Duration
2 years
Study Mode
Part-time
Attendance
100% online
Play VideoThe Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) is a postgraduate qualification designed as a professional development opportunity for primary school teachers. It also serves as a foundational, ‘stand-alone’ qualification for those seeking further learning in theological studies.
For those students with pre-exisiting primary education qualifications, this course provides the necessary knowledge, skills and accreditation to teach religious education in Catholic schools and organisations. The course will equip you to function independently as a religious education specialist within a school context and adapt programmes to the needs of your community.
The Graduate Certificate of Religious Education (Primary) 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 primary 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 complete RED503 and RED502 in their first year.
Units of Study
RED501: Historical Context of Catholic Teaching
This unit of study traces the historical development of Catholic life and teaching and explores how this can be presented to students at various levels.
RED502: Teaching the Sacraments
Students completing this unit will develop a body of knowledge related to the education in sacramentality and sacraments of students in primary schools.
RED503: Challenges and Strategies in Religious Education
Students completing this unit will explore developmental theory and curriculum principles applicable to the religious education of students.
RED504: Introduction to Biblical Studies
Students completing this unit will develop a body of knowledge related to the Bible and its interpretation according to the Catholic Tradition.
Admission to this course takes the form of:
- An undergraduate degree (minimum AQF Level 7) from a recognized institution, or
- The ability to demonstrate sufficient professional or life experience in areas related to the specialization of the qualification.
Applicants must also have English-language proficiency and undertake an interview in which you 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.
Tuition fees for Campion College can be paid upfront, or they 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.
Click here to learn more about tuition fees.
If you are currently employed in a teaching position, many Catholic Education Offices have 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.
Please note that if you are applying with your Education Office for reimbursement/scholarship/supported study, this does overlap with your admission to Campion College. Your Education Office cannot submit a study application on your behalf, you will need to complete the Campion College application form in order to begin your enrolment process.
Students completing this course will have a body of knowledge related to theological studies. 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 data 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 the teaching for religious education;
- communicate an understanding of the specialised knowledge of religious education to a variety of audiences including primary school students of different developmental levels, other staff members, religious education specialists, parents and carers of their students;
- make independent judgements related to religious education: its coordination and the management and ongoing formation of other religious education staff within a primary school setting;
- function independently as a religious education specialist within a school context and adapt programmes to the needs of the local community.
For more information on our Graduate Attributes, please click here.
Where can I find more information regarding semester dates?
Our academic calendar is available here.
Will this program help me meet Catholic school accreditation requirements?
Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) is specifically designed to help educators meet accreditation requirements for teaching in Catholic schools as it qualifies for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education. It combines practical teaching skills with theological understanding to ensure you feel confident and prepared in your role.
Can I receive financial support for my studies?
Many Catholic Education Offices offer reimbursement schemes to support the professional development of their teachers. We encourage you to speak with your Education Office to explore available options.
Do I need to apply with both my Education Office and Campion College?
Yes. If you’re seeking financial support through your Education Office, you’ll need to apply separately to them while also submitting your application directly to Campion College. Both processes are important, but they are independent of each other.
Can’t my Education Office apply for the course on my behalf after they approve me for supported study?
No, your Education Office cannot submit an application on your behalf. While they may offer financial support, you must complete the Campion College application form independently to begin the enrolment process.
What happens after I complete my admission interview?
After your interview, Campion College will review your application and notify you of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive an offer of enrolment. You can then decide whether to accept and finalise your place in the course.
Should I wait for my Education Office to approve my supported study before accepting my enrolment at Campion College?
Accepting your enrolment offer secures your place in the course. If you’d like to confirm your supported study status with your Education Office before accepting your enrolment, that’s entirely up to you. If you’re unsure, our admissions team is here to help guide you through the process.
If my Education Office approves me for supported study, will they pay my tuition fees?
Generally speaking, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front or defer payment fully or partially through FEE-HELP. At the end of the semester, you can provide a copy of your transcript to your Education Office and they will reimburse you for some or all of the tuition fee.
Each Education Office has their own policies and processes, so it is best to check with them directly.
What if I’m unsure about managing my study and teaching commitments?
We understand that balancing study and teaching can feel overwhelming. Our course is designed around online learning, and manageable assessments to fit your busy schedule.
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.
