Graduate Certificate in Religious Education

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

Factual Knowledge

1. Articulate foundational teachings and knowledge related to Christianity (specifically Catholic Christianity), belief, spirituality, ministry and social justice.

Conceptual Knowledge

1. Explore issues in the literature of religious education and the implications this has for teaching and learning in faith-based schools and parishes as well as the development of religious literacy within the wider community.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with creative approaches to the teaching and learning of religious education.

Application of Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrate professional competence in the implementation, of religious education curricula in a variety of contexts.
2. Articulate the importance of religious education as a contributor towards a religiously literate society.

Build on your primary or secondary education qualifications to gain the skills and obtain the necessary accreditation to teach religious education in Catholic schools or church organisations.

The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education provides the basic certification, fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies needed to teach religious education. 

Note: This course, on its own, does not lead to a teaching qualification.

Recommended study pattern

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate, a student must complete 40cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:

Part A.1 : Religious Education Units

Complete 20 to 40 credit points from the following

• EDRE516 Learning and Teaching for Religious Education (10 CP)
• EDRE517 Liturgy and Prayer in Schools and Other Settings (10 CP)
• EDRE520 Special Studies in Religious Education (10 CP)
• EDRE529 Teaching the Catholic Tradition (10 CP)
• EDRE544 Change and Continuity in Religious Education (10 CP).

Part A.2 : Theological Studies Units

Complete 0 to 20 credit points from the following:

• THBS562 Introducing the Scriptures (10 CP)
• THCT501 Jesus the Christ (10 CP)
• THCT565 Reflecting on Faith, Recontextualising Tradition (10 CP)
• THCT563 Introducing Theology (10 CP)
• THLS503 Sacraments of Initiation (10 CP)
• THSR500 Introducing Religions of the World (10 CP).

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate  in Religious Education, a student must complete 40cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings.

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

Indicative total fee $9,268

The amounts shown here are 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 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor degree in Education or an equivalent, or recognised teaching qualification.

Overall score: 6.5 Individual score of: 6.0 in all tests.

If you have already studied at university level and/or gained relevant skills, knowledge and/or competencies through pathways other than formal study (e.g. substantial work experience within the past 10 years), you may be eligible to receive some credit towards your course. Credited units replace units you would otherwise study, so you can finish your course earlier.