You’ll have only 40 units of study to complete and you’ll come out with an additional qualification!
Professor John Fischetti, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Office PVC - Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, discusses some fast-track options for becoming a teacher.
Full-time or part-time study options available
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The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) is a 120-unit postgraduate coursework program completed over 1 year full-time.
The program is delivered online, with an on campus experience at our Callaghan campus for 3 days during the year of study. The on campus intensive will provide opportunities to learn and practice teaching skills face-to-face.
You will complete 120 units of core courses (including 10 units of electives). In the core courses you will examine concepts and theories in the following learning areas:
You can undertake teacher preparation in the following disciplines: Aboriginal studies, business studies, drama, economics, English, geography, history, languages, legal studies, mathematics, music, PDHPE, science, society & culture, studies of religion, technological and applied studies, and visual arts. You can only qualify in a maximum of two teaching areas from the same disciplinary learning area. If you want to acquire more teaching areas, we recommend you enrol in our Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Graduates of this program will be equipped with the appropriate theoretical and practical skills and knowledge to flourish as a successful secondary school teacher.
You will be prepared to begin your career teaching students from Year 7 through to Year 12.
Career pathways include:
You will complete 35 hours teacher observations and small group participation and 60 days formal professional experience in relevant school settings.
Formal professional experience placements are organised by the university, and supervised by school and university staff, and students are expected to demonstrate a range of professional teaching competencies as part of the successful completion of the program.
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), you will get 120 units of credit into the Master of Teaching (Secondary).
For those seeking conditional accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) – a prerequisite for teaching employment in NSW – you must enrol in the Master of Teaching (Secondary). Conditional accreditation enables you to work as a casual or temporary teacher in NSW schools. If you are applying from another state, you should check with your local teacher education accreditation authority for their specific requirements.
Once you complete the remaining 40 units of the Master of Teaching (Secondary), you will have a second qualification and become eligible to apply for provisional accreditation with NESA. This accreditation allows you to apply for full-time ongoing teaching positions.
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
Applications are now open and will close on 14 January 2024 (Trimester 1) and 14 April 2024 (Trimester 2).
Before submitting your application, please review the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Admission Information Pack for detailed admission and program information.
This pack also contains the Teaching Area Nomination Form, which you will be required to complete and upload with your application.
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
This program is available for domestic students only.
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary Education) is a 120 unit postgraduate qualification, with assessment for admission available for applicants who have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
For admission, the applicants’ qualification must satisfy the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements for accreditation in the chosen Key Learning Area.
In addition, applicants must submit a 500 word written piece of work.
EDUC6785 35 hours per week for 1 week
EDUC6772 and EDUC6913 35 hours per week over 12 weeks
Anaphylaxis Training
Students must complete the ASCIA Anaphylaxis e-training Course.
Child Protection Awareness Training
Students must complete Child Protection Awareness Training and annual Child Protection Update training.
Working With Children Check
Students must obtain a Working with Children Check.
In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.
EDUC6772 - The Adolescent Learning Environment
EDUC6785 - Educational Foundations
EDUC6913 - The Global Secondary Professional
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.