Why study education at SCU Online?
Outstanding student support
#1 in Australia for Education Student Support 1
Top 100 Young Universities
Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world that are 50 years old or younger 2
Affordable, online and accelerated
One of Australia’s most affordable Master of Education online degrees
1 Good Universities Guide 2023
2 Times Higher Education 2024 Young University Rankings
Educational leaders are lifelong learners
Enhance your skill set and further your educational career with an online Graduate Certificate in Education from Southern Cross University.
The Graduate Certificate in Education equips teachers and educational professionals with the foundational knowledge to lead teaching and learning in increasingly complex educational environments. As you work through the units of study, you’ll become confident in exploring everything from contemporary educational leadership to educational investigation. And, if you decide to pursue a higher qualification, units of study completed during the Graduate Certificate can be credited towards enrolment in a Master of Education.
Quick facts
- Units
4 - Duration
8 months part-time - Fees
$2,753 per unit, FEE-HELP available - Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
The SCU Online benefits
Accelerated learning
Balance work, life, and study with our fast-paced online program, designed to help you apply new skills in real-world teaching environments.
Lead with confidence
Gain the skills to inspire and manage effectively, both in the classroom and throughout your school.
Affordable online study
Experience one of Australia's most affordable cost per units. Achieve your career goals without financial strain while gaining practical skills and knowledge.
How does a Graduate Certificate in Education online work with SCU?
- With no exams, you’ll learn through quizzes, videos, interactive presentations and more.
- Connect with academics and students through online chat platforms and discussion boards.
- Access support throughout the course, including feedback from a learning coach and a dedicated student success advisor from enrolment through to graduation.
- Live classes are optional but encouraged for networking, while the course is self-paced.
- To make the most of your learning experience, we recommend dedicating around 20 hours per week to your studies.
A typical study period at SCU Online
Pathway to masters
When you finish your Graduate Certificate in Education, if you wish to take your learning further you can apply for our Master of Education and receive advanced standing for the units you have completed.
Graduate Certificate
4 Units, or continue studying
Master Degree
+ 4 Units
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry to the Graduate Certificate in Education online, you must have:
- A four-year Bachelor degree in Education from any Australian university or equivalent; OR
- an undergraduate degree and a fourth-year level teaching qualification from any Australian university or equivalent; OR
- a three year Bachelor degree in Teaching from any Australian University, or equivalent.
Non-standard language admission requirements for international students (IELTS) with an overall score of 7.5 or equivalent.
Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.
Units of study
Explore the broad canvas of social and political contexts in which educational leaders operate at a state, national and global level in the Contemporary Educational Leadership unit.
The Contemporary Educational Contexts unit is designed to prepare you for educational environments in Australia and around the world.
Explore concepts from the professional learning community, and the latest research literature in the Leading Professional Learning unit.
The Educational Investigation unit develops knowledge and understanding of generic research and evaluation tools in the educational context.
Get detailed information about each unit in our course guide.
Learning outcomes
You’ll learn about the various local, national and global educational contexts that can affect education practice, and how to connect this to professional experiences, allowing you to identify both challenges and opportunities within educational leadership.
Gain the advanced research skills you need to form strategies for improvement, as well as the ability to apply learning theory into practice in your day-to-day role.
Further study is a way to reflect on your own teaching and learning practice. In particular, you’ll learn what is needed to lead, create, and sustain a culture of reflective professional learning in a school environment.
What our students do
Our Graduate Certificate in Education students work in a variety of educational contexts around Australia. Below is a snapshot of some of these roles and jobs.
- Deputy Head of School
- Lead Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Principal
- Primary School Teacher
- Education Consultant
- Classroom Teacher
- Assistant Principal
- Community Wellbeing Coordinator
In this video, Master of Education graduate Aleasa Brink speaks about the benefits of engaging in and promoting lifelong learning.
Aleasa Brink: "Education is a lifelong skill. So, lifelong learning is something that I talk about within my school and within the profession I work, so modelling that and continuing on that path is something that's very important for me." Subheading: What are you trying to achieve from online study? Aleasa: "I want to progress myself in my career and professionally, it's quite relevant. The learning that I'm doing with the study is helping with my work and my work is helping with my study." Subheading: What are your tips for students considering online study? Aleasa: "My first tip would be just to have a go! And finding a course that is going to complement what you're doing, so for me - not a load on top of what I'm doing. It really fits in seamlessly with what I'm already doing, and enhancing that."
Our Accreditations and Endorsements
Our online programs meet all of the AQF guidelines, ensuring quality education.
5-STAR Rating for Full-Time Employment, Overall Experience, Student Support, Learning Resources, Teaching Quality and Skills Development.
Southern Cross University is one of the world's Top 100 Young Universities.
Our postgraduate student support and satisfaction both above the national average.
Meet our course coordinator
Immerse yourself in a transformative journey with course coordinator David Lynch, a prominent figure in academic innovation. David has pioneered teacher education and school leadership improvements, shaping modern programs with a focus on whole-school progress. He brings his wealth of experience to our students, offering insights across key areas:
- Diverse teaching experience: Learn from David's innovative approaches to education and leadership, shaped by his work in Australia, Norway, Japan, and the UK.
- Collaborative learning: Engage in an interactive process, testing propositions and contributing to educational improvement.
- Focus on school leadership: Gain practical models and strategies for effective leadership implementation.
- Hands-on learning: David’s experience as a state school principal and global researcher offers a unique, practical approach to education.
