Course information for - 2027 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- Domestic
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- Online MT
- Melbourne
- Online MT
- Duration
- 0.5 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- ATAR
- N/A
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027
Applications open August 2026
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning August 2027
Applications open April 2027
Overview
Take the next meaningful step in your teaching journey. Build on your primary or secondary education qualifications and gain the confidence, skills and accreditation required to teach religious education in Catholic schools and church organisations in Victoria.
You’ll gain the language and skills to lead values‑based and ethical discussions, support students’ spiritual development and wellbeing, and respond thoughtfully to complex conversations around justice, inclusion, identity and belonging. The course also allows you to integrate faith into everyday classroom practice, provide pastoral care, and lead prayer, liturgy and faith experiences with confidence and authenticity.
The Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies consists of four units to gain the basic certification, fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies needed to teach religious education.
It is designed to help you develop an understanding of the theological concepts that are fundamental to the Catholic faith, and the core principles and practices for teaching religious education. This course was developed in consultation with the Catholic education sector to meet the specific requirements for accreditation to teach religious education in Catholic schools, in accordance with the existing Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) Accreditation Policy.
Live and want to teach outside of Victoria? Please refer to the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.
Accreditation requirements differ locally and we recommend you check requirements with your local diocese.
Professional recognition
Accreditation requirements differ locally and we recommend you check requirements with your local diocese in Victoria.
Careers
Our graduates gain the necessary skills and knowledge to teach Catholic studies in primary and secondary Catholic schools. In addition, this may help support further leadership roles in these settings.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies, a student must complete 40 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
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 a Bachelor's degree in Education or an equivalent, or a recognised teaching qualification.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
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
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
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
Domestic applicants
Apply directly to ACU
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Cohorts will need to check with their sponsoring body for approval to defer. Find out more about deferment.