What is a Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Differences)?

A Graduate Certificate of Education (Special Education) offers you the specialist knowledge, experience and skills required to create supportive learning environments and improve the inclusion of students with a range of additional learning needs. This course is valuable to teachers and other professionals looking to expand their expertise into special education.

This course highlights the diversity of learning differences, which provides you with advanced knowledge and skills in supporting individuals with a range of learning differences and inclusion practices. In addition, the Graduate Certificate addresses challenges and issues faced by mainstream teachers in educational practice. Upon completion, you can progress to further postgraduate studies in related fields of education, or advance your career in advisory roles specific to inclusion, differentiation and learning difference practices, in addition to being involved in resource teams in schools.

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Learning outcomes

Explore the latest theory behind how we approach learning differences.
Design and evaluate effective inclusive learning environments.
Apply a person-first perspective in finding solutions to learning challenges.
Develop specialist knowledge of allied health, carer support and collaboration.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online

Campus locations*

Brisbane, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

2 trimesters full time, 3 or 4 trimesters part time

Start date

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View fees

This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

Work to achieve social change

As a qualified educator, you have a real opportunity to generate positive change and shape your local community.

A dedicated Success Coach

An ally to encourage, inspire and guide, your Success Coach will help you achieve your goals and create the right trajectory for your career.

Learn from specialists in their field

Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

Discover Education at Torrens University Australia. Hear from our Program Director Jeannette Keser and Learning Facilitator Thu Dang as they take you through our postgraduate offerings in Education.

Career opportunities

You will develop skills necessary in creating inclusive educational environments suitable for a diverse range of learning audiences. You will find opportunities in a variety of fields including schools, TAFEs and universities, disability support roles, positions in consultancy and work as a teacher aide.

Potential career paths

Education Consultant
Average salary: $84,375 - $127,193
Disability Support Manager
Average salary: $81,596 - $128,133
Special Education Teacher
Average salary: $79,353 - $113,252

Learn more about careers in Education

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

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Core
Electives

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Requirements

These three core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select one elective from the electives tab.

Learning Differences | LDF402

The person first approach is used in this subject to introduce the problem solving skills required when supporting an individual with learning differences, including but not limited to dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and ADHD. This subject also explores the impact these challenges have on self-esteem and future learning aspirations. Further, examples of stereotyping, types of interventions and the genetic disposition of the learning challenges are discussed. This subject develops students' awareness and understanding by analysing the range of traits across each learning condition. Presenting in various ways and areas of learning development, the stigmatised learning challenges are often described from a deficit viewpoint. Students will be analysing the history of such conditions and the evolution of interventions and support, in turn, continuing to evolve an attribute view of the traits of these conditions.
Inclusive Classroom Practice | ICP601

Classroom diversity is increasing rapidly and teachers need strategies to meet the needs of all students and celebrate their differences. Learning differences vary greatly and therefore need well-developed, suitable and equitable learning support and practice across the school. This subject provides students with the opportunity to explore the many ways that the needs of all students can be addressed within the mainstream classroom. "Inclusion" describes the practice of enabling students with learning challenges to learn beside their peers and to embrace diversity. The subject focuses on developing and/or extending a positive perspective on inclusion, which is based on identifying and using each student's strengths. Differentiation is presented within this subject as a proactive rather than reactive plan, where practical strategies for planning, assessing and teaching are explored and implemented in an integrated approach that celebrates the strengths and meets the needs of all students. Students will also apply the range of perspectives and skills gathered over the course to design a whole-of-school inclusion plan, based on a person first perspective, contemporary practices and education skills required for the plan. The students are challenged to build into the plan a range of supports with external partnerships to ensure the range of learning challenges presented in the school, education staff, parents and the wider community combat segregation and stigma, to create a community of acceptance, inclusion and best practices.
Dyslexia | DYX403

This subject explores the concept of dyslexia, as a social construct, and considers the historical and political background of the concept. This exploration underpins the background of current practice in managing learners who experience specific learning difficulties of a dyslexic nature in a school setting. It presents dyslexia in terms of the problems it has resulted in for individuals during their lifetime when living with dyslexia, and incorporates a range of specific learning challenges that they have encountered. The subject then expands onto the understanding of dyslexia traits, comorbidity, or overlap, with other specific learning disorders, and the role of the parent/carer in the rise and range of dyslexia support. Understanding how this condition impacts aspirations in education and occupation choice creates the platform for students to apply this knowledge for a contemporary perspective of support needs in the classroom; and explore the impacts of the learning challenges, where students will be presented with perspectives from the individual and parents in various contexts and levels of support.

Requirements

Choose one elective subject below.

