- Teach in a Preparatory to Year 7 classroom
- Link theory and practice with professional experience in schools
- This program is offered face to face on campus as it is essential for students to interact with fellow students and academics to develop their classroom teaching skills
Program summary
Program title: Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary)
Award abbreviation: GDEd
QTAC code: 017281
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: GPA requirement
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Prerequisites: Completion of a non-education undergraduate degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0 from a recognised tertiary institution. In addition, applicants must satisfy the discipline study requirements of sufficient breadth across a range of learning areas including: the arts, social science, English, maths, science, health and physical education, technology and languages.
Recommended prior study: English
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check (refer to Program requirements and notes)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Calendar: Education Programs Calendar 2012 (PDF 40KB) *
Total courses: 10 (96 units)
USC program code: ED603
CRICOS code: 075078B
Achieve professional qualifications required for teacher registration.
The Graduate Diploma in Education offers professional studies, knowledge and skills in learning and teaching, to compliment previous discipline studies achieved through the successful completion of a three year non education undergraduate degree.
The purpose of the program is to develop teachers who draw on discipline knowledge in order to teach within the key learning areas or contexts that constitute the curriculum framework in most schools. The program complements existing in-depth discipline knowledge with education studies, curriculum and pedagogical studies and workplace learning experiences.
For more information about KLAs and teaching areas in Queensland, visit the Queensland Studies Authority website www.qsa.qld.edu.au
Additional admission requirement
This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University.
Refer to the English language requirements for more information.
Post-admission requirements
The Queensland College of teachers requires that preservice teachers in the one year graduate program complete 75 days of Professional Experience. This is made up of 62 days of Supervised Professional Experience and 13 days of Wider Field Experience.
Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) is an integral aspect of this professional studies course reflecting the nexus between practice and theory. In-depth SPE is gained within two supervised workplace learning practice courses throughout 62 days of practicum. This is completed in two 31 day blocks. This supervised practicum enables students to apply their theoretical understandings and preparatory curriculum studies in an authentic setting.
Students:
- may be placed in schools within one hour travel time from their residential address
- will need to arrange for their own transport, to and from their teaching placement, and may not always be able to rely on public transport
- are required to attend schools for a full teaching day for a minimum of eight hours per day for each 31 day teaching block
- are required to adhere to school policies and the university's workplace learning code of conduct during their placement
A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.
Career opportunities
Teacher in primary schools, education consultant, trainer.
Professional recognition
Graduates may apply for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers. Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: education@usc.edu.au
Program requirements and notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per teaching session.
- There are two study periods in the year; January–July and July–December. For more information, refer to the Education Programs Calendar.
- Students must complete a minimum of 62 days of supervised teaching practice in schools.
- Students must also complete a total of 13 days or 65 hours of wider field experience
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports and in-class tests. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, please refer to the [TabLink top Study Plan]Study Plan.
To commence teaching practice placement you must:
- Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the Workplace Learning components of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
- Make provision for transport to attend teaching practice placements.
Full-time students
Required courses: (10)
EDU602 Engaging Diverse Learners
EDU603 Quality Learning and Teaching
EDU604 Classroom Management
EDU614 Teaching Practice 1
EDU615 Professional Engagement
EDU616 Teaching Practice 2
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing
EDU641 Teaching Mathematics Years P-7
EDU342 Curriculum A Primary Years P-7
EDU652 Curriculum B Primary Years P-7
Please note:
- EDU603 is an introductory course, students are strongly recommended to enrol during first teaching session of entry.
- Full time students should enrol into EDU604 and EDU614 consecutively (within the first teaching session) or EDU615 and EDU616 consecutively (within the second teaching session). Full time students in their first teaching session are recommended to enrol into a total of five courses (two of which are 6 units, EDU604 and EDU614 OR EDU615 and EDU616 ) and one course must be a curriculum course EDU342 or EDU652 .
- Part time students should ensure that they are adequately prepared for their teaching practice with sufficient curriculum courses EDU342 or EDU652 . Curriculum courses include development of lesson and unit planning skills that are essential for a successful teaching practice. Part time students are strongly recommended to complete all Courses within two years.
- Students cannot commence Teaching Practice 1 until successful completion of at least one curriculum course (EDU342 or EDU652 ).
Requirements for placements
As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre where children under 18 years of age are present.
It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.
To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building).
Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.
Study Plan
This Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester. Please refer to notes.
Full-time students
Study period of entry
Required courses (4)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU603 Quality Learning and Teaching | |||
| EDU342 Curriculum A Primary Years P-7 | |||
| EDU604 Classroom Management | |||
| EDU614 Teaching Practice 1 |
Plus select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU602 Engaging Diverse Learners | |||
| EDU641 Teaching Mathematics Years P-7 |
Final study period
Required courses (4)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing | |||
| EDU652 Curriculum B Primary Years P-7 | |||
| EDU615 Professional Engagement | |||
| EDU616 Teaching Practice 2 |
Plus select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU602 Engaging Diverse Learners | |||
| EDU641 Teaching Mathematics Years P-7 |
Part-time students
Study period of entry
Required courses (1)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU603 Quality Learning and Teaching |
Plus select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU602 Engaging Diverse Learners | |||
| EDU641 Teaching Mathematics Years P-7 |
Second study period
Required courses (3)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU342 Curriculum A Primary Years P-7 | |||
| EDU604 Classroom Management | |||
| EDU614 Teaching Practice 1 |
Third period of entry
Required courses (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing | |||
| EDU652 Curriculum B Primary Years P-7 |
Final study period
Required courses (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU615 Professional Engagement | |||
| EDU616 Teaching Practice 2 |
Plus select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU602 Engaging Diverse Learners | |||
| EDU641 Teaching Mathematics Years P-7 |
- EDU603 is an introductory course, students are strongly recommended to enrol during first teaching session of entry.
- Full time students should enrol into EDU604 and EDU614 consecutively (within the first teaching session) or EDU615 and EDU616 consecutively (within the second teaching session). Full time students in their first teaching session are recommended to enrol into a total of five courses (two of which are 6 units, EDU604 and EDU614 OR EDU615 and EDU616 ) and one course must be a curriculum course EDU342 or EDU652 .
- Part time students should ensure that they are adequately prepared for their teaching practice with sufficient curriculum courses EDU342 or EDU652 . Curriculum courses include development of lesson and unit planning skills that are essential for a successful teaching practice. Part time students are strongly recommended to complete all Courses within two years.
- Students cannot commence Teaching Practice 1 until successful completion of at least one curriculum course (EDU342 or EDU652 ).