Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on higher education, or bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline and minimum of 1-year relevant full-time work experience.
Entry is based on higher education, or bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline and minimum of 1-year relevant full-time work experience. English language requirements must also be met.
- 0.5 years full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- 072405E
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Pivot your career and develop new skills in the field of education with our Graduate Certificate in Education Studies. This postgraduate course has been crafted to help build expertise in one or more subject areas while developing the critical thinking skills that are valued and transferable across a range of workplaces. You can mix and match subject areas (Schedule A), or specialise in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, in Schedule B). With this flexible course, you'll be expanding your career opportunities.
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies with UNE?
Due to its flexible format, our postgraduate course opens the door to a broad range of education-related career options, whether you're currently working in the field and want to upgrade your skills, or you're wanting a new career path into education.
UNE's Graduate Certificate in Education Studies combines practice with theory in a variety of units in areas such as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), digital learning, and inclusive education.
The skills you will develop will enable learning and collaboration across various professional areas, plus you will build on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills — all these are valued in contemporary education and transferable across workplaces. You will be future proofing your career in a range of education-related industries.
UNE is a vibrant and supportive place to develop the knowledge and skills you need to build on and safeguard your career in education. We are Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education.
What makes our course different?
Our Graduate Certificate in Education Studies offers flexibility and the opportunity to broaden your skillset:
- Build your knowledge across a broad range of subjects relating to education as a discipline, including a focus on school curriculums.
- Develop expertise in subject areas such as digital learning, literacy, and inclusive education.
- Undertake a recognised specialisation in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
- Study on campus or online and balance your study with other commitments.
- Complete the course in as little as six months (full-time) or up to two years (part-time) to suit your other commitments.
- Study this course as a springboard towards a Master of Education if you choose to progress your studies.
By choosing UNE, you will be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning for aspiring and qualified professionals in the education field. In fact, students consistently award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under three admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a three or four-year pre-service teaching qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) from a recognised tertiary institution.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see Schedule A or Schedule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7) and a one or two-year pre-service teaching qualification (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9) (or overseas equivalents) from a recognised tertiary institution.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see Schedule A or Schedule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You meet BOTH of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to: English, Languages, or Linguistics.
- AND you have completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience, e.g. an adult educator in ELICOS, TAFE, or university.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Schedule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: If you are admitted under Rule C you may only undertake the TESOL specialisation.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under three admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a three or four-year pre-service teaching qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) from a recognised tertiary institution.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see Schedule A or Schedule B (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7) and a one or two-year pre-service teaching qualification (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9) (or overseas equivalents) from a recognised tertiary institution.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see Schedule A or Schedule B (Program of Study).
Rule C: You meet BOTH of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to: English, Languages, or Linguistics.
- AND you have completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience, e.g. an adult educator in ELICOS, TAFE, or university.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Schedule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: If you are admitted under Rule C you may only undertake the TESOL specialisation.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule C you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note the following additional requirements:
- You can apply for a maximum of 12 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units which have been completed at UNE or another university.
- Advanced Standing based on professional experience is not applicable for this course.
This course is offered under three admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a three or four-year pre-service teaching qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) from a recognised tertiary institution.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see Schedule A or Schedule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7) and a one or two-year pre-service teaching qualification (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9) (or overseas equivalents) from a recognised tertiary institution.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see Schedule A or Schedule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You meet BOTH of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to: English, Languages, or Linguistics.
- AND you have completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience, e.g. an adult educator in ELICOS, TAFE, or university.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Schedule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: If you are admitted under Rule C you may only undertake the TESOL specialisation.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule C you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note the following additional requirements:
- You can apply for a maximum of 12 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units which have been completed at UNE or another university.
- Advanced Standing based on professional experience is not applicable for this course.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points, with at least 6cps at 500 level.
