Graduate Certificate in Religious Education
Course information for - 2025 entry
- Duration
- 0.5 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
- ACU Term 1 , ACU Term 2 , ACU Term 3, ACU Term 4
Please confirm your specific accreditation requirements with your local diocese/employer as each diocese has slightly different requirements.
Overview
Build on your primary or secondary education qualifications to gain the skills and obtain the necessary accreditation to teach religious education in Catholic schools or church organisations.
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education provides the basic certification, fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies needed to teach religious education.
This qualification can also provide the basis for further leadership qualifications in religious education and/or leadership in Catholic schools and other settings.
Note: This course, on its own, does not lead to a teaching qualification. If you do not have a teaching qualification, you may be interested in the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education or the Master of Teaching (Secondary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.
Professional recognition
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education contributes to the accreditation to teach religious education for qualified and eligible primary and secondary teachers. Please contact your local diocese/employer to confirm the specific accreditation requirements to ensure you meet eligibility. Academic and non-academic requirements to teach religious education can vary across dioceses.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- education and teaching.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, a student must complete 40 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor degree in Education or an equivalent, or recognised teaching qualification.
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.
English language requirements
Overall score: 6.5 Individual score of: 6.0 in all tests
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
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 that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education provides entry, as well as advanced standing (up to four units of credit), into the Master of Religious Education.
Fees
Course costs
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.
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.
Apply for this course
ACU Online Applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. If you wish to defer please speak to your course consultant.