Education,GD-EDUC

Overview

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 cofirm eligibility requirements.

The course structure of the Graduate Diploma in Education also allows for seamless transition into the Master of Teaching.

Practical placements

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:

• Professional Experience 1 (10 days)
• Professional Experience 2 (15 days)
• Professional Experience 3 (20 days).

Special study periods

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:

• Special Study Period 1: Feb–May
• Special Study Period 2: May–August
• Special Study Period 3: August–November
• Special Study Period 4: November–February.

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 education

This course offers two majors:

• Primary Education
• Secondary Education.

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.

What you'll learn

• 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.

Entry requirements

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

Have your supporting documents to hand, and ensure they meet our guidelines. The documents may include certified copies of your qualifications, English language proficiency documents and supplementary forms for certain courses.

If your documents are not issued in English, an official translation from a recognised translation service must be provided.

Recognised translation services

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator in Australia
• The Awarding institution
• A Notary Public Office
• The official Government body
• An official and accredited translator*

*Official translations are subject to review.

If you have undertaken previous study or work that matches the content of some of your Curtin course units, you may be able to obtain credit for recognised learning, which exempts you from studying those units.

You can apply direct online through our Applicant Portal. You can access the Applicant Portal by:

1. Navigating to the relevant course page
2. Click ‘Apply now’
3. When the pop-up window appears, select “Apply directly to Curtin University”.

If you want to package your course with a Curtin English course, you can submit your application with your course application documents to streamline the process.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer that you will need to accept or reject.

If you accept your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment ­– a document from Curtin that details your course, how long you will be studying the course, and the tuition fees. This document can be used for acquiring a student visa.

Apply to the Australian government for your student visa. Gaining a student visa will allow you to participate in full-time study in Australia and work up to 40 hours in a fortnight. If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place before a visa can be issued.

See our pre-departure resources for helpful information regarding your move to Perth.