Diploma of Education

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcomes

1. GA1: Intellectual rigour Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined educational settings.
2. GA2: Creativity Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of education.
3. GA3: Ethical practice Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined educational contexts.
4. GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined educational contexts. Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined educational settings.
5. GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work in defined educational contexts.
6. GA6: Communication and social skills Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined educational contexts.
7. GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined educational contexts.

Keen to explore where a career in education and teaching can take you?

The Diploma of Education is a one-year (full-time or part-time equivalent) course that equips students with foundational knowledge and skills in education. The course is a pathway to study for a professional career in education.

Students choose from one of the following specialisations:

• Primary
• Secondary (Humanities or STEM pathway)
• Technology Secondary
• Secondary Education/Arts (Creative Writing, Social Sciences or Humanities pathway).

The course is a pathway to further study at the Bachelor level and can also serve as preparation for direct employment in various paraprofessional roles such as teacher support or library assistants.

Diploma specialisations are linked to specialisations in the Bachelor degrees. Diploma of Education graduates are eligible for entry and up to eight units of credit towards the Bachelor of Education; the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; the Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts; or the Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Arts depending on the specialisation chosen.

This course is offered through SCU College, where we understand that students have diverse experiences and ways of learning. At SCU College, we support your success through carefully designed curriculum with embedded support, and additional support material is available through self-access online resources.

Please note that Online students in the Secondary specialisation (STEM pathway) must undertake compulsory on-campus residentials for some units.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Education, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

• 1 specialisation in Primary or Secondary or Technology Secondary or Secondary Education/Arts or Early Childhood.

Choose your subjects

Majors

All students choose a specialisation in either:

• Primary
• Secondary (Humanities or STEM pathway)
• Technology Secondary
• Secondary Education/Arts (Creative Writing, Social Sciences or Humanities pathway).

The specialisations in the Diploma of Education are designed to prepare you for further study and specialisations at the Bachelor level. See the Bachelor of Education; Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts; or the Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Arts for details of these linked specialisations.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,627

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

ATAR 45 or equivalent.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

Overall – 6.5

• Listening - minimum 6.5
• Reading - minimum 6.0
• Speaking - minimum 6.5
• Writing - minimum 6.0

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Online students in the Secondary specialisation (STEM pathway) must undertake compulsory on-campus residentials for some units.