Program title: Graduate Diploma in Education
Award abbreviation: GDEd
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: GPA requirement
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Prerequisites: Completion of a non-education undergraduate degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0 from a recognised tertiary institution.
- Early Phase (Years P-3) or Primary (Years P-7): the undergraduate degree will have sufficient breadth across a range of learning areas including: the arts, social science, English, maths, science, health and physical education, technology and languages.
- Secondary: at least one-third of a degree in a nominated first teaching area and one-sixth of a degree in a nominated second teaching area, application to some teaching areas may require an interview and/or portfolio or audition.
Applicants must submit a Teaching Area Nomination form (PDF 62KB).
Recommended prior study: English
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check (refer to Program requirements and notes)
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Calendar: Education Programs Calendar 2011 (PDF 72KB)
Total courses: 10 (96 units)
USC program code: ED601
CRICOS code: 058884B
Highlights
- Teach in a secondary, primary or Prep-Year 3 classroom
- Link theory and practice with professional experience in schools
- This program is offered face to face on campus as it is essential for students to interact with fellow students and academics to develop their classroom teaching skills
Achieve professional qualifications required for teacher registration.
In this program you gain the professional knowledge and skills to teach in either early (Years P-3), primary (Years P-7) or secondary (Years 7-12) classrooms. The program includes education studies, curriculum studies and 75 days of professional experience completed in schools or learning communities.
To become a secondary teacher, you will have discipline knowledge in two teaching areas drawn from your undergraduate degree. Your study will focus on secondary curriculum and teaching methods in these two teaching areas.
In the primary and early phase pathways, your focus of study is the primary curriculum. If you choose either of these pathways your undergraduate degree must have sufficient breadth to enable you to confidently address the range of learning areas expected in most primary schooling contexts, including studies in the arts, social science, English, maths, science, health and physical education, technology and languages.
For more information about KLAs and teaching areas in Queensland, visit the Queensland Studies Authority website www.qsa.qld.edu.au
The Queensland College of Teachers requires that preservice teachers complete 75 days of professional experience during their period of enrolment. This consists of Supervised Teaching practice and Wider Field Experience.
Pathways
- Senior Phase—Years 7–12 (Pathway A)
- Middle Phase—Years 4–10 (Pathway C)
- Primary Phase—Years P–7 (Pathway E)
- Early Phase—Years P–3 (Pathway H)
Additional entry requirements
For all specialisations enrolment is conditional on having a sound level of English, normally demonstrated by either:
- the successful completion of at least two years of tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in exempt countries, namely Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America; prior to the commencement of the program.
or:
- an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.5 (with a sub-score no less than 7 in writing and reading, and a sub-score no less than 8 in speaking and listening) or the equivalent obtained on an approved alternative test, obtained within two years prior to the commencement of the program.
Post-admission requirements
Prior Semester 2, 2010 intake
If you commenced in February 2010 or prior to 2010, you must complete a minimum of 60 days of professional workplace learning and 100 hours of Wider Field Experience, this can be completed during your enrolment in the program or can consist of prior credit of activities completed within two years of your date of enrolment.
Semester 2, 2010 and Semester 1, 2011 intake
The Queensland College of teachers requires that preservice teachers in the one year graduate program complete 75 days of Professional Experience. This is made up of 62 days of Supervised Teaching Practice and 13 days of Wider Field Experience.
Supervised Teaching Practice (STP) is an integral aspect of this professional studies course reflecting the nexus between practice and theory. In-depth STP is gained within two supervised workplace learning practice courses throughout 62 days of practicum. This is completed in two 31 day blocks. This supervised practicum enables students to apply their theoretical understandings and preparatory curriculum studies in an authentic setting, linked to their teaching pathway in early, middle, primary, or secondary school contexts.
Students:
- may be placed in schools within 1 hour travel time from their residential address
- will need to arrange for their own transport, to and from their teaching placement, and may not always be able to rely on public transport
- are required to attend schools for a full teaching day for a minimum of 8 hours per day for each 31 day teaching block
- are required to adhere to school policies and the university's workplace learning code of conduct during their placement
Wider Field Experience (WFE) consists of 13 days in total. Ten days (50 hours) to be completed in approved projects during semester one and two and three days (15 hours) of wider field experience will be undertaken through a structured mandatory university program.
A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.
Career opportunities
Teacher in early, primary, middle or senior phase, education consultant, trainer.
Professional recognition
Graduates may register with the Queensland College of Teachers. Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools.
Study Plan
This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.
For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:
- Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
- Select the program in which you are enrolled.
- Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.
For students commencing in Study Period 1, 2011, select your pathway from the list below:
- Senior Phase—Years 7–12 (Pathway A)
- Middle Phase—Years 4–10 (Pathway C)
- Primary Phase—Years P–7 (Pathway E)
- Early Phase—Years P–3 (Pathway H)
Requirements for placements
As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre where children under 18 years of age are present. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.
To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building). Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: education@usc.edu.au