Duration
2 years
Study Mode
Part-time
Attendance
100% online
Play VideoThe Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Secondary) is a postgraduate qualification tailored for secondary school teachers seeking professional development.
This course is designed to enhance the expertise of educators with pre-existing secondary education qualifications, equipping them with the essential knowledge, skills, and accreditation to teach religious education in Catholic schools and organisations. Graduates will emerge as independent religious education specialists, adept at adapting programs to meet community needs. The curriculum encompasses a comprehensive body of knowledge related to religious education and adolescent pedagogy, preparing students for professional work in their specialisation and serving as a foundation for further learning.
Participants will gain specialized knowledge in religious education, including contemporary scholarship from theologians and educators, enabling them to address professional challenges and evaluate complex concepts in the field. They will be prepared to communicate their understanding to diverse audiences, including students, staff, and parents, and to make independent judgments regarding the coordination and ongoing formation of religious education within a secondary school setting. This course empowers graduates to function autonomously as religious education specialists, capable of synthesising ideas to develop solutions and contributing meaningfully to their educational communities.
The Graduate Certificate of Religious Education (Secondary) consists of four compulsory units of study (6 credit points each) for a total of 24 credit points. Students will develop a body of knowledge related to theological studies as well as practical skills to apply this knowledge in secondary school classrooms.
Guidelines
- Each unit is worth 6 credit points.
- Students are required to successfully complete 24 credit points (4 units) to meet the minimum requirements for the course.
- Successful completion of the course requires a grade of Pass or higher in all four units.
- There are no pre-requisites between units of study however we recommend that students commence with RED505.
Units of Study
RED505: Sacramental Theology and Adolescent Pedagogy
This unit starts with an exploration of effective contemporary adolescent pedagogy in religious education with a focus on a liberal arts approach, the use of provocation of thought, discussion, reflection, contemplation, prayer and meditation.
RED506: Faith and Reason in Adolescent Education
This unit of study examines key aspects of Catholic life and teaching through the lens of faith and reason (theology and philosophy).
RED507: Biblical Studies and Prayer for Adolescents
This unit of study introduces Biblical Studies from the perspective of the Catholic Church and offers resources for teaching, and praying with, the Bible in the adolescent religious education classroom.
RED508: Historical Context of Catholic Doctrine
This unit of study traces the historical development of Catholic life and teaching from the early Church through to today’s post conciliar Church.
Admission to this course takes the form of:
- An undergraduate degree (minimum AQF Level 7) from a recognised institution (students already qualified to teach religion in Catholic schools must also have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, in Education or Teaching).
Applicants must also have English-language proficiency and undertake an interview to assess suitability and to provide an opportunity for applicants to familiarise themselves with the course and the personnel. You will be asked to demonstrate:
- a clear understanding of the course expectations;
- a commitment to study;
- an ability to express yourself effectively; and
- an ability to work independently and as part of a team.
If you are currently employed in a teaching position, many schools and Catholic Education Offices have scholarship and reimbursement schemes to support the professional development of their staff. We encourage you to connect with any relevant parties to ascertain the level of support that may be available to you.
Tuition fees for Campion College can be deferred fully or partially through FEE-HELP, the federal government’s student loans scheme for eligible domestic students or New Zealand Special Category Visa holders.
Students completing this course will have a body of knowledge related to religious education and adolescent pedagogy. They will be equipped to undertake professional work related to their specialisation, and also use it as a basis for further learning. More specifically, they will be able to:
- demonstrate specialised knowledge related to religious education, including acquaintance with relevant contemporary scholarship in this field;
- synthesise relevant ideas from contemporary scholarship from theologians and educators to develop solutions to issues encountered in their professional work in the field of religious education;
- apply specialised knowledge to evaluate complex ideas that have an impact on religious education;
- communicate an understanding of the specialised knowledge of religious education to a variety of audiences including secondary school students of different developmental levels and diverse backgrounds, other staff members and parents;
- make independent judgements related to religious education: its coordination and the management and ongoing formation of other religious education staff within a secondary school setting; and
- function independently as a religious education specialist.
Where can I find more information regarding semester dates?
Our academic calendar is available here.
What employment pathways are available upon completion of this course?
A student completing this Graduate Certificate in Religious Education can be employed to teach religion in Catholic schools as it qualifies for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education.
Can I receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for this course?
Credit will be considered for the following circumstances and in accordance with the CCA Recognition of Prior Learning Policy:
- Students currently working as RE teachers who have accreditation to teach RE in a Catholic School may apply for a maximum of 6 credit points (1 unit of study) of RPL.
- Students who have completed prior undergraduate (AQF Level 7) or postgraduate studies in Theology may also be eligible for a maximum 6 credit points (1 unit of study) of RPL.
- Graduates of Campion College’s Bachelor of Arts who have completed a minor in Theology will be eligible for a maximum of 6 credit points (1 unit of study) of RPL.
What are my options for further learning after completing this course?
