Graduate Diploma in Education Studies

The Graduate Diploma of Education Studies is designed for trainers, educational consultants or teaching professionals wishing to study education at a postgraduate level, who already hold a qualification in teaching. The one year full-time or part-time equivalent program will give you the qualification to take your career to the next level, or you can use it as a stepping stone to further study in a Master of Education. 

What will you do?

You will:
  • study contemporary education topics, taught by world class researchers
  • take core courses that give you a thorough grounding in current educational theories and practices supported by the latest research
  • choose courses from one of four specialisations offered in the masters program:
    • Educational Leadership and Innovation - study leadership and management theory in depth and consider how it can be applied to lead educational change
    • Wellbeing - examine evidence-based approaches to wellbeing support—a key knowledge area for all educators
    • 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.

Please note:This program is not equivalent to the Graduate Diploma in Education initial teacher education program, and does not constitute the requirements for a recognised teaching qualification. Students looking to become teachers will need to complete the Master of Teaching.

Where could it take you?

This degree provides advanced career options for educators and allows experienced teachers to enhance their existing qualifications to pursue senior policy and consulting roles. It gives trainers across various industries the ability to teach in higher education, including the TAFE and university sectors, and work as education consultants.



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

Entry Requirements

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I am a:

Domestic applicants

Deferment Yes - 2 year
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

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

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 1 100.0%
    All students 1 100.0%

Fees and Scholarships

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

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $28,000

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

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

Career Readiness

This degree provides advanced career options for educators and allows experienced teachers to enhance their existing qualifications to pursue senior policy and consulting roles. It gives trainers across various industries the ability to teach in higher education, including the TAFE and university sectors, and work as education consultants.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

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

Professional Accreditation

This program does not constitute the requirements for a recognised teaching qualification. Students looking to become teachers will need to complete the Master of Teaching prior to pursuing a postgraduate qualification.

Potential careers

Museum Education Officer, Policy Developer, Principal, Curriculum Developer, ESL Teacher, Education Coordinator, Education Officer, Education Officer / Educator, Educational Policy Writer, Educational Researcher, SACE Teacher, STEM Teacher, STEM in Schools Professional Development Provider, Science Communicators, Science Educators, TAFE Lecturer, TESOL Teacher, High School Teacher, Professional Development Leader

Degree Structure

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Education Studies you need to complete courses to the value of 24 units, consisting of:

12 units of core courses chosen from:

  • EDUC 7013 Educational Leadership in Diverse Contexts
  • EDUC 7054 Research Design
  • EDUC 7064 Introduction to Wellbeing in Education
  • EDUC 7065 Mixed Methods Research
  • EDUC 7550 Education Policies & Systems
  • EDUC 7551 Curriculum Development and Innovation
  • EDUC 7552 Pedagogical Engagement for Learning
  • EDUC 7553 Assessment & Evaluation
and 12 units of courses from one of the following Master of Education specialisations:

  • Education Leadership and Innovation
  • English Language Teaching
  • Entrepreneurship Education
  • Research
  • STEM Education
  • Wellbeing Education

Academic Program Rules

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

Areas of Specialisation

Education Leadership and Innovation
English Language Teaching
Entrepreneurship Education
Research
STEM Education
Wellbeing Education

Example Study Plan

Courses are delivered as face-to-face, blended intensives - a combination of face-to-face and online study and fully remote courses.

Related Degrees

Master of Education
Graduate Certificate in Education
Professional Certificate in Education

Master of Teaching (Middle and Secondary)

Further Study

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, 31 May 2023