Graduate Diploma in Education
Program summary
Program title: Graduate Diploma in Education
Award abbreviation: GDEd
QTAC code: 017081 Sippy Downs
017981 Noosa #
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: GPA requirement
Duration: 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Prerequisites: Completion of an undergraduate degree (or equivalent), with a minimum GPA of 4.0 from a recognised tertiary institution where the first language is English. Early Learning: study of sufficient breadth to interact with the early years curriculum and primary key learning areas. Studies in psychology or education an advantage. Middle Phase: at least one-third of a degree in a nominated first teaching area and sufficient breadth of study to interact with primary and middle phase key learning areas. Senior Phase: at least one-third of a degree in a nominated first teaching area and one-sixth of a degree in a nominated second teaching area. Applicants must submit an additional information form.
Recommended prior study: English
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check (refer to 'Program requirements and notes')
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Calendar: Education calendar 2010 (PDF 20KB)
Total units: 96
USC program code: ED601
CRICOS code: 058884B. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Highlights
- Complement previous undergraduate studies with an education qualification
- Extensive classroom experiences refine teaching skills
- Graduates can teach in primary, middle or senior phase
The Graduate Diploma in Education is designed to provide graduates with the studies and experience required to become a teacher.
In this program, you gain the professional knowledge and skills to teach in senior phase (Years 8-12), middle phase (Years 4-9) or early learning (Years P-3) classrooms in Queensland. Workplace learning is an integral part of this program, reflecting the connection between practice and theory. You apply the knowledge and understanding gained in learning theory, pedagogy and curriculum during classroom teaching placements and other field experiences.
- Pathway A: Graduate Diploma in Education (Senior—Years 8–12)
- Pathway C: Graduate Diploma in Education (Middle Phase—Years 4–9)
- Pathway E: Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary)—not available to domestic students
- Pathway H: Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Learning—Years P–3)
Additional entry requirements
Applicants from a non-English speaking background will be required to attain an IELTS level of 7.0. Refer to Program requirements and notes.
Post-admission requirements
You must complete a minimum of 60 days of professional workplace learning and 100 hours of wider field experience. A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.
Career opportunities
Teacher in early, middle or senior phase, education consultant, trainer.
Professional recognition
Graduates may register with the Queensland College of Teachers. Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools.
Program structure
Pathway A: Graduate Diploma in Education (Senior—Years 8–12)
8 required courses:
EDU600 Becoming a Teacher
EDU101 Learning about Learning
EDU201 Language and Literacies in Education
EDU610 Workplace Learning: Learning Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU612 Workplace Learning: Professional Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU220 Middle Phase Curriculum: Pedagogies for New Times
EDU221 Middle Phase Curriculum 2: Assessment for Learning
EDU630 Senior Phase Curriculum
Optional additional program:
Graduate Certificate in Vocational Education and Training
Pathway C: Graduate Diploma in Education (Middle Phase—Years 4–9)
8 required courses:
EDU600 Becoming a Teacher
EDU101 Learning about Learning
EDU201 Language and Literacies in Education
EDU610 Workplace Learning: Learning Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU612 Workplace Learning: Professional Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU220 Middle Phase Curriculum: Pedagogies for New Times
EDU221 Middle Phase Curriculum 2: Assessment for Learning
EDU342 The Primary Curriculum
Optional additional program:
Graduate Certificate in Early Phase of Learning
Pathway E: Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) — not available to domestic students
8 required courses:
EDU600 Becoming a Teacher
EDU101 Learning about Learning
EDU610 Workplace Learning: Learning Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU612 Workplace Learning: Professional Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Early Years
EDU641 Mathematics Education for Early Learners
EDU342 The Primary Curriculum
EDU652 The Primary Curriculum: Holistic Design
Pathway H: Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Learning—Years P–3)
EDU600 Becoming a Teacher
EDU305 Human Development and Early Learning
EDU610 Workplace Learning: Learning Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU612 Workplace Learning: Professional Engagement (30 days Workplace Learning)
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Early Years
EDU641 Mathematics Education for Early Learners
EDU652 The Primary Curriculum: Holistic Design
Select 1 course from:
EDU343 The Diverse Learner across Early Childhood Contexts
EDU344 Leading in Early Childhood Contexts
Program requirements and notes
- Students are required to successfully complete 8 courses as specified in the Graduate Diploma in Education program structure.
- Refer to the Academic Rules for further information.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements. Students from a non-English speaking background will be required to attain an IELTS level of 7 in each category of the test prior to entry as an admission requirement. Equivalent scores from other forms of English language testing may be considered.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), pre-service teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre in which children under 18 years of age are present. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that pre-service teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.
- Students will be required to have completed or be concurrently enrolled in three on campus courses before they are eligible to enrol in a workplace learning course. Where early assessment tasks indicate that a student may fail a course, the course coordinator will advise the program leader. The program leader, in consultation with the student and the workplace learning team will determine whether the student will be eligible to continue into work placement in that semester.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
- Refer to the Education calendar 2010 (PDF 20KB).
Requirements for placements
The Commission for Children and Young People Act (2000 and 2005) applies to all pre-service teachers who will be working with children/students under the age of 18 in Queensland settings as a component of their program of pre-service education. Blue Cards are issued by the Commission once it has carried out the Working with Children Check to see if a person is eligible. If a person is eligible, they are issued a positive notice and a Blue Card.
Education students are encouraged to apply for their Blue Card as soon as they have accepted their offer to avoid processing delays. Blue Cards are free of charge for Education students when they apply through the Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building).
Note: Students who do not possess a current Blue Card will be unable to complete the professional experience component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5459 4699
Email: education@usc.edu.au
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