Professional Certificate in Education

Deepen your educational expertise
The education sector is at once a mirror on contemporary society and the creator of its future. On one hand, it reflects and responds to today’s needs and perspectives. On the other, it prepares new generations for success in roles only just now being conceived.

It has a unique, and critical, part to play in our social and economic progress. And our Professional Certificate in Education will equip you to make a valuable contribution.

What will you do?
Conducted over six months, the program is designed for education and training professionals seeking to develop their knowledge and skills in key areas. It’s also ideal for Bachelor of Teaching graduates seeking deeper insight.

You’ll complete two core courses (6 units worth of study) in one of three highly relevant areas of specialisation:

  • Educational Leadership and Innovation - examine evidence-based approaches to wellbeing support—alongside leadership and management theory—and consider how these can be applied to lead educational change.
  • English Language Teaching (ELT/TESOL) - learn the latest strategies for effective English Language Teaching
  • Research - strengthen your educational research skills and understandings, with opportunities to go on to a PhD.


Flexible study options
You can complete the Professional Certificate in Education face-to-face or online.

Where could it take you?
 
You could help implement initiatives to improve school students’ social and emotional wellbeing. You might help raise STEM participation in regional centres. If you’re an international student, perhaps you’ll lecture on 21st century skills in a higher education institution back home. You’ll also have the opportunity to move on into our Graduate Certificate of Education.

Note: Graduates will not be eligible for teacher registration. For this pathway see our Master of Teaching.


  • Progress your career and lead educational change
  • 3 specialisations to choose from and taught by award-winning staff
  • Flexible tailored approach to fit your busy schedule

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3PC008
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study Successful completion of a completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $7,500

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Degree Structure

The Professional Certificate in Education is designed to provide specialist training in any area of Education. Students must have qualified for a degree from the University of Adelaide or a degree from another institution accepted by the Faculty for the purpose as equivalent.

Graduates of this program will NOT be eligible for teacher registration.

The Professional Certificate in Education is not an AQF program. This program has a standard full-time duration of 0.25 years however can only be taken part-time for a duration of 0.5 years.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

To qualify for the Professional Certificate in Education, the student must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 6 units, comprising:

  • Core courses to the value of 6 units or
    • Courses to the value of 6 units from one of the Master of Education specialisations or
    • Elective courses to the value of 6 units or
    • Courses to the value of 6 units from the following: other postgraduate coursework courses deemed by the Faculty to be appropriate in Education including Mathematics, Science, Digital Technologies, Languages, History, Geography, Psychology, English, English as a Second Language, Music and Business. Prior approval is required from the Faculty.

Areas of Specialisation

Refer to the Master of Education for further information.

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the Professional Certificate, you need to pass courses listed in the Graduate Certificate in Education or the Master of Education to the value of 6 units.

Core Courses (6 units) from the following:
EDUC 7013 Educational Leadership in Diverse Contexts  
EDUC 7054 Research Design 
EDUC 7064 Introduction to Wellbeing in Education        
EDUC 7065 Introduction to Education Research 
EDUC 7550 Education Policies & Systems 
EDUC 7551 Curriculum Development and Innovation 
EDUC 7552 Pedagogical Engagement for Learning 
EDUC 7553 Assessment & Evaluation 

or
6 units selected from one of the specialisations:
Educational Leadership and Wellbeing
English Language Teaching (ELT/TESOL)
Research

or
6 units from Research courses
EDUC 7020 Qualitative Approaches to Research
EDUC 7021 Quantitative Approaches to Research 
EDUC 7055 Research Communication

or 
6 units from Elective courses
EDUC 7016 Multicultural Society and Educational Policy
EDUC 7018 Psychological Theories of Education
EDUC 7063OL Online Learning

Assessment

Assessment will be in the form of essays, reports, projects.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 21 Feb 2024