A graduate certificate in educational leadership is an excellent way to learn how to manage other teachers and inspire students. The course allows you to progress into management roles, with the skills and knowledge you need. But that isn’t all you can do with the course! Today, we are here to show you what you can do with a graduate certificate in educational leadership, and everything else you need to know about this postgraduate course.
What is a graduate certificate in educational leadership?
Let’s start with a quick recap for those who need it! A graduate certificate in educational leadership is a specialisation you can choose in a graduate certificate in education. This postgraduate course is perfect for anyone looking to progress their education journey. The course is delivered part-time or online, where you can take advantage of flexible learning as you work through the four units of the course.
The specialisation is designed to help you improve as a leader, moving into senior leadership roles and educating others educators. It is not the only specialisation you can choose from, as most course providers also offer a science of learning specialisation you can choose from. Some course providers will offer other specialisation options, but these will vary depending on the course provider you choose, so make sure to do your research before applying.
To help you see which option is right for you, we have the key details you need to know below:
Science of learning specialisation
A science of learning specialisation provides you with research-based strategies to enhance the learning outcomes of students. The course will focus on psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science to provide an understanding of the science of learning theory and how you can teach reading and maths to improve results and engagement.
Leading education specialisation
The leading education specialisation is catered to teachers looking to lead other educators. The course will focus on improving your organisation and community engagement. And leading effectively under challenging circumstances.
Career options after completing a graduate certificate in educational leadership
You have several career options after completing your graduate certificate in educational leadership, including progressing into leadership roles or becoming a specialist teacher. Some of these might require that you have additional qualifications, like a teaching degree, and you should check the criteria of any job before applying. Many graduates move into the following roles:
- Leading education
- Head of department
- Deputy principal
- School principal
Should you choose a different specialisation, like the science of learning, your career options might differ. We have details on your potential career after this course below:
- Science of learning:
- Curriculum designer/coordinator
- Education leader
- Lead teacher
- Learning support teacher
- Specialist teacher
Some graduates choose to remain in education too, progressing to complete a master of Education or focusing on other specialisations like STEM education. In these cases, remaining in education can provide you with access to senior management or leadership roles, with higher salaries and more responsibilities.
What will I learn in a graduate certificate in educational leadership?
A graduate certificate in educational leadership will teach you how to lead staff and community engagement, creating a better environment for education. What you will learn can vary depending on your course provider, but typically, the following units will be listed on the course brochure:
Leading education
- Leading community engagement
- Leading for improvement
- Leading staff
- Leading under challenging circumstances
You will cover different topics if you choose a different specialisation, including the science of learning specialisation. Again, the topics will vary depending on the course provider, but you can expect to cover the following:
Science of learning
- Explicit and direct instruction
- Introduction to the science of learning
- Science of reading instruction
- Science of math instruction
What do I need to apply for a graduate certificate in educational leadership?
The entry requirements for a graduate certificate in educational leadership will vary depending on the course provider you choose. You should check directly with them before applying to ensure that you have the right qualifications or experience. If the qualifications that you have are slightly different to those listed, we recommend reaching out to the course provider directly to see if your qualifications are appropriate.
Typically, you need an Australian bachelor’s degree or a graduate certificate in a similar discipline, but this can vary depending on the specialisation you choose. Usually, you will need the following:
- Science of learning – you will need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent learning, and five years of relevant experience
- Leading education – you will need a Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor’s degree in any field with a Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching. You might also be considered with two years of experience in an educational setting or equivalent
What classes are equivalent or relevant experience will vary depending on your course provider, so we recommend speaking with them directly to ensure you are a suitable candidate. If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet additional requirements, usually with a minimum of 6.5 on the IELTS. You should speak to your course provider directly about the criteria that you need to meet.
Find your graduation certificate in the educational leadership course provider today
The career possibilities after completing your graduate certificate in educational leadership are endless, so why not start your course today? When looking for a course provider, we recommend ECU. They offer many online and part-time options, allowing you to work through the course at your own pace and get the qualifications you need. Check out ECU for their graduate certificate in educational leadership today!