Innovation for Education | IED402

In this subject students will analyse a variety of examples of innovative educational practice (including, for example, practices relating to the support of students with additional educational needs), critically examine the meaning of innovation and debate whether innovation can be quantified and measured. Students will be supported to identify problems/issues within education practice and will utilise tools and thinking processes designed to assist in the generation of innovative solutions. Finally, students will explore evaluation methodology as a means of analysing innovation outcomes relevant to their professional context in a systematic way.
Design Thinking for Education | DTE401

Design thinking is an approach to innovation that involves identifying ‘problems’ or issues in a particular context, considering those who have a stake in these problems/issues, and designing a range of possible solutions that are then tested and refined in practice. In this subject, students will explore the concepts and processes of design thinking, including the origins of design thinking and its use across a range of disciplines and contexts. Following these general processes, students will then engage in a design thinking process to identify and address an issue within their own professional context. Through this design thinking process, students will engage in reflection and analysis of their professional skills, knowledge and judgement, and ultimately arrive at an advanced understanding of their roles as innovators and leaders in education.
Technology and Education | TED403

This subject challenges students to engage with a diverse range of educational technologies with a view to critically examining the relevance and application of such technologies within their professional context. More broadly, students will engage critically with the discourses surrounding technologies in education, refining their skills of critique and analysis to articulate the principles through which educators might make informed decisions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of specific technologies for learning. The subject will provide students with the opportunity to consider specific technologies that are relevant for their professional setting, for example technologies to engage students with Autism, and/or technologies relevant to the teaching of particular disciplines.
Social Enterprise | DSGN6031

The theoretical base of this subject focuses on developing the students’ understanding of the fundamental contemporary theories of social entrepreneurship and a variety of applicable business models. The course will explore cross discipline material encompassing design, business and technology and how to acquire and combine knowledge and skills in all 3 areas to amplify the potential for success in 21st century society. At the core of this subject will be a focus on customer experience design, both theory and skill, and why user centric principles are increasingly used in business today.
Students will explore the application of entrepreneurship business strategies and apply this knowledge in a philanthropic context and come up with solution to a real world problem they can execute to the pitch ready stage for investment. The project will entail some type of ‘design for good’ aspect in either a profit or non- for-profit business model.
The course will also cover the latest neuro-leadership principles and why EQ is just as important as IQ in both design and business. Students will be expected to think critically as they evaluate complex ideas and learn the patterns, frameworks and mechanics or storytelling, behaviour design, game design and platform design.
Students will be expected to:
• Identify and analyse a social problem that needs to be solved.
• Plan and progress an idea through a business development lifecycle.
• Conduct face to face user interviews utilising a self-constructed questionnaire.
• Synthesize and visualize quantitative and qualitative data in order to communicate the patterns they discover in the data collected.
• Learning the basics of using a business model and value proposition canvas as tools for design.
• Create, present, and communicate a professional-level business deck along with a functional prototype in order to demonstrate their understanding of theoretical and practical concepts.
• Learn and practice lean start-up and design thinking principles in the validation of their business idea along with validation of the prototype for the product or service they create.
Business Communications | MGT502

This subject introduces students to the concepts of business communications and transferrable academic skills. This subject presents an analysis of the types of communication processes, which occur in the internal and external business environment, including an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of communication in business. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, reports and presentations and on using technology to communicate. The subject introduces students to research skills, information literacy, critical analysis, and writing and language techniques. The aims of this subject are to provide knowledge and skills needed for success in Higher Education, to help students manage their own success and to assist them in reaching their academic potential.
Managing People and Teams | MGMT6009

Understanding organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments and how they impact on the role and legitimacy of the management function is the core of this subject. This subject helps individuals understand the constraints they face as managers and emerging leaders and how they can develop strategies to leverage advantages and overcome constraints and barriers in their organisations. The subject also focusses on developing some of the advanced communication skills necessary in management and leadership roles, and the ability of the individual to influence others. The subject introduces students to the concept of naturally occurring data and qualitative analysis. This subject also focuses on the development of knowledge and skills to enable students to identify, analyse and make effective decisions to resolve people-related issues in organisations, facilitate employee development, and develop and sustain effective teams in complex, diverse, and increasingly global operating environments.
Dynamic Leadership | MGMT6000

Being an effective and genuine leader in a dynamic era requires an understanding of leadership concepts, how leaders think and act, and how various management styles impact situations and relationships within an organisation. Being a dynamic leader also demands a strong set of competencies such as motivating self and others, leading creativity in an organisation, cultural intelligence, and navigating ambiguity. This subject provides students with a foundation of leadership theory, styles and approaches, and an opportunity for students to access and build on their own leadership styles throughout the course, developing their personal sense of social justice in the workplace as they progress their course. As such, the subject introduces students to reflexive research methodologies and the concept of the lived experience as a research method.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

This course is only offered online. International students requiring a student visa to study in Australia should choose another course that offers campus-based/blended options. For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about education, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of education scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the education industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or above from an Australia University.

OR

An equivalent overseas higher education qualification.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

View all FAQs

Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Differences)

What is a Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Differences)?

Learning outcomes

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Requirements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Frequently asked questions

Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching

Graduate Certificate of Education (Autism)

Graduate Certificate of Education (Special Education)

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Differences)

What is a Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Differences)?

Learning outcomes

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Requirements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

How to apply

Get started

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Frequently asked questions

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Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching

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Graduate Certificate of Education (Special Education)

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