The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is a dynamic course which builds on expertise developed in an undergraduate degree. It incorporates proven contemporary teaching and classroom management strategies, Information Technologies, curriculum understanding and practical school experience, to qualify graduates to teach in a major and minor area of the secondary curriculum. The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is an internationally recognised teaching qualification.
 
The course is offered on Mount Lawley and Joondalup campuses via two modes of delivery: the on-campus mode and a new residency mode, which is predominantly based in schools.

The on-campus mode is available in full-time and part-time mode of study. This mode of study includes lectures and tutorials on campus, together with a coordinated program of Professional Practice in schools.

The residency mode of delivery is available only in full-time mode. This mode of delivery includes both university and school based study, with residents immersed in a school context, working alongside experienced professionals throughout the year. Residents may complete units or parts of units in their residency schools.
 
Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Practice in schools/centres which culminates in the Final Teaching Practice in the final semester of the course. All Pre-service Teachers 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 Professional Practices are undertaken on a full-time basis and Pre-service Teachers are required to be available during the scheduled Professional Practice periods as per the School of Education Calendar which is available at http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac, and to give a full-time commitment to the school/centre during the scheduled days.

Note: All Professional Practice units have been designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the Board of Examiners.

Students should seek advice from the School of Education regarding appropriate Minor unit sets to accompany each major.  Please contact education@ecu.edu.au or 6304 4000.

Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree (UG1) or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution may apply for a place in the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary). 

The degree should provide a suitable background for a major and a minor 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). Application may be made prior to the release of results indicating completion of the first degree course.

For the on-campus mode of delivery, applications are made through TISC. Selection is on the basis of academic qualifications, a resume, and a one page personal statement on why the applicant wishes to become a teacher. An interview may be required.

For the residency mode of delivery, applications are made directly to the University. Selection is on the basis of academic qualifications, a resume, a one page personal statement on why the applicant wishes to become a teacher, an interview, and a school based activity.

Applicants seeking registration as a teacher with the Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT) must be proficient in the English Language, both written and oral and obtain an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) equivalent of 8.0. Applicants who have not studied in an exempt country (as defined in the WACOT Policy) are therefore required to obtain an IELTS equivalent of 7.5 with a minimum of 7 in any component for entry into the course.

Pre-service Teachers considering possible employment in Western Australia after graduation from this award, should refer to the following website for information regarding teacher registration requirements: www.wacot.wa.edu.au

All Pre-service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to submit a DET National Criminal History Record Check (CRC) before commencing their first placement in a school. 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 Pre-service Teachers 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 school placement. Further information can be found at: http://www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

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 or 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 or 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.

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is a 120 credit point course. Students choosing to specialise (Years 8-10) in Catholic Education should be aware they will require the successful completion of 130 credit points.

All Pre-service Teachers are required to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy.  Pre-service Teacher assignments and examinations must be of an appropriate academic standard.

Part-time mode is possible in the on-campus mode of delivery, but the course would be undertaken over 4 semesters in this mode.

Please note that the residency mode of delivery is available in all areas of specialisation.