Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Educational Leadership)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants will normally hold an approved Bachelor degree in any discipline, or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution, and have a minimum of five years' professional experience as an educator, and be assigned to a recognised leadership role in an educational setting.
From 2024 this program is available to domestic students at a reduced fee as a Commonwealth supported program.
Degree overview
- Designed for professional educators seeking to further their knowledge, qualifications, and career in education leadership.
- Apply your learnings direct to your workplace and advance your career sooner.
- This graduate certificate is offered part time with the option to study on-campus or online.
- Classes are held outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow busy educators to accelerate their studies.
- Access the latest knowledge and leading minds in the field – this degree is informed by research from the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion.
- Gain full credit for your studies (four courses) towards the Master of Education.
- UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia1 and World top 100 in Education2.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, 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
3UNSTOPPABLE® 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
This graduate certificate is specifically designed for professional educators seeking to further their knowledge, qualifications and career in educational leadership.
You’ll develop informed and critical understandings of the policies, theories, and practices of educational leadership and how they apply to fostering learner-centred environments. There is also the opportunity to explore educational leadership in your own context and develop a case study of your workplace.
Classes are held outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow you to continue to work while you study. Courses can be studied online or face to face on campus.
Upon completion of this graduate certificate, you can gain full credit for all your studies towards the Master of Education. Other graduate certificates in this suite include:
- Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Inclusive Education)
- Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (TESOL)
You can stack one or two Graduate Certificates for full credit towards the Master of Education. You’ll then only have two courses left to complete your Masters (applicable to students eligible for Advanced Standing).
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
What you'll learn
In this graduate certificate (four courses) you’ll develop informed and critical understandings of the policies, theories, and practices of educational leadership and how they apply to fostering learner-centred environments. You’ll examine quality, accountability, and equity as key drivers of strategic leadership and explore the complex work undertaken by education leaders to deliver on these. The program has a focus on globalisation, professional learning communities, learner/curriculum leadership and complexity theory in leadership.
With curriculum informed by UniSA’s Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion you’ll learn the latest theory in the field. There is also the opportunity to develop a case study on your workplace and to explore education leadership in your own context. Graduate with the skills and knowledge to lead confidently in educational settings and to innovate learning in your workplace.
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:
- literature reviews
- discussion papers
- reports
- proposals
- research project
There may also be essays or assignments.
Why Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Educational Leadership)
UniSA is World top 100 in Education1 and South Australia's largest tertiary provider of education degrees, making us well placed to help you realise your career goals in Education.
Our courses are practical and real-world focused so you can apply your new knowledge and skills to your education setting immediately.
Informed by the latest research from the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion, this graduate certificate gives you access to some of the leading minds in the field. Leverage this access to UniSA research and industry experts to build your leadership capacity and propel your career.
Continue to work while you study - this graduate certificate is offered part time with the option to study on-campus or online.
You can stack one or two Graduate Certificates for full credit towards the Master of Education. You’ll then only have two courses left to complete your Masters (applicable to students eligible for Advanced Standing).
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
12023 THE Subject Rankings
Real-world connections
We have a strong reputation as a dynamic, vibrant and connected research organisation, and we have extensive national and international research links. 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 will have the opportunity to work alongside these practising professionals throughout your study. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.
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.
Your career
This graduate certificate extends your learning and skills in the areas of education leadership and research. Careers to consider include:
- educational leader: review current learning and develop strategies to enhance teaching outcomes.
- school principal: responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of a school and fostering a safe and supportive school environment.
- policy and curriculum advisor: lead and influence policy and curriculum development.
- workplace training and development: lead learning and training programs across of range of professional contexts.
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
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.
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
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
