Graduate Diploma in Education

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Education provides a professional course of pre-service education for intending primary and secondary school teachers. It also serves as an introduction to the study of education for those who wish to pursue further studies in the field, for example, at Masters level. The structure of the program seeks to combine the practical and theoretical elements of teaching by engaging students in professional aspects, including Methods work and classroom practice, from the beginning of the course. Underpinning and integrated with 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, capable of contributing to the formulation of curriculum in schools and committed to their own continuous professional growth.

The course is for one year full-time, over an extended academic year of 36 teaching weeks from late February to late November and it is not possible to commence the course in the middle of the year. The GdipEd program involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, group exercises and nine weeks of full-time work in local schools. Methods work and practice teaching are provided in co-operation with local schools. Students are advised that the structure of the course makes it preferable that it be undertaken full-time.

Entry Requirements

Entry is available to graduates of this or another approved university who seek teacher qualifications. It may be necessary to restrict enrolments. In such a case, selection to the course will be made on the basis of academic merit and suitability of the first degree to teaching requirements. Preference will be given to graduates of the University of Wollongong. A statement of interests and experience in Education will also be requested from applicants and will be considered as part of the selection process.

Course Requirements

Students must satisfactorily complete every subject and major component in their program of study before the Graduate Diploma in Education will be awarded. More specific details of assessment will be given in individual subject outlines.

Each session is divided into a number of blocks, each of which is either school or University based. As a result the course timetable changes several times during the year. Details of lecture contact hours, and other time commitments expected of students, are outlined in the Graduate Diploma of Education Handbook distributed to students at the beginning of the academic year.

Students are required to complete successfully two Primary or two Secondary methods subjects. Methods subjects are central to the program and are offered throughout the year. The Method areas which are available may differ from year to year. Methods currently offered are: Commerce, Geography and Computing Studies, English, History, Drama, ESL, French, Italian, Japanese, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music. Students are advised to check with the Faculty regarding the availability of specific Methods subjects.

Students are also advised to check with the Faculty through the Faculty's Student Service Centre (Building 23, Room G21) regarding the combinations of methods which will satisfy the requirements of the NSW Department of Education. A letter from the NSW Department of Education and Training stating that the student's undergraduate program is acceptable to the Department for recognition as a teacher of the chosen methods area(s) is compulsory for each student in their application.

Course Program