Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)

Program summary

Program title: Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
Award abbreviation: GDEd
QTAC code: 017381
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: GPA requirement
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Prerequisites: Completion of a non-education undergraduate degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0 from a recognised tertiary institution. In addition, applicants must satisfy the discipline study requirements of 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.

Discipline studies suitable for secondary include:

Teaching Area One: accounting; agricultural science; ancient history; biology; business, chemistry; Chinese; dance; drama; English; film, television and new media; French; geography; German; Indonesian; health and physical education; history; information and communications technology; integrated sciences; Italian; Japanese; mathematics; modern history; music; physics; Spanish; study of religion; visual arts.

Teaching Area Two: business, Chinese; dance; drama; English; French; German; geography; health and physical education; history; Indonesian; information and communications technology; Italian; Japanese; mathematics; music; science; Spanish; social science (geography/history); study of religion; visual arts.

Recommended prior study: English
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG) (refer to Program requirements and notes)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Calendar: Education Programs Calendar 2012 (PDF 40KB) *
Total courses: 10 (96 units)
USC program code: ED604
CRICOS code: 075080G. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Achieve professional qualifications required for teacher registration.

This program focuses on the application of innovative and evidence-based teaching practices to create an engaging classroom for learners in Years 7-12.

You engage with key curriculum documents and instructional methods in two teaching areas taught in Queensland secondary schools.

Core studies include theories of learning, assessment and evaluation principles, the application of information communication technologies in the classroom, literacy, numeracy, and effective management of the secondary learning environment.

Graduates are eligible to apply for teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers. 

Additional entry requirements

This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University.

Refer to the English language requirements for more information.

Post-admission requirements

The Queensland College of teachers requires that preservice teachers in the one year graduate program complete 75 days of Professional Experience. This is made up of 62 days of Supervised Professional Experience and 13 days of Wider Field Experience.

Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) is an integral aspect of this professional studies course reflecting the nexus between practice and theory. In-depth SPE is gained within two supervised workplace learning practice courses throughout 62 days of practicum.

This is completed in two 31 day blocks. This supervised practicum enables students to apply their theoretical understandings and preparatory curriculum studies in an authentic setting.

Students:

• may be placed in schools within one hour travel time from their residential address
• will need to arrange for their own transport, to and from their teaching placement, and may not always be able to rely on public transport
• are required to attend schools for a full teaching day for a minimum of eight hours per day for each 31 day teaching block
• are required to adhere to school policies and the university's workplace learning code of conduct during their placement

A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.

Career opportunities

Teacher in secondary schools, education consultant, trainer.

Professional recognition

Graduates may apply for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers. Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools.

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: education@usc.edu.au

Program structure

Program requirements and notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per teaching session.
• There are two study periods in the year; January–July and July–December. For more information, refer to the Education Programs Calendar.
• Students must complete a minimum of 62 days of supervised teaching practice in schools.
• Students must also complete a total of 13 days or 65 hours of wider field experience
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports and in-class tests. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan

To commence teaching practice placement you must:

• Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the Workplace Learning components of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
• Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
• Make provision for transport to attend teaching practice placements.

Required courses: (10)

EDU602 Engaging Diverse Learners
EDU603 Quality Learning and Teaching
EDU604 Classroom Management
EDU614 Teaching Practice 1
EDU615 Professional Engagement
EDU616 Teaching Practice 2
EDU220 Curriculum A Middle Years 4-10: Pedagogies for New Times
EDU221 Curriculum B Middle Years 4-10: Assessment for Learning
EDU622 Curriculum B Secondary Years 7-12 – Literacy and Numeracy
EDU630 Curriculum A Secondary Years 10-12

Please note:

• EDU603 is an introductory course, students are strongly recommended to enrol during first teaching session of entry.
• Full time students should enrol into EDU604 and EDU614 consecutively (within the first teaching session) or EDU615 and EDU616 consecutively (within the second teaching session). Full time students in their first teaching session are recommended to enrol into a total of five courses (two of which are 6 units, EDU604 and EDU614 OR EDU615 and EDU616) and one course must be a curriculum course EDU220, EDU221 or EDU630.
• Part time students should ensure that they are adequately prepared for their teaching practice with sufficient curriculum courses EDU220, EDU221 or EDU630. Curriculum courses include development of lesson and unit planning skills that are essential for a successful teaching practice. Part time students are strongly recommended to complete all courses within two years.
• Students cannot commence Teaching Practice 1 until successful completion of at least one curriculum course (EDU220, EDU221 or EDU630).
• Curriculum A courses for Senior Phase relate to your major teaching area. Each tutorial for this course is specific to your approved major teaching area. To find out which tutorial matches your major teaching area, please search for a class using USCCentral.
• Curriculum B courses for Senior Phase relate to your minor teaching area. Each tutorial for this course is specific to your approved minor teaching area. To find out which tutorial matches your minor teaching area, please search for a class using USCCentral.

Requirements for placements

As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice 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 where children under 18 years of age are present.

It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.

To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building).

Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.

Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.

Study Plan

This Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester. Please refer to notes.

Full-time students

Study period of entry

Required courses (3)

Final study period

Required courses (3)

Part-time students

Study period of entry

Required courses (1)

Second study period

Required courses (2)

Third study period

Select 2 courses from:

Final study period

Required courses (3)

Please note:

• EDU603 is an introductory course, students are strongly recommended to enrol during first teaching session of entry.
• Full time students should enrol into EDU604 and EDU614 consecutively (within the first teaching session) or EDU615 and EDU616 consecutively (within the second teaching session). Full time students in their first teaching session are recommended to enrol into a total of five courses (two of which are 6 units, EDU604 and EDU614 OR EDU615 and EDU616) and one course must be a curriculum course EDU220, EDU221 or EDU630.
• Part time students should ensure that they are adequately prepared for their teaching practice with sufficient curriculum courses EDU220, EDU221 or EDU630. Curriculum courses include development of lesson and unit planning skills that are essential for a successful teaching practice. Part time students are strongly recommended to complete all courses within two years.
• Students cannot commence Teaching Practice 1 until successful completion of at least one curriculum course (EDU220, EDU221 or EDU630).
• Curriculum A courses for Senior Phase relate to your major teaching area. Each tutorial for this course is specific to your approved major teaching area. To find out which tutorial matches your major teaching area, please search for a class using USCCentral.
• Curriculum B courses for Senior Phase relate to your minor teaching area. Each tutorial for this course is specific to your approved minor teaching area. To find out which tutorial matches your minor teaching area, please search for a class using USCCentral.

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering