University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in STEM Education
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Ensure your skills are up to date with the evolving future-focused STEM education curriculum and align your teaching practices with industry best practice to enhance the student experience and outcomes.
Course overview
Units within this course are informed by evidence-based research from the STEM Education Research Centre (SERC) at the University of Canberra.
Gain in-demand STEM education skills, informed by STEM Education Research Centre’s (SERC) evidence-based methodologies and aligned to ACARA curriculum needs, study 100% online and accelerated to fit around your life and work, focus on STEM spatial and design thinking, experience dedicated support at every stage and start anytime with intakes open every two months.
Key facts
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in STEM Education Online comprises four units.
Complete the following four units:
- STEM Pedagogy, Foundational Theory
- STEM and Design Thinking
- Spatial Thinking
- STEM Practices and Learning Opportunities
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in STEM Education, applicants must have one of the following:
- Current registration as a teacher at a proficient level or higher with an Australian regulatory authority/registration authority.
- A three-year undergraduate degree in Education or a relevant field as approved by the University of Canberra and at least three years' FTE professional experience in education.
- Graduate and/or postgraduate education qualifications as approved by the University of Canberra.
English language requirements
You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.
The Graduate Certificate in STEM requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in STEM Education is designed for existing education professionals looking to enhance their teaching practices with the latest in STEM education and industry best practices. Students will learn how to improve outcomes for their students while deepening their understanding of modern education principles. Career outcomes may include roles such as:
- Curriculum coordinator (STEM)
- Curriculum specialist (STEM)
- Executive teacher (STEM)
- Education assessment specialist (STEM)
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $2,956.25 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total cost in 2026: $11,825 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four units.
Student fees 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.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
Who You Will Learn From
Dr Janet Smith
Master of Education Course Director
The University of Canberra’s online Master of Education and Graduate Certificate in Education courses have been designed to provide teachers with ideal practical professional development and career-building opportunities, allowing them to shape their future education/professional pathways and enhance their skills and knowledge.
Dr Ilyse Resnick
Associate Professor
Spatial reasoning is a foundational aspect across the STEM disciplines. Importantly, spatial reasoning skills can be learned and improved. When educators are prepared with strong spatial reasoning skills and spatial tools to teach spatial reasoning and related STEM content, students’ STEM learning improves.
Dr Holly Tootell
Senior Lecturer of STEM Education
STEM and Design Thinking provides a human-centred approach to technology engagement. By understanding diverse ways to design and engage with technology and exploring the breadth of STEM skills, educators will gain transferable skills needed to adapt to evolving technology. This empowers them to support and prepare students for future challenges.
Emily Ashcroft
PhD Candidate and Qualified Early Childhood and Primary Educator
The STEM Pedagogies unit will provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to analyse, design and implement engaging and authentic STEM learning opportunities to help prepare our children for the skills they need to engage with STEM in meaningful ways.