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Graduate Certificate In Educational Studies


FREE Course Info
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
  • Chemistry (Specialisation not available in 2010)
  • Computer Education
  • Disability Studies (available every second year)
  • Early Childhood Education (Specialisation not available in 2010)
  • Educating Boys
  • Emotional Disturbance/Behaviour Disorders
  • Engineering Studies in Education (Specialisation not available in 2010)
  • Generic
  • Gifted Education (Discontinued - available to Continuing Students Only)
  • Leadership and Management
  • Multiple Disabilities
  • Pedagogy
  • Physics (Specialisation not available in 2010)
  • Sensory Disabilities - Auditory Verbal Practice
  • Sensory Disabilities - Hearing
  • Sensory Disabilities - Orientation and Mobility
  • Sensory Disabilities - Vision Impairment
  • Special Education
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • Vocational Education and Training (Specialisation not available in 2010).

Admission Requirements

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.

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.
Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students.

Credit Transfer
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.

Professional Accreditation

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

International Students

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University.

Special Needs
Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student¿s responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements.

Additional Information

The program may be undertaken on-campus or through WebLearn. Please refer to the timetable information for individual course availability and location of offer as not all courses are offered in both modes./

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

Requirements and Structure

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.