A female teacher shows a small object to a group of children, who look very engaged.
GD-EDUC

Education

Graduate diploma

Looking for a meaningful career with good pay and great benefits? Switch to a career as a primary or high school teacher in just one year.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Graduate Diploma in Education
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

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Special Study Period 1, 2024

7 August 2023

Applications now closed!

Special Study Period 1, 2025

Applications now open!

6 February 2025

Course outline

Outline

Outline

If you’re looking to switch careers, teaching is a rewarding option. As a teacher in Australia, you’ll be a facilitator of knowledge – fusing traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches. You'll use new technologies to pave the way for personalised educational experiences, catering to diverse learning styles and creating inclusive environments where students can actively engage in their learning.

Curtin’s one-year Graduate Diploma in Education is designed for people with existing degrees who want to become a teacher. You’ll choose to study either Primary Education or Secondary Education, depending on the year levels you wish to teach.

In this course, you’ll learn how to apply theory and research to improve learning experiences, create positive learning environments, and collaborate with others to build strong communities. You'll also get hands-on experience in real classrooms through three practical placements. This will enable you to develop skills such as managing diverse classrooms and using effective communication, and help prepare you for the ever-changing world of teaching.

This intensive course has been created to help address the shortage of teachers in Australia. After completing this course, you'll be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board Western Australia and become a teacher in WA. You may also apply to teach in other states and territories in Australia by seeking Mutual Recognition through the relevant registration body. The course structure of the Graduate Diploma in Education also allows a seamless transition into the Master of Teaching for those looking to further their education and become an accredited teacher.

Practical placements

In this course you’ll undertake 45 days of supervised practical placements, enabling you to apply your theoretical understanding and develop your practical skills. You’ll take your practical placements in the following way:

  • Professional Experience 1 (10 days)
  • Professional Experience 2 (15 days)
  • Professional Experience 3 (20 days).

Special study periods

For those studying full-time, you’ll take two units during each study period. Unlike most courses that follow a two-semester structure, education students have four study periods per year. This unique setup allows you to study two units across each of these four study periods, enabling you to finish the entire course in just one year. The four study periods are:

  • Special Study Period 1: Feb–May
  • Special Study Period 2: May–August
  • Special Study Period 3: August–November
  • Special Study Period 4: November–February.

This course is also available to study part-time, which will extend the length of time it will take to complete the course.

Primary or secondary education

This course offers two majors:

The major you choose will determine the year levels you’ll be eligible to teach.

If you study Secondary Education through this course, you’ll only undertake a major teaching area, with no minor. If you wish to complete a minor as well, you can continue your studies through our accredited Master of Teaching program.

What you'll learn

  • apply relevant theory and research to enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of learners from a diversity of backgrounds and of aspirations.
  • apply high-level discipline knowledges and understandings to demonstrate pedagogical capabilities, including planning and delivering effective teaching and learning experiences in the technologically enhanced learning environment, with demonstrated impact for all learners.
  • create and manage positive, safe and ethical learning environments that support a diversity of learners to engage in meaningful learning.
  • communicate professionally with educational stakeholders, including colleagues, parents and carers, and engage collaboratively to build sustainable communities.

Why study Education

Professionally recognised

This course is eligible for provisional registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, meaning you’ll be eligible to teach in WA.

Accelerated pathway into teaching

This one-year program offers a focused and accelerated pathway to becoming a secondary school teacher in Australia.

Top 70 in the world

Curtin is ranked in the top 70 universities in the world for the field of Education in the University Ranking by Academic Performance 2022-23.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for provisional registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA), which enables them to teach in Western Australia only. Graduates residing in other states and territories can register with the TRBWA and then may apply for mutual recognition of this registration at their own state registration authority.

This course is not accredited as a national teaching qualification. Accredited qualifications refer to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses that are accredited by the relevant state or territory authority. Accredited ITE courses are recognised nationally by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, enabling graduates to teach anywhere in Australia and to have their qualification recognised internationally in many countries.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Please refer to each Major for details of their specific academic entry requirements. The level of English language proficiency required for admission to this course is higher than the University’s standard. This is because students will be required to teach English to others during professional experience placements throughout the course. Admission requires an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall score of 7.5, with a score no less than 7 in Writing and Reading and no less than 8 in Speaking and Listening. Not all English competency equivalents will be accepted for entry into this course, as they do not meet the higher English criteria or they do not include assessment of reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Please refer to https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/courses-higher-english-criteria/ for further information on courses with higher English language requirements. Please note: The English language requirements for registration as a teacher on completion of this course may differ from those required for admission to the course. Students will be required to have a current and valid Working with Children clearance as required in the state or country in which the placement provider is located. They will also need to meet any other relevant State requirements before engaging in any work with children or professional experience. If students have any doubt about their eligibility to acquire these clearances they should contact the local Teacher Registration Authority.

MJRP-EDUSC Secondary Education Major (GradDipEdu)
To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Education Major) applicants need to have completed a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with studies relevant to the teaching areas offered at Curtin. Specifically a teaching area equivalent to a total of three-quarters of a year of successful EFTSL, comprising of sequential discipline study. This equates to six units, with no more than two at first-year level and no fewer than two units at third-year level. Entry to this course will not be possible based on work experience only.

MJRP-EDUPR Primary Education Major (GradDipEdu)
To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education) applicants need to have completed a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with studies equivalent to at least one year FTE in an area relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary curriculum.

 

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7

Speaking

8

Reading

7

Listening

8

Overall band score

7.5

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$4,400*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Special Study Period 1
  • On campus
  • Online

2025

Special Study Period 1
  • On campus
  • Online

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

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Frequently asked questions

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  • Curtin course code: GD-EDUC
  • Last updated on: 21 November 2024

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