• Program summary
• Program overview
• Program structure
• Admission requirements
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

Award abbreviation: GCSpecialEd
Degree type: postgraduate coursework program
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: one semester full-time or up to two years part-time
Fee type 2009: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program code: ED506
CRICOS code: 063004G (from Semester 1, 2009, only a full-time study option is available to international students)

Program overview

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education program targets qualified teachers who are seeking to develop a new career in Special Education or who are already in this field and wish to up-grade their knowledge and expertise. It provides them with deep curriculum knowledge in the field of Special Education, in such areas as current policy and practice, dealing with issues surrounding specific disabilities and the changing contexts of disability. At a time when it is recognised that the supply of Special Education teachers is below demand, students will receive opportunities to obtain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in key learning areas in this educational field. Graduates of the program will be able to enhance learning outcomes for all students in special needs contexts.

Program structure

4 required courses:
EDU370 Policy, Processes and Professional Practices
EDU371 Contexts of Disability and Differences
EDU372 Responding to Difference: Programming Reporting and Assessment
EDU373 The Special Education Teacher in New Times

Admission requirements

To be eligible for entry to the program applicants must meet one or more of the following requirements:

• be recognised as registered teachers in Queensland (or equivalent)
• hold an undergraduate degree in education
• demonstrate a strong committment to special needs learners
• be recently graduated beginning teachers who demonstrate, through interview, that they have the capacity to work in special education contexts

Program requirements and notes

1. Refer to the Academic Rules.
2. Refer to explanation of terms.
3. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
4. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
5. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.

Enquiries

Program Adviser, Education
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 5459 4699
Email: education@usc.edu.au 

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