Why Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education)?
Integrating faith, academic excellence, and moral development in learning, Catholic Education aims to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, and social growth of students. Its curriculum combines academic standards with religious teaching.
Catholic Education is one of the three main education employment choices for students in Australia, alongside government and independent options.
Studying Catholic Education builds your skills in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and cultural competence – along with extending your knowledge of Catholic Education practices and values.
Expand your professional toolkit and upskill in Catholic Education with our Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education).
Overview
If you’re working in a Catholic Education setting and want to upskill, our Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education) is for you.
You’ll study four courses that integrate biblical studies, theology, and education – extending your understanding of Catholic educational principles and practices.
Build expertise in designing curriculum for Religious Education – skills that are also appliable to other learning areas.
This graduate certificate teaches the latest education research, ensuring you are well-versed in current theories, debates, and practices.
Key features
Extend your knowledge of Catholic Education practices, principles and policies. - Prepare for leadership roles in Catholic Education settings.
- Study part-time while you work.
- Access the latest education research and evidence-based methods.
- Meet your professional development requirements.
- Gain full credit for these studies (four courses) towards the Master of Education.
What you'll learn
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education) explores Catholic Education values, practices, principles, and policies.
You’ll study the Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testaments), from two perspectives – literary (examining their structure, themes, and literary devices) and sacred (understanding their religious significance and spiritual teachings). You’ll analyse the different ways of interpreting the Scriptures and how these interpretations can be incorporated into Catholic teaching practices.
Examine key theological topics and relate them to modern experiences and challenges. By connecting traditional religious teachings with contemporary life, you’ll pave the way for meaningful conversations.
Focus on Catholic identity and purpose through personal, professional, community, and global perspectives. You’ll also look at Catholic identity and purpose within Religious Education curriculum design. Learn how to create and improve Religious Education (RE) programs through teaching methods, materials, and student assessment strategies.
Specialisations
The Graduate Certificate in Education is also available with specialisations in the following:
- The Brain and Learning
- Digital Learning
- Early Childhood
- Education Leadership and Innovation
- First Nations, Cultures and Perspectives
- Islamic Education
- Research
- TESOL
- Wellbeing and Inclusion.
This graduate certificate does not provide a recognised qualification for teaching in schools. For this pathway, see our Master of Teaching, which has specialisations in:
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary
- Secondary.
This degree can be studied mostly online, however it may also have some on-campus and/or in-person requirements you will need to complete for accreditation purposes. This may include in-person intensive classes, workshops or professional placements.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for Core courses
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Catholic Theology: An Introduction
|
Course code
EDUCX204
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Catholic Scriptures: An Introduction
|
Course code
EDUCX203
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Catholic Schools: Identity, Mission and Practice
|
Course code
EDUCX500
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Curriculum Design in Catholic Education
|
Course code
EDUCX413
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
 |
Course name
Catholic Theology: An Introduction
|
Course code
EDUCX204
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Catholic Scriptures: An Introduction
|
Course code
EDUCX203
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Catholic Schools: Identity, Mission and Practice
|
Course code
EDUCX500
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Curriculum Design in Catholic Education
|
Course code
EDUCX413
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
Career outcomes
Our Graduate Certificate in Education (Catholic Education) expands your existing professional toolkit and prepares you to advance your career in Catholic Education settings.
You might be a registered teacher looking to move into Catholic Education.
Perhaps you’ll work as a Religious Education Coordinator creating programs for various age groups that align with Catholic teachings and values.
You could be employed as a Catholic school counsellor and support students’ academic, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
There are many roles in Catholic schools including principals and teachers as well as administrative support roles.
Industry trends
This degree will equip you with the specialised knowledge and skills required to advance your career in Catholic schools.
Catholic schools are one of the three main options for primary and secondary education in Australia, alongside government and independent schools.
In 2022, Catholic schools in Australia employed more than 104,000 teaching and non-teaching staff (National Catholic Education Commission).
Almost one in five students in Australia study in Catholic schools - in 2023, 806,323 students in Australia were enrolled in Catholic schools, representing 19.7% of all primary and secondary school students. These enrolments increased by 4.8% over the five years to 2023 (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
Ready to apply?
Ask Adelaide University
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
