Graduate Certificate in Higher Education

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

1. Articulate a sophisticated knowledge of adult learning theory, teaching and assessment practices, curriculum and assessment design principles, and quality assurance practices appropriate for the higher education context.
2. Explain the relationship between adult learning theory and the full range of teaching and learning activities undertaken by a tertiary academic, based on a deep understanding of a broad array of relevant concepts and principles of good practice.
3. Apply adult learning theory to design curriculum, develop assessments, innovate, and evaluate practice in a scholarly manner in a range of teaching environments.
4. Demonstrate scholarly practice in higher education and address the ethical and methodological challenges associated with it.

The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education supports the acquisition and development of knowledge, intellectual and practical skills needed to undertake roles which support student learning and teaching in a scholarly way. The course comprises eight 5cp units. These focus on theories, principles and concepts related to learning and teaching in higher education; curriculum and assessment design, and evaluation of higher education programs; development of knowledge and skill in an elected specialisation ; and, development of capability in the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT).

Graduates will develop their knowledge, intellectual and practical skills in ways that are informed by, and benefit from, the university's graduate attributes and the University's mission.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Foundations for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
• Improving Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
• Good Practice in Higher Education: Assessment Design

Plus a choice of electives. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, a student must complete 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of

• 30cp from Specified Microcredentials (Part A); and
• 10cp from Elective Microcredentials (Part B).

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

Indicative total fee $5,894

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.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

Explore ACU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

27

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

• Have completed a Bachelor degree or equivalent and hold an academic appointment (including sessional academic) with a direct teaching role, in a tertiary education institution; OR 
• Hold any appointment in a tertiary education institution which advances learning and teaching at a Faculty or an institutional level, and also involves at least some direct teaching.

Recognition for prior learning is available for applicants with appropriate prior qualifications and/or experience. Maximum credit is 20 cp.