Successful completion of this course will provide students with a qualification for further postgraduate studies in the area of religious education, either Graduate Diploma or Masters courses at other accredited institutions.
Campion College currently has an agreement with the University of Notre Dame to assist Campion College graduates into NDU (Sydney) postgraduate Theology courses, and with Excelsia College for its online postgraduate teaching degrees.
For more information in these areas of postgraduate studies, consult the Dean of Studies.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Secondary), please contact our Student Recruitment Manager on (02) 9896 9303 or email study@campion.edu.au
The Graduate Certificate of Religious Education (Secondary) consists of four compulsory units of study (6 credit points each) for a total of 24 credit points. Students will develop a body of knowledge related to theological studies as well as practical skills to apply this knowledge in secondary school classrooms.
Guidelines
- Each unit is worth 6 credit points.
- Students are required to successfully complete 24 credit points (4 units) to meet the minimum requirements for the course.
- Successful completion of the course requires a grade of Pass or higher in all four units.
- There are no pre-requisites between units of study however we recommend that students commence with RED505.
Units of Study
RED505: Sacramental Theology and Adolescent Pedagogy
This unit starts with an exploration of effective contemporary adolescent pedagogy in religious education with a focus on a liberal arts approach, the use of provocation of thought, discussion, reflection, contemplation, prayer and meditation.
RED506: Faith and Reason in Adolescent Education
This unit of study examines key aspects of Catholic life and teaching through the lens of faith and reason (theology and philosophy).
RED507: Biblical Studies and Prayer for Adolescents
This unit of study introduces Biblical Studies from the perspective of the Catholic Church and offers resources for teaching, and praying with, the Bible in the adolescent religious education classroom.
RED508: Historical Context of Catholic Doctrine
This unit of study traces the historical development of Catholic life and teaching from the early Church through to today’s post conciliar Church.
Guidelines
Admission to this course takes the form of:
- An undergraduate degree (minimum AQF Level 7) from a recognised institution (students already qualified to teach religion in Catholic schools must also have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, in Education or Teaching).
Applicants must also have English-language proficiency and undertake an interview to assess suitability and to provide an opportunity for applicants to familiarise themselves with the course and the personnel. You will be asked to demonstrate:
- a clear understanding of the course expectations;
- a commitment to study;
- an ability to express yourself effectively; and
- an ability to work independently and as part of a team.
If you are currently employed in a teaching position, many schools and Catholic Education Offices have scholarship and reimbursement schemes to support the professional development of their staff. We encourage you to connect with any relevant parties to ascertain the level of support that may be available to you.
Tuition fees for Campion College can be deferred fully or partially through FEE-HELP, the federal government’s student loans scheme for eligible domestic students or New Zealand Special Category Visa holders.
Students completing this course will have a body of knowledge related to religious education and adolescent pedagogy. They will be equipped to undertake professional work related to their specialisation, and also use it as a basis for further learning. More specifically, they will be able to:
- demonstrate specialised knowledge related to religious education, including acquaintance with relevant contemporary scholarship in this field;
- synthesise relevant ideas from contemporary scholarship from theologians and educators to develop solutions to issues encountered in their professional work in the field of religious education;
- apply specialised knowledge to evaluate complex ideas that have an impact on religious education;
- communicate an understanding of the specialised knowledge of religious education to a variety of audiences including secondary school students of different developmental levels and diverse backgrounds, other staff members and parents;
- make independent judgements related to religious education: its coordination and the management and ongoing formation of other religious education staff within a secondary school setting; and
- function independently as a religious education specialist.
Where can I find more information regarding semester dates?
Our academic calendar is available here.
What employment pathways are available upon completion of this course?
A student completing this Graduate Certificate in Religious Education can be employed to teach religion in Catholic schools as it qualifies for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education.
Can I receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for this course?
Credit will be considered for the following circumstances and in accordance with the CCA Recognition of Prior Learning Policy:
- Students currently working as RE teachers who have accreditation to teach RE in a Catholic School may apply for a maximum of 6 credit points (1 unit of study) of RPL.
- Students who have completed prior undergraduate (AQF Level 7) or postgraduate studies in Theology may also be eligible for a maximum 6 credit points (1 unit of study) of RPL.
- Graduates of Campion College’s Bachelor of Arts who have completed a minor in Theology will be eligible for a maximum of 6 credit points (1 unit of study) of RPL.
What are my options for further learning after completing this course?
Successful completion of this course will provide students with a qualification for further postgraduate studies in the area of religious education, either Graduate Diploma or Masters courses at other accredited institutions.
Campion College currently has an agreement with the University of Notre Dame to assist Campion College graduates into NDU (Sydney) postgraduate Theology courses, and with Excelsia College for its online postgraduate teaching degrees.
For more information in these areas of postgraduate studies, consult the Dean of Studies.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Secondary), please contact our Student Recruitment Manager on (02) 9896 9303 or email study@campion.edu.au