Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education)

This graduate certificate is for people who want to work in Catholic schools or already do, and want to sharpen their practice with the Church's own framework in mind. It's a short course, 26 weeks, roughly one semester, so it suits teachers who need a qualification upgrade, people moving into Catholic education from another sector, or staff in school leadership and religious education roles who want formal study behind them.

What you study

You'll look at the things that make Catholic education distinct: how a school's mission and ethos shape what happens in classrooms, how religious education is taught and assessed, and how curriculum is planned and led in a Catholic setting. The coursework is delivered through units of study, each carrying credit points. As a graduate certificate, it's a small set of units, enough to give you a recognised qualification without the length of a full master's. Assessment is typically a mix of essays, curriculum planning tasks and practical projects rather than a large thesis.

How it fits together

Australian graduate certificates sit at AQF level 8, above a bachelor degree but below a master's. They're built from units of study with credit points, usually delivered across a semester or trimester, and many students use them as a stepping stone, the units often count towards a graduate diploma or master's if you choose to keep going. This one is offered by Adelaide University and is registered on CRICOS for international students (course code 115805G). Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, so check there for the current figure.

Skills and who it suits

You'll come out better at planning religious education and curriculum that reflect Catholic identity, and more confident talking about mission with colleagues, parents and school leaders. It suits practising teachers, coordinators and aspiring leaders in Catholic schools, and also people in parish or diocesan education roles. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet the university's English requirement, teaching courses normally ask for higher scores than other fields, so confirm the exact level for this course on the official page. While studying in Australia on a student visa you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Check the official course page for entry requirements, unit details and how to apply.

• Catholic school teacher, classroom teaching in primary or secondary Catholic schools, with a stronger grounding in the school's mission and religious education.
• Religious education coordinator or teacher, leading or teaching RE programs and supporting staff in this area.
• Curriculum leader or head of learning area, planning and coordinating curriculum in a Catholic school setting.
• School mission or identity officer, working on the ethos, values and community dimension of a Catholic school.
• Diocesan or parish education officer, supporting schools and parishes with resources and programs.
• Pathway to further study, the units may count towards a graduate diploma or master's in education or religious education.

Employers include Catholic education systems and dioceses across Australia, individual Catholic schools, and faith-based education organisations. Teaching roles in Australia generally require registration with the relevant state or territory teacher authority, so check what your background needs before applying.