Course information for - 2027 entry
- Duration
- 0.5 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- ATAR
- N/A
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
- ACU Term 1 , ACU Term 2 , ACU Term 3, ACU Term 4
Please confirm your specific accreditation requirements with your local diocese/employer as each diocese has slightly different requirements.
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 (RE) in Catholic schools and church organisations.
From planning and running RE lessons aligned to diocesan frameworks, to confidently teaching scripture, Catholic beliefs, ethics and faith traditions. You’ll gain the language and skills to lead values‑based and ethical discussions, support students’ spiritual development, and help respond thoughtfully to conversations around justice, inclusion, identity and belonging. The course includes four units, to be completed over one year to help you integrate faith into everyday classroom practice, and lead prayer, liturgy and faith experiences with confidence and authenticity.
Developed in close partnership with Catholic dioceses and education offices across Australia, this course ensures your learning is relevant and applicable in your classrooms. This course is accepted by all dioceses in QLD, NSW, ACT, and Victoria, with the exception of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, where the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies is required. It may be accepted in TAS, SA, NT and WA on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your local diocese/employer to confirm the specific accreditation requirements to ensure you meet eligibility.
Note: This course, on its own, does not lead to a teaching qualification. If you do not have a teaching qualification, you may be interested in the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education or the Master of Teaching (Secondary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.
Professional recognition
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education contributes to the accreditation to teach religious education for qualified and eligible primary and secondary teachers. Please contact your local diocese/employer to confirm the specific accreditation requirements to ensure you meet eligibility. Academic and non-academic requirements to teach religious education can vary across dioceses.
Do you want to teach religious education in Victoria? The Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies has been developed to meet the specific requirements for accreditation in accordance with the Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) Accreditation Policy.
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Careers
Our graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to teach religious education 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 Religious Education, 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 degree in Education or an equivalent, or recognised teaching qualification.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 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.
English language requirements
Overall score: 6.5 Individual score of: 6.0 in all tests
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
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
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education provides entry, as well as advanced standing (up to four units of credit), into the Master of Religious 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.
Apply for this course
ACU Online Applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. If you wish to defer please speak to your course consultant.