Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
This degree is part of the programs offering government subsidised places
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Online
Duration1 year full-time.1 year full-time.
Mode of deliveryOnline
Start datesTrimester 1 (29 Jan 2024), Trimester 2 (13 May 2024),
Program Code50012
Start your High School teaching career in just 1 year
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!
Why study with us?
- Fast tracked program – be classroom ready in just 12 months.
- Credit towards Master of Teaching program – with just 3 additional courses (40 units) you can complete a Master of Teaching (Secondary).
- Flexible teaching mode – the program is delivered online with intensive on campus experiences.
- State of the art technologies and experience based learning in our new suite of interactive learning environments – SimTeach, SimCave and SimSchool immerse students in both virtual reality and hands on experiences.
- Quality Teaching Model – a framework backed by robust evidence and known to make a difference for student outcomes.
- Graduate work-ready – students undertake 60 days of formal professional placement across two different schools in their local region, and 5 days of career-ready placement.
- Be in demand - 3.7% Projected employment growth by 2026 & 5800 new Secondary School Teachers needed by 2026 (Lightcast LabourInsight, 2024).
- Save up to 75% with a commonwealth-supported place.
Professor John Fischetti - addressing teacher shortages 7:06
Professor John Fischetti, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Office PVC - Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, discusses some fast-track options for becoming a teacher.
Want to learn more?
Study a Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Full-time or part-time study options available
World top 175
?
for Education
96.1% employed
?
within four months of graduating
$2052 median weekly income
?
for Secondary School Teachers before tax
$85,000
?
teacher starting salary
What you will study
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:
- Educational Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology;
- The Principles and Practice of Teaching, including an emphasis on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment in your designated teaching area; and
- The Integration of New Technologies into the curriculum
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).
Career
Career opportunities
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:
- Classroom Teacher
- Head Teacher of a teaching discipline
- School Executive and Principal
- School Counsellor (with appropriate additional study)
- Teacher Librarian (with appropriate additional study)
Practical experience
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.
- EDUC6772 - The Adolescent Learning Environment (10 units – includes 20-day placement)
- EDUC6913 - The Global Professional (20 units – includes a 40-day placement)
Professional recognition
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.
Study with us
Hear from our students
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
Application info
Applying for Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
Ok, great, let's go!
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.
Apply to study in Australia
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.
Before you get started
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
- Review the program fees and costs.
- Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
- If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Other things to consider
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:
- Bachelor Honours Degree; or
- Bachelor Degree.
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.