Graduate Diploma
Curtin's one-year Graduate Diploma in Education is designed for individuals with existing degrees who wish to become teachers. The course includes practical placements and prepares students for registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia.
If you're looking to switch careers, teaching is a rewarding option. As a teacher in Australia, you'll be a facilitator of knowledge - fusing traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches. You'll use new technologies to pave the way for personalised educational experiences, catering to diverse learning styles and creating inclusive environments where students can actively engage in their learning.
Curtin's one-year Graduate Diploma in Education is designed for people with existing degrees who want to become a teacher. You'll choose to study either Primary Education or Secondary Education, depending on the year levels you wish to teach.
In this course, you'll learn how to apply theory and research to improve learning experiences, create positive learning environments, and collaborate with others to build strong communities. You'll also get hands-on experience in real classrooms through three practical placements. This will enable you to develop skills such as managing diverse classrooms and using effective communication, and help prepare you for the ever-changing world of teaching.
This intensive course has been created to help address the shortage of teachers in Western Australia. After completing this course, you'll be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board Western Australia. If you're outside WA, contact the teacher regulatory authority (TRA) for the relevant state or territory to confirm eligibility requirements.
The course structure of the Graduate Diploma in Education also allows for seamless transition into the Master of Teaching.
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 https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/courses-higher-english-criteria/ for further information on courses with higher English language requirements.
Students will be required to have a current and valid Working with Children clearance as required in the state or country in which the placement provider is located. They will also need to meet any other relevant State requirements before engaging in any work with children or professional experience. If students have any doubt about their eligibility to acquire these clearances they should contact the local Teacher Registration Authority.
MJRP-EDUSC Secondary Education Major (GradDipEdu): 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.
MJRP-EDUPR Primary Education Major (GradDipEdu): To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education) applicants need to have completed a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with studies equivalent to at least one year FTE in an area relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary curriculum.
In this course you'll undertake 45 days of supervised practical placements, enabling you to apply your theoretical understanding and develop your practical skills. You'll take your practical placements in the following way:
For those studying full-time, you'll take two units during each study period. Unlike most courses that follow a two-semester structure, education students have four study periods per year. This unique setup allows you to study two units across each of these four study periods, enabling you to finish the entire course in just one year. The four study periods are:
This course is also available to study part-time, which will extend the length of time it will take to complete the course.
Primary or secondary educationThis course offers two majors:
The major you choose will determine the year levels you'll be eligible to teach.
If you study Secondary Education through this course, you'll only undertake a major teaching area, with no minor. If you wish to complete a minor as well, you can continue your studies through our accredited Master of Teaching program.