Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Digital Learning)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2023
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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)
Program Code
MCDL
SATAC Code
4GC104 (Internal)
Study as
Part-time only
Mode
Online
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Entry requirements
A three-year Bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised higher education institution.
In 2023 this program is available to domestic students at the reduced fee of $2,060 as a Commonwealth Supported program.
Degree overview
- Study with the lead institution in Australia for research in Educational Technology1.
- Gain advanced skills and knowledge in designing, implementing, and evaluating digital learning environments in educational settings.
- Designed for education professionals working in schooling, VET, and higher education sectors, as well as in-house corporate educators.
- Complete your studies fully online and part-time.
- Learn from a university that has over 25 years’ experience in delivering online education.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including the Master of Education.
- UniSA is World top 100 in Education2 and our education degrees are number one in South Australia3.
- Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education4.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities5, 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.
1 The Australian Research Magazine 2023
22023 THE Subject Rankings
32022 QS Subject Rankings
4Results for Specialist Studies in Education – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
5UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
Snapshot
As education and training is increasingly online based, skills in the design, implementation and evaluation of digital learning environments form a highly valuable skill set.
The quality of digital learning environments can improve learning outcomes for students by enhancing engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention. Digital learning environments can also improve accessibility, reduce costs, enable continuous improvement, and adapt as new technologies emerge.
If you are working in an education setting such as in schooling, VET, the higher education sector, or as an in-house corporate educator, you can use this qualification to apply your learnings directly to your workplace.
The courses focus on digital learning concepts and technologies, best practice in the design of digital learning environments, formal and informal learning communities, and learning analytics.
You’ll graduate with a high level of practical and theoretical knowledge and skills to support digital approaches in your current teaching and learning environment.
You can further build on your knowledge and continue studies using this qualification as a pathway into the Master of Education.
Find out more about UniSA’s digital learning research here.
What you'll learn
When you study this graduate certificate you will develop advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in the design, development, and implementation of contemporary and effective digital learning approaches in educational settings.
The courses examine
- current digital learning concepts, models and frameworks
- effective digital learning environments, including the practical design of digital learning in the classroom
- the analysis of data, including learning analytics
- the role of formal and informal online learning communities in education, and
- innovative practices for learners in a digital age.
You will graduate with a high level of practical and theoretical knowledge and skills to support digital approaches in your current teaching and learning environment.
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 can expect them to include:
- online forums and blogs
- reports
- projects
- design briefs
- critical 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 Studies (Digital Learning)
Our education degrees are highly regarded – in fact, we are ranked in the World Top 100 for Education1. UniSA is also the lead institution in Australia for research in Educational Technology2 . This qualification is informed by world-leading experts in digital learning and EdTech, including the Centre for Complexity and Change in Learning (C3L), so you will be learning the latest information available in the field and graduate with a highly relevant qualification.
12023 THE Subject Rankings
2 The Ausralian Research Magazine 2023
Real-world connections
We 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 leaders, and you may have the opportunity to work alongside these practicing professionals throughout your study.
Please visit the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning to learn more about UniSA’s world leading expertise and industry connections in digital learning.
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.
Study Education at UniSA
Hear from UniSA Master of Teaching (Secondary) graduate and teacher, Joshua Lamb, talk about his experience continuing his studies with the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Digital Learning).
Your career
The demand for educators to have expertise in digital learning has never been greater. With this graduate certificate, you will be in a strong position to seek further career opportunities and progression due to your specialised knowledge and leadership capability within the growing field of digital learning education.
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.
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.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Study on Demand with Australia's University of Enterprise
UniSA Online – 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning.
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 program director
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
