The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) requires one year (two semesters) of full-time study or its equivalent on a part-time basis. Periods of Professional Practice require a full-time commitment. The Graduate Diploma of Education is a recognised qualification for teaching anywhere in Australia.

Central to this course is  an extensive program of Professional Practice in kindergarten/pre-primary centres/primary schools/secondary schools ( depending on the course) which culminates in the Final Teaching Practice in the second semester of the course. All students are required to adhere to the School of Education's Professional Practice Rules and Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers which can be accessed at: http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac/ . All students are required to be available during the scheduled Professional Practice periods as per the School of Education Calendar which is also available on the website.

A recognised degree from a University or College of Advanced Education.  The degree should provide a suitable background for at least one area of specialisation reflecting secondary school curriculum areas.  Specialisations must be negotiated and agreed with the Course Coordinator. Applicants need to demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge to enrol in a Years 8 - 12 area of specialisation (e.g. a major in their undergraduate degree) and intermediate skills to enrol in a Years 8 - 10 area of specialisation (e.g. a minor in their undergraduate degree).

Special English Entry Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of successful study in an English language environment in Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand, Ireland and Canada for at least two years full time in the last five years prior to lodging an application.

OR

Applicants must provide evidence of being a native English speaker. Suitable evidence of this is that the applicant was born in Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand, Ireland and Canada and that secondary education was undertaken in English.

OR

Applicants must provide a satisfactory English language result such as an IELTS at an overall band score of 7.5 (no individual band less than 7) or a TOEFL minimum score of 650 including TWE of 5 (or a Computer based TOEFL score of 280 with an essay rating of 5 or better).

Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Students considering possible employment in Western Australia after graduation from this award should refer to the following website for information regarding teacher registration requirements: http://www.wacot.wa.edu.au/files/word/2006/COLLEGE%20MEMBERSHIP%20POLICY.doc

All students enrolling in this course will be required to submit a National Criminal History Check Information Clearance (Crimtrac) before commencing their first period of Professional Practice. These clearances are valid for three years while enrolled in the course. Application forms and further information can be found
 at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/newapplicant.htm
 
All students 18 years of age and over will also be required to apply for a Working with Children Check in order to comply with section 6 of the Working with Children Act 2004, in order to complete their Professional Practice. Further information can be found at: http://www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is a 120 credit point course.  Students choosing to specialise in Catholic Education should be aware they will require the successful completion of 130 credit points.