Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
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)
Program Code50012
Start your High School teaching career in just 1 year
Study a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) and work as a classroom teacher in just 12 months of study.
This niche program offering is designed for graduates who wish to specialise in one key learning area only.
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.
Why study with us?
- Save up to 80% with a commonwealth-supported place
- 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 in schools and 5 days of Work Integrated Learning.
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?
World top 150
?
for Education
96.2% employed
?
within four months of graduating
Professional placement
and work integrated learning opportunities
$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, although contains two on campus experiences at our Callaghan campus twice during the year of study. Each of these visits will be 3 days long and will provide opportunities to learn and practice teaching skills face-to-face.
You will complete 120 units of core courses, including 40 units of courses which focus on your area of teaching specialisation, and 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 pedagogy and assessment; 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, technology, and visual arts. You can only qualify in one teaching 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
- School Counsellor
- Teacher Librarian
- Head Teacher of a teaching discipline
- School Executive and Principal
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 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
You will be eligible to apply for conditional accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority, essential for employment as a teacher in NSW. Your postgraduate qualification will also support registration as a teacher in other jurisdictions both nationally and internationally.
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Application info
Applying for Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Online
Ok, great, let's go!
Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..
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.
Alternatively you may complete a paper-based application.
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) is a 120 unit postgraduate qualification, with assessment for admission available for applicants who have one of the following qualifications orequivalent: • 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.
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
Applicants for this program must satisfy a minimum English Language Proficiency Standard equivalent to an IELTS overall minimum of 7.5 with no subtest result below 7.0 for reading and writing subtests, and no subtest result below 8.0 for listening and speaking subtests.
This degree requires students to participate in placements in NSW Department of Education or other NSW school or service providers via the completion of 35 hours teacher observations and small group participation, and 60 days of professional experience across two placements.
Placements may extend beyond normal trimester times and students must meet their own associated travel and accommodation costs, where applicable.
During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility.
Students must meet all the Education Placement Requirements, including a NSW Working with Children clearance.
Anaphylaxis Training
Working With Children Check
Child Protection Awareness Training
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.