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.
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 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?
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 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 (Sydney) to assist Campion College graduates into 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.
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 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?
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 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 (Sydney) to assist Campion College graduates into 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
