Leading Education units

4 units

  • Leading Under Challenging Circumstances
  • Leading for Improvement
  • Leading Staff
  • Leading Community Engagement
Science of Learning units

4 units

  • Introduction to Science of Learning
  • Science of Reading Instruction
  • Explicit and Direct Instruction
  • Science of Maths Instruction

Entry criteria

Graduate Certificate of Education

Leading Education specialisation: Admission requirement (Band 6)

  • Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor level degree in any other field plus a Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching; and
  • 2 years experience in an educational setting or organisation with equivalents considered.

Science of Learning specialisation: Admission requirement (Band 6)

  • Bachelor degree; or
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 4)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
  • Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have an initial teacher education qualification.

Fees and FEE-HELP

The cost of our Graduate Certificate of Education is $12,200* for all 4 units.

To assist with some or all of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their postgraduate tuition fees.

To find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP, you can contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760.

*2026 student fees are shown and are subject to change.

Accelerated and 100% Online

Delivered 100% online and with six study periods a year, you could complete the Master of Education in as little as 16 months while continuing to work full-time. Designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, you’ll experience the same quality of education and learning outcomes, as well as the connection with your fellow students and academics, that you would if studying on-campus. You will also receive dedicated one-on-one support from a Student Success Advisor who can assist with all non-academic questions and motivate you to reach your study goals.

 

Grow Your Network

ECU has a large professional teacher and education network, putting you in good company to connect, collaborate and network with experienced and passionate peers globally.

Quality Learning Experience

Your learning experience will be of the highest quality, as you’ll learn from experienced, passionate academics who are experts in their field. From our beginnings in 1902 as Claremont Teachers College, we have been at the forefront of teacher education for over 100 years.

Frequently asked questions
Will a Master of Education allow me to gain a pay rise?

Gaining a Master of Education will not automatically grant you a pay rise. However, postgraduate study can help make you a good candidate for promotions, which can result in a pay rise.

Am I able to study during school holiday periods?

Our online accelerated Master of Education offers six intakes per year and each study period is seven weeks in total. Some study periods will coincide with school holidays but this will not be the case for all of them. You can find the dates of all our study periods on our academic calendar.

How much time to do I need to commit to postgraduate study?

We recommend dedicating 15-20 hours per week to your postgraduate study. Our online accelerated models means you will study one unit at a time over seven-week study periods. This means you can complete your Master of Education in as little as 16 months.

Does the Master of Education require placements?

No. Our Master of Education is for qualified educators who can apply what they learn to their current role, so placements are not required.

Is a graduate certificate worth it in Australia?

Yes, a graduate certificate can be a highly valuable postgraduate qualification in Australia. It provides focused, practical skills in a specialised area, helping professionals enhance their career prospects or transition into new fields. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Education Online equips students with essential knowledge in educational leadership, curriculum development, and teaching strategies, preparing graduates for professional roles or further study in postgraduate education.

Can I do a graduate certificate without a degree?

Entry to most graduate certificates typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Some programs may consider relevant work experience in lieu of formal qualifications, but this varies by course and institution. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Education Online generally requires an undergraduate degree for admission, ensuring students have the foundational knowledge needed for advanced study in education. The Science of Learning specialisation allows entry through an equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

What's the difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate degree?

A graduate certificate is a shorter postgraduate qualification, usually comprising 3–4 units, focused on developing practical skills and specialised knowledge in a particular area. A graduate degree, such as a master’s, involves more extensive study, deeper theoretical understanding, and often includes research components. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Education Online provides targeted learning in areas such as Leading Education or Science of Learning, serving as a pathway to a Master of Education while equipping students with immediately applicable skills.