Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary Education)

Teaching can be one of the most rewarding careers for individuals who enjoy working with children. However, some people may not have considered teaching as a profession until after they have completed an undergraduate degree.

The primary program focuses on Years 1 – 7 (children aged between 6 and 12). As a teaching graduate you will be equipped to teach across key learning curriculum areas in primary schools.

The Graduate Diploma provides the perfect opportunity for graduates to qualify for a profession that is recognised throughout Australia and the world in one year of full time study. It is an intensive program meeting the requirements of the Queensland College of Teachers for registration as a teacher. Applicants should therefore have a demonstrated record of achievement in their undergraduate degree and be committed to undertaking continuous professional development throughout their teaching career.

The Graduate Diploma of Education programs commence prior to the start of Study Period 1. The on-campus program orientation for the Primary and Secondary majors commence in Townsville on the 28 January, 2009, and the on-campus program orientation for the Years 1-9 major commences in Cairns on the 4 February, 2009.

Application for this course is to be received by 31 October for the following year. Please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Officer (see below) for confirmation of these dates.

Overview

Structure

Application and Contact Information

Overview

Duration:
 1 year fulltime
 
Mode:
 On campus, full or part time *
 
Type:
 Postgraduate
 
Credit points:
 24 credit points o
 
Fees:
 See our Postgraduate study costs website
 
Intake:
 February and August. Mid-year entry available for domestic part-time students
 
Prerequisite/s:
 A three-year undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution. The academic record of applicants may be considered in the application process. Applicants need to have successfully completed:

Tertiary studies providing a basis for work in at least two areas of the following areas of primary curriculum - English, Maths, Science, SOSE, HPE, Arts, Technologies and LOTE (eg. two three credit-point subjects at Levels 1 and 2);

and

at least two years of tertiary study in a non-education discipline (eg. Two, three credit-point subjects at Levels 1 and 2), to provide a total of four subjects.
 
Campus:
 Townsville;
 
Faculty:
 Faculty of Arts, Education & Social Sciences
 
Course code:
 33506 GDE-PRI
 

* Duration: Part-time study is available to domestic students only.

o Credit points: Represent the combined value of individual subjects in a degree. One subject usually constitutes three credit points.
 

Structure

ED5875:03 Foundations of Education

ED5220:06 Key Learning Areas 1

ED5221:06 Key Learning Areas 2

ED5218:03 Professional Practices 1

ED5219:03 Professional Practices 2

ED5488:03 Final Graduate Professional Experience

Note: Pre-service teachers who wish to work in Catholic Education are advised to also complete either EDRE101 Religious Education 1 or EDRE102 Religious Education 2 through the Australian Catholic University, however recognition of advanced standing does not apply to these subjects.

Career Opportunities

Primary school education graduates can teach in primary schools in government and non-government schools.

Additional career opportunities exist in government departments (children's services, family services, education, health), community development and welfare agencies, education officers at tourist attractions and support services for families.

Professional Experience

An integral part of becoming a teacher is gaining practical experience in schools. You will be required to complete 55 days of professional experience in primary school settings during the course plus an additional 20 days of community service education. Placements are allocated in government and non-government schools.

Professional Recognition

Successful graduates can register with the Queensland College of Teachers. International students should consult the relevant authority in their home country.

Application and Contact Information

Australian and New Zealand students

Applicants apply directly to JCU using an Application for Postgraduate Coursework Program form.

Applicants must submit additional written material to the University using a JCU Graduate Diploma of Education Additional Information Form . This form must be accompanied by an academic transcript of the undergraduate degree containing GPA details and full listing of subjects. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Further information and forms may be obtained by contacting faculty staff on 07 47814465 or 07 47816289 (Townsville), or 07 40421141 (Cairns).

Applications close on 31 October each year. Applications received after this date may not be considered.

Successful applicants should receive notification by 30 November each year.

or through one of James Cook University's Overseas Agents. (In Canada, JCU's agents are Oztrekk and Australearn)

Applicants MUST include certified copies of their entire academic record to date, including secondary and previous tertiary studies. Transcripts issued in a language other than English must also be accompanied by certified English translations (both the certified translation and a copy of the original document should be attached to the application). Documents can be certified by public notaries, University representatives or diplomatic officials. Photocopies of certified copies and uncertified photocopies are unacceptable.

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