Graduate Diploma in Education

Attention: The Graduate Diploma in Education application deadline has been extended until 18 December 2009! 

To apply, simply submit your application form to UniAdvice, indicate whether you are applying for the Primary or Secondary qualification (including the Secondary teaching method) and include a Formal Assessment request. Your application will be assessed as quickly as possible.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Education (GDE) is currently offered as a professional postgraduate teacher education program for graduates of the University of Wollongong or other approved universities who seek recognised teacher qualifications in primary and secondary education. 

Recent changes instigated by the NSW Institute of Teachers (NSWIT), have resulted in modifications to the nature and duration of postgraduate teaching programs, including the Graduate  Diploma in Education. 

The program is run over an intensive academic year. The GDE program comprises 72 credit points for the primary and 54 credit points for the secondary programs. The practical application of the campus-based components is realised during the Professional Experience. It involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, group exercises and blocks of supervised practice teaching in schools. Teaching practice and experience in classroom settings are provided in collaboration with local schools. The program provides a teaching qualification that is recognised by the NSWIT, the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET), the Catholic Education Office, the Association of Independent Schools and employing authorities in other states. It is also accepted internationally.

The structure of the program seeks to combine the practical and theoretical elements of teaching by engaging students in professional aspects, including methods and classroom practice, from the beginning of the course. Underpinning and integrated within the professional aspects are curriculum studies and the “foundation” disciplines of education. Each component is intended to contribute to the development of concepts and skills relating to an understanding of, and competence in, teaching. It is expected that prospective teachers will develop as autonomous professionals who will be competent, innovative, and capable of contributing to the formulation of curriculum in schools and committed to their own continuous professional growth.

Information for future students

Wollongong Campus:

The 2010 GDE Primary & Secondary is a full-time program with Primary beginning on 18 January and Secondary on 15 February. 

Secondary methods offered will depend on applications.

Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay & Bega Campuses:

The 2010 GDE Primary Program is available either full-time or part-time starting on the 18 January.

NEW INITIATIVE

The GDE Secondary will now be offered at Shoalhaven, Bega & Batemans Bay, available either full-time or part time starting on the 15 February. Secondary methods offered will depend on applications.

Applicants should follow the normal GDE application procedure (see below) and indicate which campus they wish to attend on the Postgraduate Coursework Application form.

Links to the GDE specific subjects for the 2009 Primary and Secondary Programs are available at:

http://www.uow.edu.au/handbook/yr2009/pg/educ/H09006188.html (Primary)

http://www.uow.edu.au/handbook/yr2009/pg/educ/H09000001.html (Secondary)

Please note: The 2010 handbook will be available November 2009.

Application and Eligibility Procedure

The GDE Program for Primary and Secondary are very competitive and eligibility is assessed accordingly to the NSW Institute of Teachers criteria. 

Step 1 - Complete a Formal Assessment request for eligibility into the Primary or Secondary degree and forward to the Faculty of Education by the 18 December 2009. Download the GDE Application Guide.

The formal assessment request is at the end of the guide. Include a certified copy of your transcript and send to the below address:

Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Gwynneville NSW 2522

Step 2 - Complete a Postgraduate Coursework Application form available to download from the UOW Future Students webpage, or pick up from UniAdvice (Building 36). On line applications will also be accepted. See the Future Students link on the UOW homepage. Then you will need to attach your Letter of Formal Assessment and attach a maximum one page statement regarding your teaching philosophy and a maximum one page overview of any previous formal or informal teaching positions or leadership roles. Submit your application to UniAdvice by 18 December 2009.

General Enquiries

Wollongong Campus: 

Student Service Centre, Faculty of Education
Building 23, Room G21

P: +61 0 (02) 42213981 E: sscgen@uow.edu.au 

Shoalhaven Campus:

Noelene Weatherby-Fell

P: (02) 4448 0843 E: noelene@uow.edu.au

Batemans Bay Campus:

Dr Rae Luckie
P: (02) 4472 6619 E: rae@uow.edu.au 

Bega Campus:

Dr Sue Duchesne
P: (02) 6494 7958 E: sued@uow.edu.au

Important Facts:

    1. Applicants must hold a completed Bachelor's degree before commencing the Graduate Diploma program. This degree must meet the NSWIT's requirements for teaching in the desired teaching method.
    2. UOW graduates receive preference in the offers of places in the program. It is expected that this trend will continue. That is, first preference will be given to eligible UOW graduates. Applicants from other universities will be considered where spaces are available.
    3. A strong academic performance is required. That is, at least a credit average, for example, a minimum WAM of 70.
    4. Demonstrated interest, and/or previous related experience, for example, coaching a sporting team, teaching scripture or training in the work place will be considered. Applicants should include this documentation with their application.
    5. There are a number of positions reserved for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students. Students should indicate in their application if they wish to be considered for these places.
    6. The deadline for submission of the completed application to UniAdvice, including the Faculty assessment, is 31 October each year (for 2009 this deadline has been extended to 18 December).

Professional Experience

This is a compulsory component of the degree. It focuses on field experience in schools and on practice teaching in schools. Emphasis is placed on lesson planning and classroom management, and catering for a diversity of learners in the classroom. Students will also be required to reflect on the role of the teacher in child protection and welfare. Supervised professional experience is undertaken in local schools in the Illawarra area. There are options to undertake part of the professional experience overseas or in other parts of NSW. There may also be opportunities to support local schools and community groups in other ways.

Child Protection Checks

Under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, all students enrolled in the GDipEd are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration before undertaking any professional experience that involves children or young people. 

The DET also requires all teacher education students applying for  employment to undergo a criminal record check prior to commencement in a NSW Government school. This check will be conducted the NSW Police Service and will be coordinated by the DET. This information will be confidential.  Students who require any further information on the process should contact the Director of Professional Experience.

Overseas Professional Experience

Students in the program have the option of undertaking the first three weeks of the second professional experience overseas. The overseas experience will be in June each year and parallels and earns the same credit towards the Graduate Diploma as the three-week local professional experience. The time overseas offers an illuminating professional experience that is both different from and yet relevant to teaching in Australia. In addition, through contacts with teachers and students, there is the opportunity for a much more meaningful interaction with a different culture than is available to most overseas visitors.

NOTE: A limited number of places are available for overseas Professional Experience.

Last reviewed: 3 November, 2009