C07103v3 Graduate Diploma in Education

Overview

This course is a secondary school teaching preparation course for people with a relevant undergraduate qualification or equivalent. It is offered in the following disciplines: Mathematics, Science, English, PDHPE, Visual Arts, Mathematics/Science, Mathematics/TAS-Computing and Science/TAS-Computing. It is an intensive, nine-month teacher education course suitable for people who have just graduated with an undergraduate degree and for mature-aged people desiring a mid-career change into teaching.

This course enables students to open new career opportunities by obtaining a secondary teaching qualification in nine months of study. Including five weeks of practical experience each semester, this course offers extensive, structured and closely supported experiences of secondary school teaching in different settings.

Course aims

The course aims to produce secondary school teachers who are reflective in their practice, are able to cope with the changing nature of teaching, have interpersonal skills, are able to put current developments in learning and teaching into practice, and have a commitment to lifelong learning.

Career options

Career options include secondary school teaching (locally and internationally) in English, mathematics, science, technology and applied studies, personal development, health and physical education or visual arts.

Additional admission requirements

Students must undertake a major study in the area in which they have academic qualifications at degree level. Admission requirements vary for each major. Contact the Faculty for further information.

Additional recognition of prior learning

Students who have successfully completed initial teacher education subjects at other institutions may apply for exemptions from equivalent parts of the course.

Course duration and attendance

This course may be undertaken on a one-year, full-time basis, or over a longer period on a part-time basis. Most subjects including professional experience are held during the day.

Course structure

The course totals 48 credit points of study and consists of three strands: Curriculum Studies, Education Studies and Practicum.

Curriculum Studies are available in the following secondary school strands: English; Mathematics; Personal Development, Health and Physical Education; Science; Technical and Applied Studies; and Visual Arts. These strands aim to develop the professional knowledge, skills and values needed by an effective educator in students' key learning areas.

Education Studies provides research-based studies of educational theory and practice as a basis for professional decision making in the school context. These subjects draw upon the foundation education disciplines of psychology, sociology and philosophy, as well as addressing the education of students with special needs.

The Practicum or professional experience component includes both campus-based and field-based experiences.

Course completion requirements

Course program

Following the list of majors, example programs are given for each of the majors, assuming full-time attendance.

Professional recognition

Students who have had their undergraduate degrees approved by the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET), and who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Education, are eligible for employment in government schools in New South Wales. DET assesses undergraduate qualifications for Australian citizens and permanent residents only. International students are therefore unable to assume eligibility for employment on the basis of completing the Graduate Diploma in Education.

Other information

For further information, contact the Faculty on: