Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies |
| Deakin course code | E524 |
| Course Credit Points | 4 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2026 onwards |
| Campus | This course is available as an exit only option from: |
| Duration | 0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
| Supplementary Information | The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) has established a qualifications policy that outlines the requirements and processes for teacher registration. This course is not accredited as an initial teaching qualification and does not meet the necessary qualifications and standards for teaching in Victoria. |
Course sub-headings
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Educational Studies is an exit only option comprising of 4 credit points. Take your understanding of education to the next level with the Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies. This postgraduate course deepens your knowledge of educational theory, curriculum, and contemporary issues while sharpening your critical thinking and research skills. You’ll develop the expertise to contribute to education, training, and policy roles, and position yourself for future postgraduate study or research in the field of education.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies equips graduates with advanced capabilities in critical thinking, research, professional communication, and leadership. These skills support career opportunities in policy development, project management, vocational and workplace training, higher education support services, and community education initiatives. With strong demand nationally for education and training coordinators, policy officers, and roles in student engagement and support, this qualification positions graduates to contribute meaningfully in a range of professional contexts. It also provides a pathway to further postgraduate study or research in education. Importantly, this course is not a pre-service teacher qualification and does not confer eligibility for teacher registration, but it offers a respected credential that connects directly with Australia’s growth areas in education and training.
Course learning outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Integrate advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of education to analyse learning, curriculum, and policy issues in varied professional and social contexts. |
| Communication | Apply advanced written, oral, and digital communication skills to interpret, synthesise, and convey complex educational ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Critically evaluate educational research, policy, and practice to develop evidence-informed perspectives on learning, equity, and inclusion. |
| Critical thinking | Generate and justify innovative, ethical, and contextually appropriate solutions to complex educational challenges within diverse and changing environments. |
| Problem solving | Graduates will investigate complex educational problems and apply advanced theoretical, data-informed and ethical reasoning to design, evaluate and communicate effective solutions that enhance professional practice and learner outcomes. |
Approved by Faculty Board November 2025.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Education Studies, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
Students must have successfully completed 4 credit points of E-coded units at Level 7 from their enrolled ITE postgraduate course
* Students seeking an early exit with this award does not confer eligibility for teacher registration in Australia.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.