What is a Graduate Certificate of Education in Special Education?
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.
Learning outcomes
- Identify and analyse biases, prejudices and assumptions associated with learning differences.
- Apply a person-first perspective to solve challenges faced in special needs education.
- Design and evaluate inclusive, ethical and effective learning environments.
- Integrate contemporary special needs education findings into teaching practices.
This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.
* For more details on international student study options.
Career opportunities
Career paths
- Education Lead roles
- Leadership role in special education
- Disability support
- Consultancy
- Teacher Aide
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Career paths
- Education Lead roles
- Leadership role in special education
- Disability support
- Consultancy
- Teacher Aide
Subjects and units
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising of 8 hours of facilitated study and 2 hours of self-directed study.
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. For more information, visit Study in Australia.
International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.
4 Core subjects
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Learning Differences | LDF402The 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.
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Introduction to Mental Health Conditions | IMH402Students are introduced to a range of Mental Health conditions, understanding the complexity and interrelatedness between the challenges associated within each. The person first approach is used in this subject to introduce the problem solving skills required when supporting an individual with Mental Health conditions. Students interact with a range of experiential perspectives of Mental Health, using interviews and scenarios to develop the person first approach. A range of perspectives, experiences, challenges and aspirations in the Mental Health community creates a platform for students to examine both the community and their own bias, prejudice and assumptions. Further, the range of carers involved in Mental Health conditions is considered for a deeper awareness of the impact of the conditions.
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Person-Centred Approach | PFA401Using a contemporary lens, evidence-based practices that both support and value Autistic individuals and their unique strengths are investigated in this subject. Neurodiversity is celebrated and explored as each Autistic individual is unique and requires a uniquely supportive learning environment, collaboratively designed to meet their learning needs. As part of a person-centred approach, the importance of always providing a ‘voice’ and a ‘choice’ for both the individual and their carer underpins all educational decisions and the importance of active listening and co-design for learning. An investigation of the history and complexity concerning a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the influence on the development of knowledge and application in education systems. A current definition, prevalence and the importance of early intervention are explored. Interactions with the varying perspectives, experiences, challenges, and aspirations in the Autistic community create a platform for students to examine bias, prejudice and assumptions and the impact on both individuals and families. Further, students’ understanding is deepened when asked to critique the social implications relating to discrimination, policy and practices advocating for positive changes in education and community settings to value Autistic strengths. As educators, we need to be aware that we can positively affect change by raising awareness and implementing evidence-based support in inclusive classrooms.
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Dyslexia | DYX403This 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.
Why study with us?
Are you a Domestic or International student?
Choose your student type for fees, scholarships & entry requirements
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Domestic
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International
Fees: Domestic students
Scholarships: Domestic students
We’re serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer the opportunity to earn a reduction in your course fees, so you can focus on getting into a career you’ll love.
Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students
Relevant professional experience includes those who are currently working in education-related fields and teachers holding alternative qualifications.
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.How to apply: Domestic students
Fees: International students
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International 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.
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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: International students
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.
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Scholarship types
Admissions criteria and pathways: International students
Before you begin your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below
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.Frequently asked questions
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What does admissions criteria mean?
Admissions criteria is a set of criteria that must be met to be eligible to apply for a chosen course.
To gain entry to an accredited undergraduate course at Torrens University Australia, applicants must both satisfy general admissions criteria and meet any additional course requirements where specified.
All admissions criteria and course-specific requirements apply consistently across campus locations and study modes. To find out more, visit admissions criteria.
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
Torrens University Australia has recognised pathways to help you gain entry into our bachelor degrees based on different criteria.
To find out more, visit Study pathways or contact one of our knowledgeable Course and Careers Advisors.
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What are Torrens University Australia’s courses’ ATAR requirements?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.
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
Yes, course credit is available upon application and academic approval.
If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be able to receive credits towards your degree. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Our Program Directors will carefully review the learning gained from your previous qualification and/or experience to ensure we provide you with credit towards our degrees whenever appropriate. Review our course credits page or chat to one of Course and Careers Advisors.
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What are course credits?
Course credits are credits that can be applied to your course based on your prior experience or qualifications. To find out more, visit course credits
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Am I a domestic or an international student?
Domestic students are Australian and Permanent Residents. International students are those who hold citizenship or Permanent Resident status of all other countries.
International students from countries whose first official language is one other than English need to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency.
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How do Torrens University Australia fees charge?
Torrens University Australia is a full-fee paying institution. To find out more, visit Tuition Fees.
Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/.
Please note we do not currently offer any full fee waivers for international students. We do not offer stipends or living allowances.
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