Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education

Knowledge
Graduates of the course are expected to have advanced knowledge relating to the theory, policy and practice of symbiotic clinical education within the health professions, universities and health services.

Skills
Graduates of the course are expected to have advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills relating to the theory, policy and practice of symbiotic clinical education, and be able to:

• critically analyse and synthesise information, problems, concepts and theories relating to symbiotic clinical education and the educational programs offered across a range of health professions and disciplines
• appraise and evaluate learning and teaching pedagogies and practices
• transmit knowledge, skills, ideas and solutions related to symbiotic clinical education to others, including stakeholders within the health professions, universities, health services, governments and community.

Application of knowledge and skills
Graduates of the course are expected to be able to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate:

• autonomy, adaptability and responsibility as an educational practitioner
• capacity to supervise health professionals learning in clinical practice
• well-developed judgement relating to the theory, policy and practice of symbiotic clinical education within the health professions, universities and health services.

This articulated suite of courses aims to provide health professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to deliver quality education in health service settings. Clinical education is characterised by a symbiotic relationship between the learner, an experienced clinical educator and the health service.

These courses are a cornerstone for developing and retaining a well-trained and supervised clinician workforce with the help of skilled clinical educators who are committed to excellence in professional development.

They are specifically designed for a variety of health professionals involved in professional development, mentoring or clinical education at undergraduate and post-graduate levels without formal qualifications in education.

The courses are designed to provide you with an understanding of foundational principles of symbiotic clinical education, the ability to demonstrate advanced and applied knowledge and skills in clinical education, and the opportunity to contribute to this specialist body of knowledge by undertaking a significant piece of educational research.

It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete four core (compulsory) topics and four option topics chosen from a range of option topics available. These topics aim to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate advanced judgement relating to the theory, policy and practice of symbiotic clinical education within the health professions, universities and health services.

This graduate diploma articulates with the Master of Clinical Education by Coursework.

Award requirements

Students must successfully complete four core (compulsory) subjects and four elective subjects chosen from an extensive range of electives.

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

Indicative total fee $21,985

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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

22

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification or the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education from Flinders University or equivalent qualification.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 
This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test  (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit