Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Specialist Education focuses on developing knowledge and skills in a specialist field of education. This course aims to meet the professional development needs of teachers, practitioners, policymakers and principals working in the Northern Territory, Australia and the Asia Pacific. You are encouraged to undertake specialist studies that meet personal, organisational, workplace and community interests. You will enhance your analytical thinking, collaborative learning and transformative practice skills in localised, national and/or international settings. You will also enhance your work experience by applying professional knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to practical contexts and settings.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2022: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- #1 for teaching employment outcomes in Australia (GUG 2022)
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
What will I study?
The Graduate Certificate of Specialist Education offers two core units, which equip students with contemporary educational and research perspectives and approaches. The programme also offers a choice of specialist electives. A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) |
40cp |
Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points selected from ONE of the specialisations outlined below. DIGITAL LEARNING FUTURES INCLUSIVE EDUCATION INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION MANAGING AND LEADING EDUCATION TESOL |
| Electives (0 units) |
0cp |
There are no elective units available in this course. |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Certificate AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Note – Digital Learning Futures stream and International Education stream may be taken as full-time admission in Semester 1; the other streams are available as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT 4 2022 and INT 1 2023, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Full-time Study Plan (Digital Learning Futures stream and International Education stream only)
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Note – Digital Learning Futures stream and International Education stream may be taken as full-time admission in Semester 2; the other streams are available as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT 4 2022 and INT 1 2023, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Full-time Study Plan (Digital Learning Futures stream and International Education stream only)
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants without one of the above qualifications in education, but who have at least five years relevant professional experience, for example in an education setting or role, learning design or digital technology training, will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants must provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Share this course