Graduate Certificate in Higher Education

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic

Offered at 1 locations
  • Online MT

Duration

Minimum duration: 2 years part-time. Maximum duration: 4 years part-time.

Fees (first year)*

$5508 Fee-paying

Overview

eight 5cp units

The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education supports the acquisition and development of knowledge, intellectual and practical skills needed to undertake roles which support student learning and teaching in a scholarly way. The course comprises eight 5cp units. These focus on theories, principles and concepts related to learning and teaching in higher education; curriculum and assessment design, and evaluation of higher education programs; development of knowledge and skill in an elected specialisation ; and, development of capability in the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT).

Graduates will develop their knowledge, intellectual and practical skills in ways that are informed by, and benefit from, the university's graduate attributes and the University's mission.

Careers

This course is designed to enhance the capacity of graduates to undertake work as an academic in a tertiary education institution. Possession of this qualification may be advantageous to gaining employment as an academic, or to professional advancement.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Professional Term 2

  • Specified unitsUNMC510Foundations for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education5 cp
  • Specified unitsUNMC520Improving Learning and Teaching in Higher Education5 cp
  • Specified unitsUNMC530Good Practice in Higher Education: Curriculum Design5 cp
  • Specified unitsUNMC540Good Practice in Higher Education: Assessment Design5 cp

Commencing Professional Term 5

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Graduate Certificate - AQF Level 8

Additional course information

Recognition for prior learning is available for applicants with appropriate prior qualifications and/or experience. Maximum credit is 20 cp.

Entry requirements

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

  1. have completed a Bachelor degree or equivalent and hold an academic appointment (including sessional academic) with a direct teaching role, in a tertiary education institution; OR 
  2. hold any appointment in a tertiary education institution which advances learning and teaching at a Faculty or an institutional level, and also involves at least some direct teaching.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Learn more about inherent requirements and how they affect you, and explore the requirements for your course.

Pathways

Further study

Graduates of this course may progress to postgraduate Masters level courses such as the Master of Higher Education.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$5508 Fee-paying

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

No deferment available.

 

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