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. 

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 GDE Primary & Secondary is a full-time program with Primary beginning in mid-January and Secondary in mid-February. 

Secondary methods offered will depend on applications.

Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay & Bega Campuses:

The GDE Primary Program is available either full-time or part-time starting in mid-January.The GDE Secondary Program is available either full-time or part-time starting in mid-February. 

NEW INITIATIVE

The GDE Secondary will now be offered at Shoalhaven, Bega & Batemans Bay, available either full-time or part time starting in mid-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 2011 Primary and Secondary Programs are available at:

Primary

Secondary

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.
Please note that the entry requirements to the GDE Primary were revised on 30 September 2011.  

Step 1 - Complete a Formal Assessment request for eligibility into the Primary or Secondary degree and forward to the Faculty of Education by the 30 June. Download the GDE Application Guide (revised 30 September 2011).

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, Wollongong 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).  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 31 October. Please ensure your application includes: Copy of UOW Enrolment Record or Certified copy of Transcript; Formal Assessment Letter; 1/2- page outline of teaching philosophy. 

General Enquiries

Wollongong Campus: 

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

P: +61 0 (02) 42213981 E: GDE-enquiries@uow.edu.au 

Shoalhaven Campus:

Dr 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. 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, mentoring, tutoring  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.

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 professional 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.

Uni Life of a Canadian Student

Information for Students Commencing 2012

Information for Domestic and International Students