Edith Cowan University

Graduate Certificate of Education

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Flexible study for busy educators. Build expertise in educational leadership, curriculum development and teaching strategies through a flexible online qualification designed for working professionals.

Course overview

ECU’s Graduate Certificate of Education (Online and Accelerated) enables education professionals to build specialised knowledge in areas that support teaching, learning and educational leadership. Through focused postgraduate study, students can explore contemporary educational practice and evidence-informed approaches to improving outcomes for learners and educational communities.

Students can choose to specialise in either Leading Education or Science of Learning. The course examines areas such as educational leadership, community engagement and school improvement, or the application of research from cognitive science, psychology and neuroscience to teaching and learning practice.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
12 months (Part time)
Intake
1st July, 2026
1st August, 2026
1st October, 2026
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS

What you will study

Specialisation units

Leading Education units

  • Leading Under Challenging Circumstances
  • Leading for Improvement
  • Leading Staff
  • Leading Community Engagement

Science of Learning units

  • Introduction to Science of Learning
  • Science of Reading Instruction
  • Explicit and Direct Instruction
  • Science of Maths Instruction

Entry requirements

Academic Admission requirements (Band 6)

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to, or supersede, the minimum requirements outlined in the Academic admission requirements band section below.

All applicants must hold an initial teacher education qualification.

One or more specialisations in this course have admission requirements. Please take a look at the specialisation for more information.

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • Bachelor degree.
  • Equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience.

English Language requirements (Band 4)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0).
  • Bachelor's degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page.
  • completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
  • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Successful applicants with a graduate certificate qualification or higher in accounting may seek reduced course duration by applying for recognition of prior learning.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Critically apply educational theories and evidence-based research in a specialised area to contribute to inclusive and culturally responsive practice.
  • Design innovative responses to complex educational challenges by applying contemporary knowledge and evaluating their potential impact locally and globally.
  • Apply independence, adaptability, and professional judgement to support ongoing development and career growth.
  • Communicate complex educational ideas effectively across diverse modes and for varied purposes, employing digital technologies ethically.

Career outcomes

  • English Teacher
  • Secondary Mathematics Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • TESOL Teacher
  • Principal, Assistant Principal
  • Educator
  • Lecturer
  • Tutor
  • School Counsellor

Fees and CSP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $12,200 (Full fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 60 credit points (normally four units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans