Graduate Certificate in Religious Education

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

1. Articulate foundational teachings and knowledge related to Christianity (specifically Catholic Christianity), belief, spirituality, ministry and social justice.
2. 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.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with creative approaches to the teaching and learning of religious education.
4. Demonstrate professional competence in the implementation, of religious education curricula in a variety of contexts.
5. Articulate the importance of religious education as a contributor towards a religiously literate society.

ACU is the leading provider of religious education for teachers in Australia.

Take the next meaningful step in your teaching journey. Build on your primary or secondary education qualifications and gain the confidence, skills and accreditation required to teach Religious Education (RE) in Catholic schools and church organisations.

From planning and running RE lessons aligned to diocesan frameworks, to confidently teaching scripture, Catholic beliefs, ethics and faith traditions. You’ll gain the language and skills to lead values‑based and ethical discussions, support students’ spiritual development, and help respond thoughtfully to conversations around justice, inclusion, identity and belonging. The course includes four units, to be completed over one year to help you integrate faith into everyday classroom practice, and lead prayer, liturgy and faith experiences with confidence and authenticity.

Developed in close partnership with Catholic dioceses and education offices across Australia, this course ensures your learning is relevant and applicable in your classrooms. This course is accepted by all dioceses in QLD, NSW, ACT, and Victoria, with the exception of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, where the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies is required. It may be accepted in TAS, SA, NT and WA on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your local diocese/employer to confirm the specific accreditation requirements to ensure you meet eligibility.

Note: This course, on its own, does not lead to a teaching qualification. If you do not have a teaching qualification, you may be interested in the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education or the Master of Teaching (Secondary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.

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 $9,452

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.

Australian Catholic University – So much more

An Australian Catholic University (ACU) education is grounded in the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in the pursuit of knowledge, promotion of human dignity, and advancement of the common good.

ACU aims to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.

Opportunities for personal and professional growth are critical to ACU. It is a university of service – so much so that it is built into the curricula. All ACU courses offer work placements, internships or volunteering opportunities.

Learn more about Australian Catholic University

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

27

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.