Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Specialist Education is focused on developing knowledge and skills in a specialist field of education with options of:
- Digital Learning Futures,
- Inclusive Education,
- Indigenous Knowledges Education,
- International Education,
- Managing and Leading Education, or
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
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 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.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities as education policymakers, practitioners, school teachers and principals in Australia and internationally. Please note that completion of this course does not lead to teacher registration.
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
Credit transfers and advanced standing
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.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $16,380.00. This equates to $4,095.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study education at CDU?
Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
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.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
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.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
What will I study?
The Graduate Certificate of Specialist Education offers specialist learning streams encompassing Digital Learning Futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledges Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), which equip students with contemporary educational perspectives and approaches.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise 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 |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES and Transitional Arrangements for 2026
Course Changes:
- BUS506 Global Megatrends has been replaced by HRM506 Global Human Resources (not equivalent)
- ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship has been replaced by ENT502 Entrepreneurship (not equivalent)
- MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership has been replaced by MAN517 Executive Leadership (equivalent)
Transition Arrangements:
- Students who have completed BUS506 Global Megatrends should not complete HRM506 Global Human Resources.
- Students who have completed ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship should not complete ENT502 Entrepreneurship.
- Students who have completed MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership should not complete MAN517 Executive Leadership
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study 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 the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
DIGITAL LEARNING FUTURES
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DLF511 Hacking the Matrix: Video Fames, Cyber Security and the Digital Paradigm (not offered 2025) | SE | DLF514 Education, Apps and Mobile Devices | SE |
| DLF513 Digital Cultures, Curricula and Assessment OR DLF515 Digital Technologies: Digital Literacies and Data Literacy OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE | DLF512 Digital Technologies in Education Aid and Development OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and Practice | SE | EIE502 Promoting Positive Behaviour | SE |
| EST533 Primary Specialisation: Special Education, Language and Literacy | SE | IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies | SE | IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts | SE | IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available full-time and part-time for Semester 1.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | ||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE |
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
MANAGING AND LEADING EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EMG504 Leadership in Education | SE | IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics | SE | BUS508 Business Analytics OR ENT502 Entrepreneurship (replaces ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship from 2026) (not equivalent) OR MAN517 Executive leadership (replaces MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership from 2026) (equivalent) OR HRM506 Global Human Resources (replaces BUS506 from 2026) (not equivalent) | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
TESOL
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| TES502 Language, Meaning and Learning (unit title change) | SE | TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition | SE |
| TES503 Applied Language Teaching Methodologies | SE | TES506 Language Testing and Evaluation | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study 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 the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
DIGITAL LEARNING FUTURES
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| DLF512 Digital Technologies in Education Aid and Development OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE | ||
| DLF514 Education, Apps and Mobile Devices | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| DLF513 Digital Cultures, Curricula and Assessment OR DLF515 Digital Technologies: Digital Literacies and Data Literacy OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE | ||
| DLF511 Hacking the Matrix: Video Fames, Cyber Security and the Digital Paradigm (not offered 2025) | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| EIE502 Promoting Positive Behaviour | SE | ||
| EST535 Social and Education (no longer available from 2023) OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and Practice | SE | ||
| EST533 Primary Specialisation: Special Education, Language and Literacy | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies | SE | ||
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available full-time and part-time for Semester 2.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | ||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2025) OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
MANAGING AND LEADING EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| BUS508 Business Analytics OR ENT502 Entrepreneurship (replaces ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship from 2026) (not equivalent) OR MAN517 Executive leadership (replaces MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership from 2026) (equivalent) OR HRM506 Global Human Resources (replaces BUS506 from 2026) (not equivalent) | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| EMG504 Leadership in Education | SE | ||
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
TESOL
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
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
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | 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
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
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
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
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.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
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, NSW or TAS.
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