Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Education)
Switch careers to secondary teaching – in just one year! An intensive teaching course that covers theory and hands-on experience in real classrooms.
About the Course
This course is designed for people seeking to attain an Initial Teacher Education qualification in order to register as a teacher in Western Australia. Students will develop advanced critical skills, knowledge and understanding concerning best practice in education and in meeting the needs of 21st century learners. The course provides a grounding in theoretical and practical aspects of teaching and offers 45 days of professional experience in schools. Students who complete the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Education in Secondary are able to articulate into the Master of Teaching program.
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) will be chosen by those who wish to teach in Secondary schools in Years 7 - 12. Students in this course will specialise in either one Secondary school curriculum areas, depending on their previous study, and will be qualified to teach in those subject areas of the Secondary curriculum. Curriculum areas offered in the Graduate Diploma in Education Secondary Education Major are: English, The Arts, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) and Health and Physical Education. This course is not suitable for qualified Secondary teachers wishing to change their subject specialisation.
Course Entry Requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
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.
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 Courses with Higher English Language Requirements 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.
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy.
Course Structure
Recommended study pattern
Students must complete 8 subjects:
- Complete six compulsory core subjects
- Complete two subjects from approved major teaching area
See the enrolment planner below.
Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Education) enrolment planner (XLS)
Award requirements
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Education), students must successfully complete all core subjects. There are 8 subjects comprised of:
- Secondary education core subjects
- Teaching area specialisation subjects
- Subjects requiring professional experience block placements in school settings
On successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- 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.
