Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education further develops teaching expertise and qualifications in specific subject areas in the secondary school sector.

Why study this course?

CSU’s Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (K-12 Middle Schooling) (prior to Session 1, 2014) and provides the opportunity to complete a second teaching area in Economics, English, Geography, Information Technology or Modern History.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited with the NSW Institute of Teachers when completed in conjunction with the Bachelor of Education (K-12 Middle Schooling).

Graduation requirements

To graduate from CSU’s Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education, students must satisfactorily complete 32 points (four core subjects).

Residential schools

Residential schools may be required dependent upon subject selection in this degree.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Admission requirements

Admittance to this program is via:

• guaranteed entry for students in the Bachelor of Education (K-12 Middle Schooling) program. Concurrent enrolment is permitted after successful completion of the first 2.5 years of the Bachelor of Education (K-12 Middle Schooling) degree

or

• as otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator.

Additional Literacy Requirements

To be successful at studies within certain courses, students must be highly competent in spoken and written English literacy.

All students who do not have this level of competence in spoken and written English will be required to independently organise some form of coaching in English literacy, such as a short TAFE course or other form of tuition to improve their skills. Students will be advised of their options by the Head of School from the campus where they are enrolled.

If, after an agreed period of study in English literacy, a student's English literacy standard has not improved, the appropriate Head of School will provide further advice with regard to alternative career options.

Criminal Record Clearance

Most states in Australia (except NSW) require preservice teachers to undergo a Working with Children Check (WCC) prior to undertaking a placement in a school or early childhood service. The checks are intended to identify people who have convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, who may put patients'/clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.

NSW and other state schools only require the WCC for students undertaking an internship.

Prospective students should be aware that not passing a criminal record clearance may make it difficult for them to complete a teacher education course satisfactorily because of the unavailability of suitable school or preschool experiences. Preservice teachers who participate in Internship programs in NSW DEC schools will be required to have a Working with Children Check.

In addition, all students are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration every year of the program, indicating if they are a prohibited person under the Child Protection Act 1998.

The Department of Health in NSW, and most other states, currently require all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement, to undergo a Working with Children Check.

Currently, NSW Department of Sport & Recreation has the same guidelines as NSW DEC.

If you have any queries regarding this matter, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Coordinator.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2