Graduate Diploma in Education Studies

The Graduate Diploma of Education Studies is designed for trainers, educational consultants or teaching professionals wishing to study education at a postgraduate level, who already hold a qualification in teaching. The one year full-time or part-time equivalent program will give you the qualification to take your career to the next level, or you can use it as a stepping stone to further study in a Master of Education. 

What will you do?

You will:

  • study contemporary education topics, taught by world class researchers
  • take core courses that give you a thorough grounding in current educational theories and practices supported by the latest research
  • choose courses from one of three specialisations offered in the masters program:
    • Educational Leadership and Wellbeing - examine evidence-based approaches to wellbeing support—alongside leadership and management theory—and consider how these can be applied to lead educational change.
    • English Language Teaching (ELT/TESOL) - learn the latest strategies for effective English Language Teaching
    • Research - strengthen your educational research skills and understandings, with opportunities to go on to a PhD.

Please note:This program is not equivalent to the Graduate Diploma in Education initial teacher education program, and does not constitute the requirements for a recognised teaching qualification. Students looking to become teachers will need to complete the Master of Teaching.

Where could it take you?

This degree provides advanced career options for educators and allows experienced teachers to enhance their existing qualifications to pursue senior policy and consulting roles. It gives trainers across various industries the ability to teach in higher education, including the TAFE and university sectors, and work as education consultants.



  • Progress your career and lead educational change
  • 3 specialisations to choose from and taught by award-winning staff
  • Flexible tailored approach to fit your busy schedule

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Deferment Yes - 2 year
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study Successful completion of a completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 1 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $30,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

This degree provides advanced career options for educators and allows experienced teachers to enhance their existing qualifications to pursue senior policy and consulting roles. It gives trainers across various industries the ability to teach in higher education, including the TAFE and university sectors, and work as education consultants.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

This program does not constitute the requirements for a recognised teaching qualification. Students looking to become teachers will need to complete the Master of Teaching prior to pursuing a postgraduate qualification.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Museum Education Officer;  Policy Developer;  Principal;  Curriculum Developer;  ESL Teacher;  Education Coordinator;  Education Officer;  Education Officer / Educator;  Educational Policy Writer;  Educational Researcher ...

Degree Structure

The Graduate Diploma in Education Studies is designed for trainers, educational consultants or any domestic or international student wishing to study Education at a postgraduate level.

Graduates of this program will NOT be eligible for teacher registration.

The Graduate Diploma in Education Studies is an AQF Level 8 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 1 year.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Education Studies, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units, comprising:

  • Core courses to the value of 12 units
  • Courses to the value of 12 units from one of the Master of Education specialisations

Areas of Specialisation

Education Leadership and Wellbeing
English Language Teaching (ELT/TESOL)
Research

Example Study Plan

Courses are delivered as face-to-face, blended intensives - a combination of face-to-face and online study and fully remote courses.

Core courses (12 units) from the following:
EDUC 7013 Educational Leadership in Diverse Contexts
EDUC 7054 Research Design
EDUC 7064 Introduction to Wellbeing in Education
EDUC 7065 Mixed Methods Research
EDUC 7550 Education Policies & Systems
EDUC 7551 Curriculum Development and Innovation
EDUC 7552 Pedagogical Engagement for Learning
EDUC 7553 Assessment & Evaluation

and 12 units of courses from one of the specialisations

Related Degrees

Master of Education
Graduate Certificate in Education
Professional Certificate in Education

Master of Teaching (Middle and Secondary)

Further Study

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 21 Feb 2024