Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 6 locations
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- ATAR
- 50.00 for Ballarat
- Fees (first year)*
$4120 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023Applications open April 2023
Overview

The Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) is designed for domestic and international students who want to undertake a pre-service teacher degree in Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary education but do not meet the admission rank for a Bachelor’s program and/or do not meet the required Science/English/Maths subject prerequisites in QLD and/or VIC for their desired pre-service teaching degree. By completing this pathway course, students may then be eligible enter the relevant Bachelor degree with credit.
Students can select the required prerequisite units, as well as units from the first year of the relevant pre-service teacher degree courses. Once you successfully transfer, students can gain formal recognition for the relevant pre-service teacher units successfully completed that are beyond the stated prerequisite requirements.
The Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) is also available by direct entry application to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Away From Base mode. Early Childhood and Primary units only available in this study mode
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- Working opportunities in school settings, but this is not a teaching qualification.
- Teaching assistance
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation), a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Enabling Units to meet Prerequisites | EDMA111 Introductory Mathematics VIC/QLD students who require the mathematics prerequisite for admission into their preferred course. | EDLA111 Introductory English VIC/QLD students who require the English prerequisite for admission into their preferred course. | EDST111 Introductory Science QLD students who require the Science prerequisite for admission into their preferred course. | ||
Year 1 Semester 1 | EDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching | EDES101 Educational Thought | EDEN100 Foundations of Literacy | EDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OR Discipline Studies (See sequence table) | |
Year 1 Semester 2 | EDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts | EDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures | EDEN102 Childrens Literature for Early Reading OR Discipline Studies (See sequence table) | Discipline Studies (See sequence table) |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
AQF framework
Exit Points
A student who has completed 40 credit points from units prescribed for the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed:
- Year 12 with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; or
- Entry via an alternative pathway as approved for ACU; or
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants may be selected following an interview with the course coordinator and staff of the campus Indigenous Higher Education Unit. An applicant should have:
- Minimum of three years’ work experience; or
- Year 12 or equivalent; or
- Relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.
International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
View transparency admission information
English language requirements
A minimum of 7.0 in reading and writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
Depending on the units undertaken, on successful completion of this course students may be eligible for admission to the:
Bachelor Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary), Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education), Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Humanities), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Technology), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Design Innovation and Technologies), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Exercise Science.
Students transferring into initial teacher education (ITE) courses will be required to demonstrate suitability for teaching.
Fees
Course costs
$4120 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
Dr Jann Carroll
Senior Lecturer (Education Studies), School of Education NSW/ACT – Canberra
Dr Jann Carroll is a senior lecturer in the National School of Education based in Canberra. Dr Carroll joined ACU in 2013 and teaches literacy education, humanities education and professional experience units. She was also recently elected as a faculty representative on the ACU academic board. Prior to these roles, Dr Carroll taught in Catholic primary schools in the ACT. Dr Carroll returned to study in 2009 and completed her Master of Education, which flowed into a PhD (conferred in 2013). As a course coordinator on the Canberra Campus, Carroll highly values the opportunity to contribute positively to the academic, social and emotional wellbeing of students and improve their student experience.