The Graduate Certificate in Tertiary and Adult Education (GCTAE) is ideal for educators, teaching or learning professionals who aspire to enhance their expertise in adult education within adult education, tertiary and training organisations.
This postgraduate course integrates practical, authentic learning experiences with cutting-edge theories and principles of adult education, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career. Through a focus on the scholarship of learning and teaching, you will explore innovative approaches to professional development and transformative practices.
Delivered entirely online, the course embodies modern educational methodologies, offering flexibility and accessibility for busy professionals.
As a successful graduate of the course, you will build on your understanding of contemporary educational issues and practices in tertiary education and how these may be applied within your particular contexts. The course is work-based and promotes a balance between theory and practice, which enables you to enhance your learning and teaching practices and contribute to your ongoing professional development as a tertiary educator.
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
You must complete four units (24 credits):
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one academic year depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. For a graduate certificate, this is usually four units studied full-time over one term or part-time over two terms. The indicative fee should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.
With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course in 2025, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.
Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
