Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Study mode
- Online
- Duration
-
Minimum duration: 2 years part-time. Maximum duration: 4 years part-time.
- Fees (first year)*
$4902 Fee-paying
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning January 2023Applications open August 2022Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning June 2023Applications open April 2023
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 microcredentials. 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).
Sample program map
Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
YEAR 1 Professional Term 2 | UNMC510 Foundations for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education | ||||
Professional Term 4 | UNMC520 Improving Learning and Teaching in Higher Education | ||||
Professional Term 5 | UNMC530 Good Practice in Higher Education: Curriculum Design | ||||
Professional Term 8 | UNMC540 Good Practice in Higher Education: Assessment Design | ||||
YEAR 2 Professional Term 2 | UNMC550 Evaluating Technology-enabled Learning Activities in Higher Education OR UNMC500 Culturally Safe Teaching Practice OR UNMC581 What works in higher education: Evidence-based teaching practices in the classroom data-versionlabel=2 > OR UNMC582 What works in higher education: Evidence-based teaching practices that surround the classroom data-versionlabel=2 > | ||||
Professional Term 4 | UNMC560 Designing and Implementing Technology-enabled Learning Activities in Higher Education OR UNMC500 Culturally Safe Teaching Practice OR UNMC581 What works in higher education: Evidence-based teaching practices in the classroom data-versionlabel=2 > OR UNMC582 What works in higher education: Evidence-based teaching practices that surround the classroom data-versionlabel=2 > | ||||
Professional Term 5 | UNMC570 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in Higher Education: Ethics and Methods | ||||
Professional Term 8 | UNMC580 Demonstrating Scholarly Practice in Higher Education |
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.
Online Part-time 2023 onwards. Students Commencing in Professional Term 2
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 2023 Admission.
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
$4902 Fee-paying
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.