Graduates of Campion’s Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary), are eligible to receive advanced standing at Notre Dame University for the following courses:
- Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
- Master of Education (Religious Education)
Graduates of Campion’s Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary), are eligible to receive advanced standing at the Australian Catholic University for the following courses:
- Master of Religious Education
- Master of Professional Studies in Theology
- Master of Theological Studies
- Master of Educational Leadership
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 (Primary), please contact our Student Recruitment Manager on (02) 9896 9303 or email study@campion.edu.au
The Graduate Certificate of Religious Education (Primary) 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 primary 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 complete RED503 and RED502 in their first year.
Units of Study
RED501: Historical Context of Catholic Teaching
This unit of study traces the historical development of Catholic life and teaching and explores how this can be presented to students at various levels.
RED502: Teaching the Sacraments
Students completing this unit will develop a body of knowledge related to the education in sacramentality and sacraments of students in primary schools.
RED503: Challenges and Strategies in Religious Education
Students completing this unit will explore developmental theory and curriculum principles applicable to the religious education of students.
RED504: Introduction to Biblical Studies
Students completing this unit will develop a body of knowledge related to the Bible and its interpretation according to the Catholic Tradition.
Guidelines
Admission to this course takes the form of:
- An undergraduate degree (minimum AQF Level 7) from a recognized institution, or
- The ability to demonstrate sufficient professional or life experience in areas related to the specialization of the qualification.
Applicants must also have English-language proficiency and undertake an interview in which you 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.
Tuition fees for Campion College can be paid upfront, or they 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.
Click here to learn more about tuition fees.
If you are currently employed in a teaching position, many Catholic Education Offices have 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.
Please note that if you are applying with your Education Office for reimbursement/scholarship/supported study, this does overlap with your admission to Campion College. Your Education Office cannot submit a study application on your behalf, you will need to complete the Campion College application form in order to begin your enrolment process.
Students completing this course will have a body of knowledge related to theological studies. 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 data 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 the teaching for religious education;
- communicate an understanding of the specialised knowledge of religious education to a variety of audiences including primary school students of different developmental levels, other staff members, religious education specialists, parents and carers of their students;
- make independent judgements related to religious education: its coordination and the management and ongoing formation of other religious education staff within a primary school setting;
- function independently as a religious education specialist within a school context and adapt programmes to the needs of the local community.
For more information on our Graduate Attributes, please click here.
Where can I find more information regarding semester dates?
Our academic calendar is available here.
Will this program help me meet Catholic school accreditation requirements?
Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) is specifically designed to help educators meet accreditation requirements for teaching in Catholic schools as it qualifies for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education. It combines practical teaching skills with theological understanding to ensure you feel confident and prepared in your role.
Can I receive financial support for my studies?
Many Catholic Education Offices offer reimbursement schemes to support the professional development of their teachers. We encourage you to speak with your Education Office to explore available options.
Do I need to apply with both my Education Office and Campion College?
Yes. If you’re seeking financial support through your Education Office, you’ll need to apply separately to them while also submitting your application directly to Campion College. Both processes are important, but they are independent of each other.
Can’t my Education Office apply for the course on my behalf after they approve me for supported study?
No, your Education Office cannot submit an application on your behalf. While they may offer financial support, you must complete the Campion College application form independently to begin the enrolment process.
What happens after I complete my admission interview?
After your interview, Campion College will review your application and notify you of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive an offer of enrolment. You can then decide whether to accept and finalise your place in the course.
Should I wait for my Education Office to approve my supported study before accepting my enrolment at Campion College?
Accepting your enrolment offer secures your place in the course. If you’d like to confirm your supported study status with your Education Office before accepting your enrolment, that’s entirely up to you. If you’re unsure, our admissions team is here to help guide you through the process.
If my Education Office approves me for supported study, will they pay my tuition fees?
Generally speaking, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front or defer payment fully or partially through FEE-HELP. At the end of the semester, you can provide a copy of your transcript to your Education Office and they will reimburse you for some or all of the tuition fee.
Each Education Office has their own policies and processes, so it is best to check with them directly.
What if I’m unsure about managing my study and teaching commitments?
We understand that balancing study and teaching can feel overwhelming. Our course is designed around online learning, and manageable assessments to fit your busy schedule.
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.
Graduates of Campion’s Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary), are eligible to receive advanced standing at Notre Dame University for the following courses:
- Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
- Master of Education (Religious Education)
Graduates of Campion’s Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary), are eligible to receive advanced standing at the Australian Catholic University for the following courses:
- Master of Religious Education
- Master of Professional Studies in Theology
- Master of Theological Studies
- Master of Educational Leadership
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 (Primary), please contact our Student Recruitment Manager on (02) 9896 9303 or email study@campion.edu.au
