compare
search SEARCH
Apply Now

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
apply Apply Now icon
Icon Learning Mode

100% Online

Learning Mode tooltip

Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

6 months full-time

Duration tooltip

Icon Start Dates

Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct

Start Dates

Icon Units

4

Units

Icon Fees

$3,220*

Fees Per Unit tooltip

apply Apply Now icon

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.

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘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

apply Apply Now icon

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

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

Make a real difference and shape futures with a rewarding career in the classroom.

Make a real difference and shape futures with a rewarding career in the classroom.

$105,000 Average Salary

Work to improve educational outcomes through the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs and initiatives.

Work to improve educational outcomes through the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs and initiatives.

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

 

Award icon

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.

 

 

Learning Mode icon

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

Entry Criteria icon

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.
Asking a Question icon

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.

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.