Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies is intended for teachers, trainers or human resource specialists wishing to pursue postgraduate studies to continue their professional development in the field of education. The program blends theory and practice, with an emphasis on applying research to best educational practices.

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies is available in the following areas of interest:

• Aboriginal Education
• Auditory Verbal Practice
• Chemistry (Specialisation not available in 2009)
• Computer Education
• Disability Studies (available every second year)
• Early Childhood Education (Specialisation not available in 2009)
• Educating Boys
• Emotional Disturbance/Behaviour Disorders
• Engineering Studies in Education (Specialisation not available in 2009)
• Generic
• Gifted Education (Available to Continuing Students Only)
• Hearing
• Leadership and Management
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orientation and Mobility
• Pedagogy
• Physics (Specialisation not available in 2009)
• Special Education
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Vision Impairment
• Vocational Education and Training (Specialisation not available in 2009).

For entry into the Graduate Certificate, applicants need to have completed a three year degree from a recognised tertiary institution or possess equivalent qualifications. However, applicants who hold other relevant qualifications together with appropriate high level work experience are encouraged to apply for entry via recognition of prior learning (RPL).

RPL is calculated by the University using a sliding scale relative to the applicants experience and qualifications in industry. Documentation will need to be provided in a professional portfolio. For more information on RPL please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policylibrary/000282.html or contact the Faculty Student Services Office.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate candidates will be eligible to apply for entry into the Master of Educational Studies program, and seek up to 40 units credit in this award.

Candidates will be able to seek credit for up to 20 units at the Graduate Certificate and 40 units at the Masters level based on appropriate studies undertaken at a similar level at another University or another related postgraduate program. In exceptional circumstances, candidates may seek to have appropriate professional experience recognised as being the equivalent of up to 40 units of study at the Masters level. Successful completion of the required 40 units for the Graduate Certificate will continue to provide articulation into the relevant Coursework Masters program.

Some accreditation is possible within specialisation areas. The degree, however, is not an initial teaching qualification. Please contact Specialisation Convenor.

The Faculty of Education and Arts accepts the responsibility for providing reasonable accommodations for international students, in liaison with the International Development Services unit support team, which offers practical assistance and advice to international students.

All new International Students will be provided with an Orientation of the Faculty of Education and Arts and the University at the commencement of each semester.

There is a designated International Students Liaison Officer in all Schools within the Faculty of Education and Arts. This Officer is available to International Students as a representative and also to seek guidance and advice from.

The Faculty of Education and Arts accepts responsibility for providing reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, which offers practical assistance and advice to students with a disability or chronic illness.

The program is available on-campus and by WebLearn. Please refer to the timetable information for individual course availability and location of offer.

The program can be completed in one semester full-time or equivalent part-time, however please be aware that not all courses may be offered in any one semester.

Please note that all courses are taught at postgraduate level. Not all courses are available in each semester, and the Faculty reserves the right not to offer courses if there is insufficient demand.

To complete the Graduate Certificate as a generic award candidates complete any four courses of their choice from the approved list of courses.