Study Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Mawson Lakes

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
LCEP

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
Online

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements
Applicants must be teachers who have successfully completed a four year education degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

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Applications for Semester 1 2025 are now closed. Applications for Semester 2 2025 will open: TBC

Degree overview

Study the only Catholic education-focused postgraduate qualification in South Australia.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
This degree is fully funded by Catholic Education South Australia (CESA).
UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia¹ and World top 100 in Education².
Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education³.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2022 QS Subject Rankings
²2023 THE Subject Rankings
³Results for Specialist Studies in Education – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

This graduate certificate is specifically designed for qualified educators who are interested in developing their knowledge, understanding and skills in Catholic education practices, principles and policies.

What you'll learn

The four courses you are required to complete integrate contemporary education theory and practice with biblical studies and theology. These courses cover scripture, theology, teaching methodologies and curriculum studies. You will also cover recent developments in theories, research and debates relating to the practice of Catholic education, as well as the philosophical and theological foundations of Catholic education.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Course name FIRST YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 2), Second Semester (Study Period 5)			Reference
Course name Christian Scriptures	Area and cat no. EDUC 5223	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Professional Practice 1: Theology	Area and cat no. EDUC 5224	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Professional Practice 3: Curriculum Design in Catholic Education	Area and cat no. EDUC 5225	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Professional Practice 2: Teaching Methodologies in Catholic Education	Area and cat no. EDUC 5226	Units 4.5	Reference

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You could expect:

critical reflection papers
film reviews
textual analysis
book reviews
reflective journals
projects
essays

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education)

We are South Australia's largest tertiary provider for education degrees and the only tertiary institution in the state to offer a postgraduate qualification that is specifically focused on Catholic education.

You’ll graduate with a relevant qualification with the curriculum delving into current debates, theories and research.

It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

Real-world connections

We have a strong relationship with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) – for current CESA teachers this graduate certificate is fully funded through CESA. We also have a strong reputation as a dynamic, vibrant and connected organisation, and as such we have extensive national and international industry links and relationships. These industry relationships are of great benefit to students and will form part of your important industry network.

Our teaching staff and many of our academics are also highly regarded researchers, and you may have the opportunity to work alongside these practicing professionals throughout your study.

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use discussion forums for team work and communication

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.

Career outcomes

Your career

Teachers have a passion for learning and a dedication to the social, emotional, physical and psychological development of children. Well-developed interpersonal skills, patience, as well as impeccable organisational and communication skills, are key attributes of successful educators.

The demand for teachers is strong¹and this graduate certificate extends your learning and skills in the areas of Catholic education.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is recognised by Catholic Education SA as meeting the requirements for accreditation to teach in a Catholic School and as an incentive based professional development program.

Industry facts

In 2016 there were 3,798,226 students enrolled in schools across Australia, representing an increase of 47,253 on 2015 figures¹.

¹Proportion of Students, by Affiliation, States and territories, 2016-Schools, Australia, 2016 Graph Data

Employment in secondary school teaching in Australia is projected to increase by 10,500 (7.8 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Thinking of studying soon?

2025

Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.

When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

2026

Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.

Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.

How to apply

To apply to study with us go to the top of this page and click Apply. You will be directed to our online application portal.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I have been working in Catholic education for 30 years in a variety of teaching and leadership roles across diverse school settings in Victoria and South Australia. Catholic studies connects education, theology and culture in profound and transformative ways that enhance the vitality of our Catholic educational communities.

Mr Greg Bowyer

Program Director

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Mr Greg Bowyer

Program Director

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