Monash University

Graduate and postgraduate programs - Faculty of Education

Postgraduate studies

The faculty offers a wide range of postgraduate programs which may be taken either as coursework or research programs.

Graduate studies

Initial teacher education

Pre-service education of teachers is available at both undergraduate and graduate levels, offering qualifications in early childhood, primary, secondary and adult teaching. At the graduate level, the faculty offers graduate diplomas of education* and masters of teaching degrees, building upon a three-year non-education degree.

    * Most Australian states and territories (including Victoria) recognise a Graduate Diploma of Education, which builds upon a three-year, non-education degree as providing a four-year teacher education qualification. Registration boards and employing authorities across the world may, similarly, have particular local requirements. Students wishing to teach at a specific location or setting outside Victoria are urged to check that a one-year graduate diploma together with an undergraduate degree is recognised.

Early childhood

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is offered on the Peninsula campus. This 96-point course is for those who hold a bachelors degree, generally in a field other than education, and provides a qualification to teach in the early childhood years. This course develops students' theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of early childhood teaching. Students form a broad conceptual understanding of the field of education as active participants in both on-campus classes and off-campus teaching practicum placements.

Primary teaching

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) is offered on the Peninsula and Gippsland campuses (full-time only). This course is designed as a fourth year of study (60 credit points) for those who hold a bachelors degree, generally in a field other than education, and provides a qualification to teach in the primary years.

Secondary teaching

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is offered from the Clayton and Gippsland campuses (full-time and part-time). The course is designed as a fourth year of study (60 credit points) for those who hold a bachelors degree, in a field other than education, and provides a qualification to teach in the secondary years.

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is offered from the Berwick campus (full-time). Graduates of this 96-point course are qualified to teach in secondary schools. This course is for those who hold a bachelors degree in a field other than education, and provides students with the opportunity to build on strengths developed in their undergraduate degree. Secondary education studies focus on adolescent learning and the nature of education, classroom teaching and practice in schools, education and its relationship to society and planning, implementation and evaluation of the school curriculum. Students gain valuable classroom experience by completing professional placements.

Adult learning*

The Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice provides a teaching qualification for staff currently employed at Monash University or at another tertiary institution or for those preparing for a career in higher education. It is offered through the Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT).

    *For postgraduate students, the adult and work-based learning specialism offered within the Postgraduate Diploma of Education and the Master of Education on the Clayton campus focus on adult learning. It is designed to further knowledge of theory and practice in adult learning and development for education and training professionals working in TAFE, workplace and community settings.

Professional development

The Faculty of Education offers a range of other graduate level courses. These provide professional development opportunities for educators to upgrade their skills and qualifications and to use these studies as a pathway for entry into postgraduate studies.