Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- Domestic
Offered at 1 locations
- Online MT
- Online MT
- Duration
-
Minimum duration: 2 years part-time. Maximum duration: 4 years part-time.
- Fees (first year)*
The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education is available to commence in Professional Term 2 (January), Professional Term 4 (April), Professional Term 5 (July) or Professional Term 8 (September)
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education supports the acquisition and development of knowledge, intellectual and practical skills needed to undertake roles which support student learning and teaching in a scholarly way. The course comprises eight 5cp units. These focus on theories, principles and concepts related to learning and teaching in higher education; curriculum and assessment design, and evaluation of higher education programs; development of knowledge and skill in an elected specialisation ; and, development of capability in the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT).
Graduates will develop their knowledge, intellectual and practical skills in ways that are informed by, and benefit from, the university's graduate attributes and the University's mission.
Careers
This course is designed to enhance the capacity of graduates to undertake work as an academic in a tertiary education institution. Possession of this qualification may be advantageous to gaining employment as an academic, or to professional advancement.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, a student must complete 40 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Additional course information
Recognition for prior learning is available for applicants with appropriate prior qualifications and/or experience. Maximum credit is 20 cp.
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:
- have completed a Bachelor degree or equivalent and hold an academic appointment (including sessional academic) with a direct teaching role, in a tertiary education institution; OR
- hold any appointment in a tertiary education institution which advances learning and teaching at a Faculty or an institutional level, and also involves at least some direct teaching.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
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 the course or unit. Learn more about inherent requirements and how they affect you, and explore the requirements for your course.
Pathways
Further study
Graduates of this course may progress to postgraduate Masters level courses such as the Master of Higher Education.
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.