Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies
Swinburne Online - Online delivery only
Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies is a postgraduate non-teaching qualification. You'll gain a broad level of understanding of educational theory, systems and practice, and knowledge of the key issues, policies and theoretical concepts impacting primary education in Australian and global contexts. Graduates will be able to seek jobs in a range of educational-related fields.
Upgrade your skills
- Key issues impacting Australian primary education
- Arts & Design in Primary School
- Humanities in Primary School
- Mathematics and Science in Primary School
Stretch your career further
- Curriculum developer / Consultant
- Pedagogical assistant
- Teachers aid
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Strong industry connections and co-creation
- Government entity
- Public school
- Private school
- Kindergarten
Why Swinburne?
Ranked top 500 worldwide in the subject of Education
Ranked top 20% in Australia for 5-star PG Overall experience
92% of students found employment 4 months after graduating
-
Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Qualifications
Applicants to this award require a completed Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification.
International
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (Swinburne Online delivered)
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Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies, students must complete 50 credit points comprising:
2 educational foundation units (25 credit points)
2 educational discipline units (25 credit points)
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Understanding Theories of Teaching, Learning & Development
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU60017 |
|
Understanding Behaviour for Classroom Practice
Core unit |
EDU60016 |
|
Arts and Design Technology in Primary School
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU70006 |
|
English in Primary School
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU70007 |
|
Health and Physical Education in Primary School
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU70008 |
|
Health and Physical Education in Primary School
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU70008 |
|
Humanities in Primary School
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU70009 |
|
Mathematics in Primary School
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU70010 |
|
Science in Primary School
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU70011 |
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$12,880
Total fee* ($AUD)
$12,880
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for FEE-HELP
You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:
- are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
- are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
- have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!