Study Postgraduate Education

If you are a practising teacher or educator with a passion for learning and desire to develop an advanced understanding of a variety of broad issues then the Graduate Certificate in Education is the program for you. This program will enhance your existing skills as an education professional, see you connect with the latest developments and research in the field, and move beyond the classroom to explore system-level issues and challenges. Upon graduation you will be positioned as an educational leader.

Why study with us?

  • Study anywhere, anytime - with the opportunity to study with combined face-to-face and online learning, you will have the flexibility and support to study anytime, anywhere to balance work, life and study.
  • Fast-track your career - this degree will increase your professional capacity making you highly employable. With enhanced teaching capabilities you will stand out at the forefront of the professional industry as an educational leader.
  • Work anywhere in the world - our Graduate Certificate in Education is recognised nationally and internationally, allowing you to pursue career opportunities anywhere in the world.
  • Save up to 75% with a commonwealth-supported place.

Master of Education student Kirsty in the classroom with students

World top 175 ? for Education
96.1% employed ? within four months of graduating
Top 175 ? university in the world
$85,000 ? teacher starting salary

What you will study

The University of Newcastle’s Graduate Certificate in Education is designed to propel students towards success in the teaching industry. You will study a range of progressive subjects geared around the theoretical and practical application of teaching and learning. The program will provide you with the practical expertise to lead teachers and ensure they provide the best learning experience for students. The program is structured with one core course and 30 units of directed courses.

The sole core course to support your drive and direction is Advanced Studies in Education.

In addition to the core course, students will have the choice to choose 30 units from multiple directed courses to support their studies. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

  • Power and Pedagogy
  • English for Special Purposes
  • Leading and Managing Educational Change

Upon completion of the above courses, you will have developed high-level leadership skills in teaching and learning within the education sector.

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Graduate Certificate in Education might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

The University of Newcastle’s Graduate Certificate in Education prepares you with the skills and knowledge to build on your current teaching experience and pursue a career in educational leadership. You’ll graduate ready to apply your in-depth knowledge of teaching practices in the professional environment and can embark on some of the following career pathways:

  • higher education teacher within TAFEs and university sectors
  • education consultant within TAFEs, universities or schools
  • leadership, coordination, specialist or professional development positions in school systems

You can also take your postgraduate qualification to the next level, opening up further career opportunities with the Master of Education at the University of Newcastle.

Application info

Applying for Graduate Certificate in Education

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: If you are applying for recognition of prior learning for this program, you will need to provide a statement detailing how your professional experience prepares you to undertake postgraduate study.

Apply to study in Australia

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: If you are applying for recognition of prior learning for this program, you will need to provide a statement detailing how your professional experience prepares you to undertake postgraduate study.

Apply to study online

This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. 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.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

The Graduate Certificate in Education is a 40-unit postgraduate qualification, with admission available for qualified teachers who have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:

  • Bachelor Honours Degree; or
  • Bachelor Degree; or
  • Diploma or Advanced Diploma plus two years' relevant work experience; or
  • At least five years’ demonstrable relevant work experience.

Relevant fields and applicable work experience includes education, teaching, training, tutoring, or equivalent.

Work experience can be demonstrated through: certified copies of all relevant qualifications, a detailed CV, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates