Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Specialist Education is focused on developing knowledge and skills in a specialist field of education with options of:
- Digital Learning Futures,
- Inclusive Education,
- Indigenous Knowledges Education,
- International Education,
- Managing and Leading Education, or
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
This course aims to meet the professional development needs of teachers, practitioners, policymakers and principals working in the Northern Territory, Australia and the Asia Pacific. You are encouraged to undertake specialist studies that meet personal, organisational, workplace and community interests.
You will enhance your analytical thinking, collaborative learning and transformative practice in localised, national and/or international settings. You will also enhance your work experience by applying professional knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to practical contexts and settings.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities as education policymakers, practitioners, school teachers and principals in Australia and internationally. Please note that completion of this course does not lead to teacher registration.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $14,892.00. This equates to $ $3,723.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study education at CDU?
Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
What will I study?
The Graduate Certificate of Specialist Education offers specialist learning streams encompassing Digital Learning Futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledges Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), which equip students with contemporary educational perspectives and approaches.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) | 40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points selected from ONE of the specialisations outlined below. DIGITAL LEARNING FUTURES INCLUSIVE EDUCATION INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION MANAGING AND LEADING EDUCATION TESOL |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
DIGITAL LEARNING FUTURES
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DLF511 Hacking the Matrix: Video Games, Cyber Security and the Digital Paradigm | SE | DLF514 Education, Apps and Mobile Devices | SE |
| DLF513 Digital Cultures, Curricula and Assessment OR DLF515 Digital Technologies: Digital Literacies and Data Literacy OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE | DLF512 Digital Technologies in Education Aid and Development OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and Practice | SE | EIE502 Promoting Positive Behaviour | SE |
| EST533 Primary Specialisation: Special Education, Language and Literacy | SE | EST535 Social and Education (no longer available from 2023) OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies | SE | IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts | SE | IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available full-time and part-time for Semester 1.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | ||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE |
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
MANAGING AND LEADING EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| EMG504 Leadership in Education | SE | IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE |
| BUS506 Global Megatrends | SE | BUS508 Business Analytics OR ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship OR MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership | SE |
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
TESOL
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 1.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| TES502 Language, Meaning and Learning (unit title change) | SE | TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition | SE |
| TES503 Applied Language Teaching Methodologies | SE | TES506 Language Testing and Evaluation | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
DIGITAL LEARNING FUTURES
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| DLF512 Digital Technologies in Education Aid and Development OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE | ||
| DLF514 Education, Apps and Mobile Devices | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| DLF513 Digital Cultures, Curricula and Assessment OR DLF515 Digital Technologies: Digital Literacies and Data Literacy OR UTL521 Technologies for Teaching and Learning | SE | ||
| DLF511 Hacking the Matrix: Video Games, Cyber Security and the Digital Paradigm | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| EIE502 Promoting Positive Behaviour | SE | ||
| EST535 Social and Education (no longer available from 2023) OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| EIE501 Inclusive Education, Policies and Practice | SE | ||
| EST533 Primary Specialisation: Special Education, Language and Literacy | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies | SE | ||
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available full-time and part-time for Semester 2.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | ||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| EMG501 Contemporary Issues in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation OR IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education | SE | ||
| EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education OR EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching OR EMG504 Leadership in Education OR IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics OR MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
MANAGING AND LEADING EDUCATION
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm | SE | ||
| BUS508 Business Analytics OR ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship OR MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| EMG504 Leadership in Education | SE | ||
| BUS506 Global Megatrends | SE | ||
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
TESOL
NOTE:
Some units may be available as a 6-week intensive during INT-1 and INT-4, please refer to the unit catalogue.
Available only as part-time admission for Semester 2.
Part-Time Study Plan
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants without one of the above qualifications in education, but who have at least five years relevant professional experience, for example in an education setting or role, learning design or digital technology training, will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants must provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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