Course overview
The Graduate Diploma course is no longer available for students studying in New South Wales, Victoria or South Australia due to restrictions in registering with the Teachers' Accreditation authorities in these states. Students from NSW, Victoria and South Australia considering a career in teacher education should consider a Curtin Master of Teaching program.
If you’re looking to switch careers, teaching is a rewarding option. As a teacher in Australia, you’ll be a facilitator of knowledge – fusing traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches. You'll use new technologies to pave the way for personalised educational experiences, catering to diverse learning styles and creating inclusive environments where students can actively engage in their learning.
Curtin’s one-year Graduate Diploma in Education is designed for people with existing degrees who want to become a teacher. You’ll choose to study either Primary Education or Secondary Education, depending on the year levels you wish to teach.
This intensive course has been created to help address the shortage of teachers in Western Australia. After completing this course, you'll be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board Western Australia. If you're outside WA, contact the teacher regulatory authority (TRA) for the relevant state or territory to confirm eligibility requirements.
Professional accreditation and recognition
When you graduate you will meet the qualification requirements for Provisional Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA), enabling you to teach in WA only. Graduates residing in other states or territories should contact their local regulatory authority to confirm eligibility requirements.
This course is not accredited as a national teaching qualification. Accredited qualifications refer to initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses that are accredited by the relevant state or terrotory authority. Accredited ITE courses are recognised nationally by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, enabling graduates to teach anywhere in Australia and to have their qualification recognised internationally in many countries.
The Graduate Diploma course is no longer available for students studying in New South Wales, Victoria or South Australia due to restrictions in registering with the Teachers' Accreditation authorities in these states. Students from NSW, Victoria and South Australia considering a career in teacher education should consider a Curtin Master of Teaching program.
Why study at Curtin?
Professionally recognised
This course is eligible for provisional registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, meaning you’ll be eligible to teach in WA.
Accelerated pathway into teaching
This one-year program offers a focused and accelerated pathway to becoming a primary or secondary school teacher in Western Australia. Graduates residing in other states or territories should contact their local regulatory authority to confirm eligibility requirements.
Top 70 in the world
Curtin is ranked in the top 70 universities in the world for the field of Education in the University Ranking by Academic Performance 2022-23.
Your student experience
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Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
In this course, you’ll learn how to apply theory and research to improve learning experiences, create positive learning environments, and collaborate with others to build strong communities.
You'll also get hands-on experience in real classrooms through three practical placements. This will enable you to develop skills such as managing diverse classrooms and using effective communication, and help prepare you for the ever-changing world of teaching.
Practical placements
In this course you’ll undertake 45 days of supervised practical placements, enabling you to apply your theoretical understanding and develop your practical skills. You’ll take your practical placements in the following way:
- Professional Experience 1 (10 days)
- Professional Experience 2 (15 days)
- Professional Experience 3 (20 days).
Study periods
For those studying full-time, you’ll take two units during each study period. Unlike most courses that follow a two-semester structure, education students have four study periods per year. This unique setup allows you to study two units across each of these four study periods, enabling you to finish the entire course in just one year. The four study periods are:
- Special Study Period 1: Feb–May
- Special Study Period 2: May–August
- Special Study Period 3: August–November
- Special Study Period 4: November–February.
This course is also available to study part-time, which will extend the length of time it will take to complete the course.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Major in primary or secondary education
This course offers two majors:
The major you choose will determine the year levels you’ll be eligible to teach.
If you study Secondary Education through this course, you’ll only undertake a major teaching area, with no minor. If you wish to complete a minor as well, you can continue your studies through our accredited Master of Teaching program.
Entry requirements
Please refer to each Major for details of their specific academic entry requirements. The level of English language proficiency required for admission to this course is higher than the University’s standard. This is because students will be required to teach English to others during professional experience placements throughout the course. Admission requires an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall score of 7.5, with a score no less than 7 in Writing and Reading and no less than 8 in Speaking and Listening. Not all English competency equivalents will be accepted for entry into this course, as they do not meet the higher English criteria or they do not include assessment of reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Please refer to https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/courses-higher-english-criteria/ for further information on courses with higher English language requirements. Please note: The English language requirements for registration as a teacher on completion of this course may differ from those required for admission to the course. Students will be required to have a current and valid Working with Children clearance as required in the state or country in which the placement provider is located. They will also need to meet any other relevant State requirements before engaging in any work with children or professional experience. If students have any doubt about their eligibility to acquire these clearances they should contact the local Teacher Registration Authority.
MJRP-EDUSC Secondary Education Major (GradDipEdu)
To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Education Major) applicants need to have completed a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with studies relevant to the teaching areas offered at Curtin. Specifically a teaching area equivalent to a total of three-quarters of a year of successful EFTSL, comprising of sequential discipline study. This equates to six units, with no more than two at first-year level and no fewer than two units at third-year level. Entry to this course will not be possible based on work experience only.
MJRP-EDUPR Primary Education Major (GradDipEdu)
To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education) applicants need to have completed a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with studies equivalent to at least one year FTE in an area relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary curriculum.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Commonwealth-supported first-year fee
$4,800*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Special Study Period 1, 2026 | 1 Sep 2025 | Applications now closed |
| Special Study Period 1, 2027 | 10 Aug 2026 | 11 Feb 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
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