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 undergraduate and graduate levels, offering qualifications in early childhood, primary and secondary teaching. At the graduate level, the faculty offers graduate diplomas of education and master of teaching degrees, building upon a minimum three-year, non-education degree.

Early childhood

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is offered on the Peninsula campus. This 96-point course is for those who hold a bachelor's 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. This course is designed as a fourth year of study (60 credit points) for those who hold a bachelor's degree, generally in a field other than education, and provides a qualification to teach in the primary years.

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is offered from the Berwick, Gippsland and Peninsula campuses. Graduates of this 96-point course are qualified to teach in primary schools. The course is for those who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, and provides students with the opportunity to build on strengths developed in their undergraduate degree. Primary education students will develop deep knowledge of how primary aged children learn and how best to provide opportunities to develop and support such learning. Students gain valuable classroom experience by completing professional placements.

Secondary teaching

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is offered from the Clayton and Gippsland campuses. The course is designed as a fourth year of study (60 credit points) for those who hold a bachelor's 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, Clayton and Gippsland campuses. Graduates of this 96-point course are qualified to teach in secondary schools. The course is for those who hold a bachelor's 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, and implementation and evaluation of the school curriculum. These courses combine academic studies about the foundations of education, with two teaching specialisms. These specialisms are ultimately what you are qualified to teach in school. Students also gain valuable classroom experience by completing professional placements.

Adult learning*

For students interested in adult learning, the adult and work-based learning specialisation offered within the Postgraduate Diplomas of Education and the Master of Education on the Clayton campus focuses 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.

The Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Clayton) and the Graduate Certificate of Higher Education (Sunway only) provide 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. They are offered through the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching (OPVCL&T).

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.

Course and student advisers

Course advisers are located in the Admissions and Student Services Office at each campus and assist students from point of admission to course completion; all course enquiries should be directed to them.

Student advisers (academic staff members) work with and support students, including developing and maintaining systematic processes for student transition, monitoring, pastoral care and advice relating to academic content.

For routine inquiries, students should initially contact the Admissions and Student Services Office on their campus at http://www.education.monash.edu.au/contacts/courseenquiries.php.