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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

160906 v.7 Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Education)

GradDipEd(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 006101B
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year


Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course enables those with approved qualifications to become certificated teachers. The course is accredited nationally and the qualification is also recognised in other countries. The course adopts an integrated approach to educational theory and practice. It is not an appropriate course for qualified teachers.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.


The selection of a teaching specialisation is based on the content studied in the applicant’s bachelor degree. Applicants who do not have English as a first language will need a minimum proficiency of 7.5 (IELTS).


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Students will need a Working with Children Card and a Police Clearance before they go into schools in Semester One. Applications to be made to - Tertiary Institutions Service Centre, 100 Royal Street, East Perth 6004. Overseas students apply directly to Curtin's International Office.



Course Organisation

Graduate diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


The units are drawn from curriculum, foundation and teaching studies. Because secondary school teachers are usually employed to teach more than one school subject, it is a requirement that students undertake a minor study in a second curriculum area. The units are scheduled over two semesters in sequence. A total of 11 weeks field experience is undertaken and consists of supervised teaching segments and teaching assignments. There is also additional experience in schools in connection with academic units.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. make informed decisions regarding teaching and learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the learner and application of the curriculum

2. be reflective, creative and critical in the approach to teaching and learning

3. decide what information is needed and find it from a range of sources using appropriate technologies. Make valid judgements regarding teaching

4. communicate effectively and work collaboratively in educational contexts

5. use technologies appropriately to engage students in effective learning and for other educational purposes

6. be self-motivated, critical, and reflective in their practice based on ongoing professional learning

7. think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives and apply international standards in teaching and other educational situations

8. teach effectively in ways that are responsive to the diverse needs of students through integrating socio-cultural context and values within educational scholarship and practice

9. demonstrate proficiency in the range of skills required by effective teachers. Apply high standards in all aspects of their work as teachers. Value professional and community partnerships and demonstrate leadership in education


Duration and Availability

The course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study. It has a semester one and two intake (on a limited basis).


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
6606 v.8   Development and Special Needs in Education 550 3.0 25.0
311467 v.1   Professional Practice in Secondary Education 560 2.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
311469 v.1   Theories of Learning 555 3.0 12.5
311470 v.1   Internship 525 35.0 25.0
5836 v.6   Technologies to Engage Learners 560 2.0 12.5
311468 v.1   Reflective Teaching 525 2.0 12.5
13039 v.6   Indigenous Australian Education 570 2.0 12.5
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
311730 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- The Arts (Lower Secondary) 525 3.0 25.0
311731 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- English (Lower Secondary) 535 3.0 25.0
311732 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Languages (Lower Secondary) 545 3.0 25.0
311733 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Mathematics (Lower Secondary) 555 3.0 25.0
311734 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Science (Lower Secondary) 565 3.0 25.0
311737 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Vocational Education and Training 595 3.0 25.0
311735 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Society and Environment (Lower Secondary) 575 3.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
311723 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- The Arts (Upper Secondary) 520 3.0 25.0
311724 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- English (Upper Secondary) 530 3.0 25.0
311725 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Languages (Upper Secondary) 540 3.0 25.0
311726 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Mathematics (Upper Secondary) 550 3.0 25.0
311727 v.1   Curriculum and Instruction- Sciences (Upper Secondary) 560 3.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.