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Graduate Certificate in Religious Education

Course information for - 2025 entry

Duration
0.5 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$8878 Fee-paying

Start dates
ACU Term 1 , ACU Term 2 , ACU Term 3, ACU Term 4

Overview

Build on your primary or secondary education qualifications to gain the skills and obtain the necessary accreditation to teach religious education in Catholic schools or church organisations.

The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education provides the basic certification, fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies needed to teach religious education. 

This qualification can also provide the basis for further leadership qualifications in religious education and/or leadership in Catholic schools and other settings. 

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.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • education and teaching.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing ACU Term 1 - Full-time

  • Specified unitsTHBS562Introducing the Scriptures10 cp
  • Specified unitsTHCT565Reflecting on Faith, Recontextualising Tradition10 cp
  • Specified unitsEDRE516Learning and Teaching for Religious Education10 cp
  • Specified unitsEDRE544Change and Continuity in Religious Education10 cp

Students should check with their local diocese/Catholic Education Office for the accreditation requirements for teaching Religious Education in specific states and/or regions of Australia as these can vary.

Commencing ACU Term 1 - Part-time

Students should check with their local diocese/Catholic Education Office for the accreditation requirements for teaching Religious Education in specific states and/or regions of Australia as these can vary.

Commencing ACU Term 3 - Full-time

Students should check with their local diocese/Catholic Education Office for the accreditation requirements for teaching Religious Education in specific states and/or regions of Australia as these can vary.

Commencing ACU Term 3 - Part-time

Students should check with their local diocese/Catholic Education Office for the accreditation requirements for teaching Religious Education in specific states and/or regions of Australia as these can vary.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Graduate Certificate - AQF Level 8

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 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.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

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.

Learn more about adjustment factors

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

Average first year fee*

$8878 Fee-paying

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.

Explore your options

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.

Search our scholarships

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.

 

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