Graduate Certificate in Education | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Graduate Certificate in Education

You will love this program if you want to upgrade your skills and knowledge in a collaborative environment with other like-minded educators. Develop higher levels of expertise in pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment, and action research.

In this program you will:

  • Have an excellent pathway to a Master of Education
  • Have an opportunity to link theory to education practice
  • Work under the supervision of UniSC’s highly trained staff, all with doctoral qualifications in education
  • Form strong professional networks from completing the program

GOVERNMENT FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE.

Save over 75%*

*All eligible domestic applicants will receive a guaranteed Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), reducing the program cost from $10,200 to $2,220.

Fees are indicative for 2023 and subject to yearly changes.

Location

CRICOS code

081795M

Duration

6 months 6 months Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$2,312 / A$10,608 - 2025 Fees CSP / Fee-paying
CSP / Fee-paying
A$14,495 Annual fee
Annual fee

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Career opportunities

  • Academic
  • Education advisor
  • Education consultant
  • Head of Department
  • School or program leader

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
4
Total units
48
Duration
6 months 6 months
CRICOS code
081795M
UniSC program code
ED508
Program coordinator
Program structure
Required courses from a specified list (4) 48 units

Select a total of 48 units. A minimum of 24 units must be EDU or EDN coded courses.

EDN706 Pedagogical and Curriculum Leadership in the Classroom
EDN707 Professional Sustainability
EDU700 Professional Learning
EDU725 Teaching Junior Secondary Arts 1
EDU737 Teaching Junior Secondary English
EDU739 Teaching Junior Secondary Geography
EDU741 Teaching Junior Secondary History
EDU745 Teaching Junior Secondary Languages
EDU747 Teaching Junior Secondary Mathematics
EDU749 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 1
EDU727 Teaching Senior Secondary Arts 1
EDU738 Teaching Senior Secondary English
EDU740 Teaching Senior Secondary Geography
SEC602 Ethics in Digital Investigation and Cyber Security
MHN702 Youth Mental Health and Neurobiology
MHN708 Lifestyle Factors and Mental Health
PUB702 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
PUB706 Introduction to Behavioural Health
PUB707 Public Health Foundations
MGT701 Leading and Managing Organisations
MGT702 Understanding and Managing Organisational Behaviour
BUS703 Evidenced Based Decision Making
BUS704 Finance and Accounting for Managers
EDU746 Teaching Senior Secondary Languages
EDN701 Researching Education
BUS702 Economics for Managers
EDU762 Teaching Junior Secondary Technology
EDU763 Teaching Senior Secondary Technology
EDU712 Diversity and Inclusion
EDU715 Literacy and Numeracy across the Curriculum
EDU716 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Teaching and Learning

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Program requirements
  • Select a total of 48 units. A minimum of 24 units must be EDU or EDN coded courses.
  • Please note not all courses are offered online or at Sunshine Coast campus.
  • If you are planning to enrol in the Master of Education (ED705) degree in the future and do not need the Graduate Certificate of Education (ED508) as an entry requirement to the MEd (ED705), you may wish to consult the specialisations lists in the MEd when choosing your courses for possible future credit.
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

A student entering the Graduate Certificate in Education program will normally be required to hold a three year Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) qualification in Education or a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) qualification from a non-Education discipline from a recognised institution.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Additional entry information

Standard English language requirements apply.

Additional student costs

Estimated costs for students will be for prescribed textbooks (approximately $500). Students will also require access to computer equipment and the internet to facilitate accessing electronic resources and engaging with course materials online.

Credit precendents

On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Education, you will receive direct entry and up to 48 units* of credit towards UniSC's Master of Education.

* The credit indicated is the maximum credit available under the current program structures

Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Master of Education and Graduate Certificates in Education - Inherent Academic requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

CSP estimate
A$2,312
Fee-paying estimate
A$10,608 - 2025 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$14,495

Postgraduate coursework places

All postgraduate coursework programs are subject to tuition fees unless the postgraduate program is offered under Commonwealth support arrangements.

Eligible students (Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand Citizens who hold a Special Category Visa and meet the eligibility requirements) may seek assistance to defer payment via a FEE-HELP loan.

International student fee information is available on the Tuition fees and other costs page. For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page. Visit the HDR scholarships page for information on available scholarships.

Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.

Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

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Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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