Graduate Certificate in Education Law
The Graduate Certificate in Education Law at Australian Catholic University (ACU National) is the first Australian course designed to provide teachers and educational administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate effectively in the legal context of modern school education.
The Course Coordinator and principal lecturer is Drew Hopkins, who is based at ACU National's Melbourne Campus (St Patrick's). The course is also taught by other ILS academic staff and specialist guest or sessional lecturers and legal practitioners.
Education and the law
Education has always involved the law, but the role is now becoming more visible and pressing. Recent research suggests that senior educational staff typically spend between 20% to 30% of their day (or more) managing legal issues. Staff in Catholic schools - especially those in positions of leadership - need to have a sound knowledge of the law as it relates to education.
Benefits of the course
The Graduate Certificate in Education Law equips educators and administrators, as well as their schools, with the knowledge and skills needed to deal confidently, effectively and appropriately with legal issues. Students have the opportunity to develop practical skills to identify possible legal problems before they arise and to respond effectively when they do. They will also understand better the role of lawyers, when to involve them and how to work most effectively with them.
Students will also gain an understanding of Australia's current legal system and the general principles of Catholic school governance. This will assist in their ability to develop educational policy within a legal framework.
The course is National and will consider and analyse aspects of each State and Territory's laws, as well as issues relevant to all Australian teachers.
Comments from current students...
I found the first half of the year very interesting and most importantly relevant in my role as principal. I was able to use what I have learnt through the unit to help me with some of my decision making.
I found the first unit very interesting and quite an eye-opener in our dealings with students and staff.
As a person new to the school environment, it provided me with a fantastic opportunity to better understand the responsibilities and constraints inherent in such a work environment. Likewise, I found the course very helpful by providing me with a fuller understanding of legal issues which do come into play at times in my role as a year level co-ordinator. The information and knowledge has already proved beneficial in this task.
I think you'll find online (study) really great and the support team are fantastic. A new but rewarding experience.
Course structure
The course is made up of 4 compulsory units:
- Introduction to Education Law (students are strongly recommended to complete this unit first)
- Legal Obligations and Rights
- Managing Legal Issues
- and depending on where you work or your interest, either Governance in Catholic Schools OR Governance of Independent and State Schools.
Students are encouraged to undertake only ONE UNIT at a time (maximum of two units per semester, including Winter or Spring terms), whether completing the online or campus-based course.
See the Courses page for more information about 2008 unit offerings and either the campus-based or online version of the course for more specific course details, including how to apply, fees, etc.
Course mode
Campus based
The course is being taught at the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick's) in 2008. Find out more about the campus based Graduate Certificate in Education Law.
Online
The course is also offered in fully online mode in 2008, which is available nationally. Find out more about the online Graduate Certificate in Education Law.
More information about online study at ILS and its benefits is also available.
Brochures for these courses
These documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.
Download a brochure - choose whether you are interested in undertaking the Governance in Catholic Schools unit as part of the course, or the Governance of Independent and State Schools unit (non-Catholic school stream).
