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 Communities (DEC), 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.

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.

Students will undertake Professional Experience as follows:

3 week block mid March
3 week block early June
5 week block October - November

Overseas Professional Experience Opportunities and Child Protection Checks

Course Structure & Commencement Dates

*or part-time equivalent

For further information regarding the course structure and subjects, refer to the following links:

GDE Primary Course Structure

GDE Secondary Course Structure (including Method areas available)

Eligibility and Application Procedure

To be eligible to apply for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Education, applicants must hold a completed Bachelor degree that meets the requirements of the NSW Institute of Teachers (NSWIT) for teaching in the desired program and/or methods (Secondary programs).

To download eligibility assessment and course application forms, select one of the following:

• I hold a completed Bachelor degree/ I intend to complete my degree within the next 12 months (Formal Assessment Request); OR
• I am a current UOW student and would like to plan my pattern of study to ensure I meet the NSWIT requirements (Informal Assessment Request).

Uni life of a Canadian Student

Information for Students Commencing 2013

Information for Domestic and International Students

General Enquiries