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Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies

Start your journey as as an innovative education professional.

  • Direct pathway to the Master of Teaching (Primary)
  • Fast-track your pathway to further qualifications or career advancement
  • Explore innovative education with a focus on core educational theories and practical classroom behavior management
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

6 months full-time

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Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct

Start Dates

Icon Units

4

Units

Icon Fees

$3,220*

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OVERVIEW

Take your first step into a career of innovative education.

The Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies will cover theories of teaching, learning and development and give you an understanding of behaviour for classroom practice. This postgraduate non-teaching qualification opens up to you a range of career opportunities in the field of education.

It is also a pathway to become a qualified teacher. With this qualification and completion of a non-academic suitability test such as CASPer, you will be able transfer into a Master of Teaching (Primary). And units you have completed in the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies will be credited towards your teaching degree.

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‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

4.5/5

The results are in: Education Officers rate their jobs 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Our postgraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

4.5/5

The results are in: Education Officers rate their jobs 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Our postgraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies you must complete 4 units:

  • 2 Core Units
  • 2 Elective Units

Your graduate certificate typically takes up to six months to complete if you’re studying full-time, or part-time equivalent. You will gain knowledge in a range of areas, including educational theory, systems and practice. You will also develop broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts impacting primary Education in Australian and global contexts.

What you'll study:

 

Understanding Theories of Teaching, Learning and Development

Curriculum Development, Assessment and Responsive Pedagogy

You must complete two of the following:

Mathematics in Primary School

Arts and Design Technology in Primary School

Health and Physical Education in Primary School

Humanities in Primary School

Science in Primary School

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

To gain entry to this course, applicants must have completed a recognised undergraduate degree.

This course is only available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is  $3,220*.
  • There are 4 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies (average annual salaries via SEEK):

~$100,000 Average Salary

Educate students, fostering their development, and creating a positive learning environment. Plan and deliver lessons, assess student progress, and work with parents and other educators to support student growth.

Educate students, fostering their development, and creating a positive learning environment. Plan and deliver lessons, assess student progress, and work with parents and other educators to support student growth.

~$105,000 Average Salary

Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs and services, often within government agencies or educational institutions. Also consult with stakeholders, develop educational materials, provide training, and assess educational needs.

Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs and services, often within government agencies or educational institutions. Also consult with stakeholders, develop educational materials, provide training, and assess educational needs.

Prepare for a career the right way.

The Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies provides the opportunity for growth, graduating with valued accreditations while shaping the development of young children.

  • Quick Study: Complete the course in as little as six months full-time.
  • Transferable Skills: Develop up-to-date knowledge and skills in educational theories, learning and development for current classrooms.
  • Pathway to Education: Units completed in the certificate are credited towards the master’s degree, which can fast-track your pathway to become a qualified teacher.
  • Quality Experience: The degree has received a five-star rating for overall experience, skills development, student support, and teaching quality.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

 

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Your online classroom - Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

Indigenous Student Services

Access opportunities. Get tailored support with your studies. Thrive as an Indigenous student with the team at the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People. Established in 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) handles all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne. This includes governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture and engagement. Student services include but are not limited to:

    • Dedicated student support services
    • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP)
    • Cultural and engagement programs
    • Networking opportunities, career support and much more

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Education degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.