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-existing 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 recognised institution.
Applicants must also have English-language proficiency.
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.Â
Where can I find more information regarding semester dates?
You can view semester dates, teaching weeks and other important dates in the Campion College academic calendar.
How is the course delivered?
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education is delivered fully online and is designed to accommodate teachers studying alongside their professional commitments.
Course material can be completed asynchronously, allowing you to work through it at times that suit you. Each unit also includes a one-hour live online tutorial each week.
How often are online tutorials held?
Tutorials are held weekly during teaching weeks. Each tutorial runs for approximately one hour.
When are tutorials scheduled?
Tutorials are generally scheduled from Monday to Thursday, with two time slots typically available each day: one immediately after school, at around 4.00pm, and another in the evening, usually around 7.00pm or 8.00pm.
Students are allocated to a tutorial group before the beginning of semester. Where possible, students from the same school or geographic area are grouped together.
If your allocated time is not suitable, you can contact the course coordinator at the beginning of semester to discuss moving to another available tutorial.
Is attendance at the live tutorials compulsory?
Yes. Attendance at the weekly online tutorials is a course requirement, with a minimum attendance requirement of 80% for each unit.
This generally means that you can miss up to two tutorials during a semester while still meeting the attendance requirement.
What happens if I cannot attend my usual tutorial?
Tutorials are not recorded. If work, family or other commitments prevent you from attending your usual tutorial in a particular week, you can speak with your tutor about attending another available tutorial that week.
You may also miss an occasional tutorial, provided you continue to meet the 80% attendance requirement for the unit.
What kind of assessments will I complete?
Assessment varies between units, but each unit typically includes:
- short written reflections on course content, submitted at three points during the semester;
- short literature reviews, submitted at three points during the semester; and
- a major practical assessment, such as the development of a teaching resource, due towards the end of the semester and typically worth approximately 40% of the overall mark.
Assessment tasks are designed to connect the course material with the practical work of teaching Religious Education.
What if I’m unsure about managing my study and teaching commitments?
The course is designed with working teachers in mind. Most course material can be completed asynchronously, giving you flexibility around when you study, while the one-hour weekly online tutorial provides regular interaction with your tutor and fellow students.
If you are concerned about balancing study with your professional or family commitments, please contact us to discuss the course structure before enrolling.
Will this program help me meet Catholic school accreditation requirements?
Yes. The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) is specifically designed to support educators seeking accreditation to teach Religious Education in Catholic schools.
Accreditation requirements can vary between Catholic Education authorities, so we recommend confirming the requirements that apply in your diocese or education system.
Can I receive financial support for my studies?
Many Catholic Education Offices offer reimbursement or sponsored-study schemes to support the professional development of their teachers.
Eligibility, funding and reimbursement arrangements vary between Education Offices, so we encourage you to speak with your Education Office directly about the support available to you.
Do I need to apply with both my Education Office and Campion College?
Yes. If you are seeking financial support through your Education Office, you will generally need to apply separately for that support as well as submitting an application for admission directly to Campion College.
These are separate processes: approval for financial support does not constitute an application or admission to Campion College.
Can my Education Office apply for the course on my behalf after approving me for supported study?
No. Even if your Education Office has approved financial support or sponsored study, you must submit your own application for admission to Campion College.
Should I wait for my Education Office to approve my supported study before accepting my enrolment at Campion College?
Accepting your offer secures your place in the course. Whether you choose to wait for confirmation of financial support before accepting is up to you.
If you are waiting on the outcome of a sponsored-study application and are unsure what to do, please contact our admissions team.
If my Education Office approves me for supported study, will they pay my tuition fees?
Arrangements vary between Education Offices. In many cases, students pay their tuition fees upfront or defer eligible fees through FEE-HELP and then apply to their Education Office for reimbursement after successfully completing the semester.
You may be required to provide evidence of your results or a copy of your academic transcript before reimbursement is processed.
Please check directly with your Education Office for its current eligibility requirements, reimbursement amount and process.
Can I receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for this course?
Recognition of Prior Learning may be granted in accordance with the Campion College Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Students who have completed a comparable unit as part of postgraduate studies in Religious Education, Theology or Scripture may be eligible for up to 6 credit points (one unit of study) of credit.
Graduates of Campion College’s Bachelor of Arts who completed a minor in Theology may also be eligible for up to 6 credit points (one unit of study) of credit.
What are my options for further study after completing the course?
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate can provide a pathway to further postgraduate study in Religious Education, theology, educational leadership and related areas.
Graduates may be eligible to receive advanced standing towards selected postgraduate courses at the University of Notre Dame Australia, including:
- Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
- Master of Education (Religious Education)
Graduates may also be eligible to receive advanced standing towards selected courses at Australian Catholic University, including:
- Master of Religious Education
- Master of Professional Studies in Theology
- Master of Theological Studies
- Master of Educational Leadership
Advanced-standing arrangements and course requirements are determined by the receiving institution and may change. Students considering further study should confirm current arrangements with the relevant institution.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, please contact the Campion College Student Recruitment team 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 recognised institution.
