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 four highly relevant areas of specialisation:

  • 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.

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
  • 4 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:

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

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

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

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

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.

Courses chosen from in the Master of Education’s specialisations:

  • Educational Leadership and Innovation
  • Wellbeing
  • Entrepreneurship Education
  • Research
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education
  • English Language Teaching (ELT/TESOL)

Academic Program Rules

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

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.


Specialisations

Course Choice

Educational Leadership and Innovation

Study leadership and management theory in depth and consider how it can be applied to lead positive and sustainable educational change.
EDUC 7013 Educational Leadership in Diverse Contexts (3 units)
EDUC 7066 Leading Self and Others (3 units)
EDUC 7068 Leading Positive Change (3 units)
EDUC 7067 Leading Wellbeing (3 units)
Wellbeing

Examine evidence-based approaches to whole-community wellbeing and explore the link between social and emotional health and engaged learning.
EDUC 7071 Contemporary Issues in Wellbeing Education (3 units)
EDUC 7064 Introduction to Wellbeing in Education (3 units)
EDUC 7068 Leading Positive Change (3 units)
EDUC 7018 Neuroscience and Education (3 units)
EDUC 7072 Wellbeing for Educators (3 units)
EDUC 7067 Leading Wellbeing (3 units)
Entrepreneurship Education

Explore the rise of ‘21st century skills’—such as entrepreneurship, innovation and design thinking—and their impact in education, schools and education systems.
EDUC 7069 Contemporary Issues in Educational Entrepreneurship (3 units)
EDUC 7063 Online Learning (3 units)
Research

Strengthen your educational research skills and understanding and lay the foundations for your own pioneering explorations.
EDUC 7065 Introduction to Education Research
EDUC 7054 Research Design (3 units)
EDUC 7020 Approaches to Qualitative Research (3 units)
EDUC 7021 Approaches to Quantitative Methods (3 units)
EDUC 7055 Research Communication (3 units)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Investigate the issues and opportunities surrounding STEM education and consider how to get more young minds engaged in it.
EDUC 7070 Contemporary Issues in STEM Education (3 units)
EDUC 7063 Online Learning (3 units)
EDUC 7018 Neuroscience and Education (3 units)
English Language Teaching (ELT/TESOL)

Learn the latest research-based strategies for effective English language teaching in culturally diverse settings.
EDUC 7418 Language Analysis for English Teachers (3 units)
EDUC 7419 Intercultural Competencies in English Lang Teaching (3 units)
EDUC 7421 English Language Teaching Methodology (3 units)
Other Education Electives

Examine current evidence-based approaches to learning and teaching with a focus on improving student outcomes.
EDUC 7016 Multicultural Society and Education Policy
EDUC 7550 Education Policies & Systems (3 units)
EDUC 7008 Indigenous Education (3 units)
EDUC 7551 Curriculum Development and Innovation (3 units)
EDUC 7552 Pedagogical Engagement for Learning (3 units)
EDUC 7553 Assessment & Evaluation (3 units)


You can remotely study the Professional Certificate in Education.

The following courses will be available online:

Pick any 2 courses:

EDUC 7054 Research Design (S1+S2)
EDUC 7055 Research Communication (S1+S2)
EDUC 7070 Contemporary Issues in STEM Education (S1)
EDUC 7071 Contemporary Issues in WB Education (S2)
EDUC 7068 Leading Positive Change (S1)
EDUC 7060 Mentoring for Teachers (S1)*
EDUC 7067 Leading WB (S2)


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, 13 Sep 2023