Fast Facts
Commencing
- Online: January, May, September
- Brisbane: January, May, September
Fees
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Fees currently displayed are indicative only. 2024 fees will be uploaded by October, 2023.
Duration
7 months full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or cognate AQF level 8 qualification; or at least five years relevant industry experience
Course Code
35111
Course detail
Take the next step in your career and become a leader in the field of Education. JCU’s Graduate Certificate of Education is designed for professionals currently working in Education, or who hold formal qualifications and want to meet their professional development needs by gaining specialist knowledge.
A strong focus on leadership is combined with opportunities to examine contemporary educational research relevant to diverse learning communities and contexts. You can select a major in either Educational Leadership or Educational Research. Successful completion of this course will see you eligible to progress directly into JCU’s Master of Education.
Build the advanced knowledge, experience and skills to be an educator that makes a difference on a personal level, as well as in organisation and policy. JCU Education graduates are highly valued due to their transferrable skills and understanding of the needs of diverse communities.
Benefit from the flexibility of online delivery, which allows you to organise your study around your work and other commitments. Online delivery will keep you connected to your lecturers and peers through workshops and interactive learning experiences.
Majors
A Graduate Certificate of Education at JCU offers two majors. Students can specialise in Educational Leadership or Educational Research.
Educational Leadership
Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of ethical practices within educational leadership. Critically reflect on current issues facing the profession and understand key aspects of becoming a leader and developing capacity in others. Embrace the future of Education by engaging with contemporary theories of educational leadership, learning how to work effectively with people in organisations and navigating the changing landscape of transformative digital learning. Become equipped to face local and global challenges to Education. Hone your curriculum design and implementation skills to lead pedagogical change with confidence.
Educational Research
Investigate a topic or issue of your choice within the field of Education. Plan and undertake a small-scale research project under the guidance of supportive lecturers committed to your success. Understand the principles of research design and become skilled in analysing and interpreting research data. Draw conclusions and highlight the implications of your findings for educational theory, policy or practice. You will become experienced in communicating your research and ideas to a variety of audiences.
View the handbook for more information.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Education.
A JCU Graduate Certificate of Education can lead to rewarding careers within a variety of roles.
Graduates work in leadership, education and communication in both public and private organisations.
You may also wish to continue your studies with a Master of Education. Graduates of this course frequently find employment as school leaders, corporate educators, community leaders, policy officers, and in other leadership roles across education.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2024 |
Course code | 35111 |
Course type | Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Arts, Society and Education |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 12 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Education, graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Graduate Certificate of Education. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
ED5882:03 Transformative Digital Learning or ED5883:03 Global Education
OPTIONS
Select a major from Table A
or
Select 9 credit points of specified ED level 5 subjects from List 1
TABLE A (MAJORS)
Credit points in major | 9 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
External JCU Brisbane | External attendance available in Part-time study mode only | |
External | Available in Part-time study mode only |
List 1
ED5190:03 Introduction to Educational Research
ED5880:03 Educational Leadership
ED5881:03 Leading for Change in Curriculum and Pedagogy
ED5882:03 Transformative Digital Learning
ED5883:03 Global Education
ED5097:03 Research Design and Proposal
ED5911:03 Education for Sustainability
ED5912:03 Social Learning Perspectives for a Sustainable Future
ED5098:03 Ethics and Methodology
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Brisbane | Mixed mode |
External |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 7 months full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 2 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Special assessment requirements | Nil |
Professional accreditation requirements | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure |
Maximum allowed | 6 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the College Dean or delegate |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 10 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course. |
Other restrictions | Not applicable |
Award Details
Award title | GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION |
Approved abbreviation | GCertEd |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Majors will appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Not applicable |
Course articulation | Students who successfully complete this course are eligible to apply for entry to the Master of Education or the Master of Education – Master of Business Administration and may be granted credit for subjects completed under this course. |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
Consult the admission requirements section in the Handbook for prerequisites and pathways into this course.
To study online, please apply directly via our Online Application Portal.
To study on campus in Brisbane, please apply directly to JCU Brisbane.
Real stories
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Course Coordinator
Associate Professor Louisa Tomas Engel
Graduate Certificate of Education
The Graduate Certificate of Education is ideal for teachers and others working in the education sector who wish to engage in further learning or upskill for career advancement. Students can study online while they work, and graduates may articulate into a Master of Education at JCU.
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Employer
Colette Wasson
Director, Human Resources Business Partnering, Education Queensland
The Department of Education finds JCU students to be equipped with the knowledge, skill set and willingness to make a difference in Queensland State Schools. Graduates leave JCU with a well-rounded ability to succeed in the classroom, while also stepping outside their comfort zone to begin their professional careers.
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Employer
Jacqui Francis
Executive Director, Townsville Catholic Education
JCU graduates come to us ready to take on the role of guiding and teaching our wonderful students. We recognise their enthusiasm, energy and their willingness to continue in professional development that further enhances their skills. JCU graduates enhance our organisation and add value to our students’ lives.