Applicants must also have English-language proficiency.
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.Â
Where can I find more information regarding semester dates?
You can view semester dates, teaching weeks and other important dates in the Campion College academic calendar.
How is the course delivered?
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education is delivered fully online and is designed to accommodate teachers studying alongside their professional commitments.
Course material can be completed asynchronously, allowing you to work through it at times that suit you. Each unit also includes a one-hour live online tutorial each week.
How often are online tutorials held?
Tutorials are held weekly during teaching weeks. Each tutorial runs for approximately one hour.
When are tutorials scheduled?
Tutorials are generally scheduled from Monday to Thursday, with two time slots typically available each day: one immediately after school, at around 4.00pm, and another in the evening, usually around 7.00pm or 8.00pm.
Students are allocated to a tutorial group before the beginning of semester. Where possible, students from the same school or geographic area are grouped together.
If your allocated time is not suitable, you can contact the course coordinator at the beginning of semester to discuss moving to another available tutorial.
Is attendance at the live tutorials compulsory?
Yes. Attendance at the weekly online tutorials is a course requirement, with a minimum attendance requirement of 80% for each unit.
This generally means that you can miss up to two tutorials during a semester while still meeting the attendance requirement.
What happens if I cannot attend my usual tutorial?
Tutorials are not recorded. If work, family or other commitments prevent you from attending your usual tutorial in a particular week, you can speak with your tutor about attending another available tutorial that week.
You may also miss an occasional tutorial, provided you continue to meet the 80% attendance requirement for the unit.
What kind of assessments will I complete?
Assessment varies between units, but each unit typically includes:
- short written reflections on course content, submitted at three points during the semester;
- short literature reviews, submitted at three points during the semester; and
- a major practical assessment, such as the development of a teaching resource, due towards the end of the semester and typically worth approximately 40% of the overall mark.
Assessment tasks are designed to connect the course material with the practical work of teaching Religious Education.
What if I’m unsure about managing my study and teaching commitments?
The course is designed with working teachers in mind. Most course material can be completed asynchronously, giving you flexibility around when you study, while the one-hour weekly online tutorial provides regular interaction with your tutor and fellow students.
If you are concerned about balancing study with your professional or family commitments, please contact us to discuss the course structure before enrolling.
Will this program help me meet Catholic school accreditation requirements?
Yes. The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) is specifically designed to support educators seeking accreditation to teach Religious Education in Catholic schools.
Accreditation requirements can vary between Catholic Education authorities, so we recommend confirming the requirements that apply in your diocese or education system.
Can I receive financial support for my studies?
Many Catholic Education Offices offer reimbursement or sponsored-study schemes to support the professional development of their teachers.
Eligibility, funding and reimbursement arrangements vary between Education Offices, so we encourage you to speak with your Education Office directly about the support available to you.
Do I need to apply with both my Education Office and Campion College?
Yes. If you are seeking financial support through your Education Office, you will generally need to apply separately for that support as well as submitting an application for admission directly to Campion College.
These are separate processes: approval for financial support does not constitute an application or admission to Campion College.
Can my Education Office apply for the course on my behalf after approving me for supported study?
No. Even if your Education Office has approved financial support or sponsored study, you must submit your own application for admission to Campion College.
Should I wait for my Education Office to approve my supported study before accepting my enrolment at Campion College?
Accepting your offer secures your place in the course. Whether you choose to wait for confirmation of financial support before accepting is up to you.
If you are waiting on the outcome of a sponsored-study application and are unsure what to do, please contact our admissions team.
If my Education Office approves me for supported study, will they pay my tuition fees?
Arrangements vary between Education Offices. In many cases, students pay their tuition fees upfront or defer eligible fees through FEE-HELP and then apply to their Education Office for reimbursement after successfully completing the semester.
You may be required to provide evidence of your results or a copy of your academic transcript before reimbursement is processed.
Please check directly with your Education Office for its current eligibility requirements, reimbursement amount and process.
Can I receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for this course?
Recognition of Prior Learning may be granted in accordance with the Campion College Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Students who have completed a comparable unit as part of postgraduate studies in Religious Education, Theology or Scripture may be eligible for up to 6 credit points (one unit of study) of credit.
Graduates of Campion College’s Bachelor of Arts who completed a minor in Theology may also be eligible for up to 6 credit points (one unit of study) of credit.
What are my options for further study after completing the course?
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate can provide a pathway to further postgraduate study in Religious Education, theology, educational leadership and related areas.
Graduates may be eligible to receive advanced standing towards selected postgraduate courses at the University of Notre Dame Australia, including:
- Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
- Master of Education (Religious Education)
Graduates may also be eligible to receive advanced standing towards selected courses at Australian Catholic University, including:
- Master of Religious Education
- Master of Professional Studies in Theology
- Master of Theological Studies
- Master of Educational Leadership
Advanced-standing arrangements and course requirements are determined by the receiving institution and may change. Students considering further study should confirm current arrangements with the relevant institution.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, please contact the Campion College Student Recruitment team on (02) 9896 9303 or email study@campion.edu.au.