24 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units, with at least 6cps at 500 level: Please note: other units owned by the School of Education at 400/500 may be permitted with permission from the Course Coordinator.- Race Relations in the Classroom: Real and Virtual (EDCX509) – 6 credit points
- Learning in Social Movements (EDCX510) – 6 credit points
- Critical Perspectives in Indigenous Curriculum Inquiry (EDCX528) – 6 credit points
- Researching Literacies in Education (EDEE528) – 6 credit points
- Leadership in Educational Technology (EDIT415) – 6 credit points
- Emerging Trends in Pedagogy and Practice (EDIT425) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Learning with Technology (EDIT426) – 6 credit points
- Inclusion and Access in Online Spaces (EDIT513) – 6 credit points
- Developing Learning Communities in Online Spaces (EDIT517) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Learning Analytics (EDIT518) – 6 credit points
- Designing Effective Learning Experiences with Technology (EDIT521) – 6 credit points
- Teaching English as an Additional Language or Dialect I (EDLA487) – 6 credit points
- Teaching English as an Additional Language or Dialect II (EDLA488) – 6 credit points
- Teaching Pronunciation (EDLA489) – 6 credit points
- Perspectives on Language, Society and Culture (EDLA503) – 6 credit points
- Linguistics for Language Teachers (EDLA510) – 6 credit points
- Assessment in Special and Inclusive Education Contexts (EDSP501) – 6 credit points
- Issues in Inclusive Education: International Perspectives (EDSP505) – 6 credit points
- Positive Behavioural Support (Special and Inclusive Education) (EDSP552) – 6 credit points
- Autism: Evidence Based Intervention (EDSP554) – 6 credit points
- Reflective Practitioner 1 (EDUC456) – 6 credit points
- Special Topics in Education (A) (EDUC496) – 6 credit points
- Special Topics in Education (B) (EDUC497) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
(Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)18 credit points
Complete the following units:- Teaching English as an Additional Language or Dialect I (EDLA487) – 6 credit points
- Teaching English as an Additional Language or Dialect II (EDLA488) – 6 credit points
- Perspectives on Language, Society and Culture (EDLA503) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units: Note: Candidates may choose to complete EDLA410 or EDLA510 and are advised to complete EDLA510 if intending to apply to the Master of Education in the future.- Linguistics for Language Teachers (EDLA410) – 6 credit points
- Linguistics for Language Teachers (EDLA510) – 6 credit points
- Teaching Pronunciation (EDLA489) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $13,456* |
| International | $14,381* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $3,325* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Due to its flexible format of units selection and the further choice to specialise in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), this course opens the door to a broad range of education-related career options.
With a wide variety of transferable skills, you will have the option to step into a range of professions in education-related fields.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate specialised and applied knowledge of education as an academic discipline;
- communicate a well-developed personal theory of education as it relates to their field of study;
- demonstrate an understanding of current and relevant research literature in their field of study; and
- apply specialised knowledge of discipline to a relevant professional situation.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will be able to demonstrate a command of a significant body of knowledge in a range of areas related to education, including the specialisations of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or Careers and Transition Education.They will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the global context of education and apply their skills effectively in a multicultural or global context.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will be able to present well-reasoned arguments coherently and confidently across the broad range of professional and academic education studies both online and in written or oral form.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will demonstrate an intellectual curiosity to enable them to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems; to critically engage with research issues and will have the ability to transfer these skills into their professional and personal lives.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be able to evaluate and use information with understanding and acknowledge cultural, ethical, economic, legal and social issues surrounding its use; and acquire, organise and present information using technology.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the social and ethical implications of their actions; recognise social justice issues relevant to their discipline and professional area; understand the international implications of local decisions and the local implications of international decisions; and identify occupational risk and apply duty of care principles.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have developed the capacity to evaluate their current knowledge; be able to identify, evaluate and implement learning strategies for lifelong personal and professional development; demonstrate the ability to learn both independently and cooperatively; and be able to recognise opportunities for further learning in both familiar and unfamiliar national or cultural settings.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will be able to work independently and collaboratively and network effectively to achieve common goals and to solve problems; appreciate cultural differences in collaborative work; operate in a range of supportive and leadership roles within teams.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
If you must study online, like I do, then UNE makes it so simple and easy to use and stay in touch. I never feel far away from my fellow students or lecturers.
Why study with us?
The university provides an environment for studying and learning in a relaxed atmosphere, with access to modern facilities and teaching materials which makes learning feel like a walk in the park.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
