Interested in our Grad Cert in Religious Education (Primary)? We answer your FAQs
Thinking about enrolling in Campion's Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) this year? Check out our answers to your frequently asked questions below.
What is Campion’s Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Primary)?
Campion’s Grad Cert in Religious Education (Primary) is a qualification to teach Catholic theology at Primary School level. It is designed for two kinds of student:
1) those seeking a qualification in theology who do not have any prior qualifications in this field;
2) those currently working as Religious Education teachers who require, or desire, additional professional development.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The Grad Cert consists of four compulsory units of study:
- RED503 and RED504 are offered in Semester 1
- RED501 and RED502 are offered in Semester 2
While it is possible to complete the Grad Cert in one year, a typical student will enrol in one unit per semester to best balance their study with full-time work. In this case, it would take two years to complete the course.
Successful completion of the course requires a grade of Pass or higher in all units.
What unit will I start with?
It depends on when you start the course.
If you commence in Semester 1 (March to June), we recommend commencing with RED503: Challenges and Strategies in Religious Education.
If you commence in Semester 2 (August to November), we recommend commencing with RED502: Catechesis in Sacramental Theology.
Do you have more information about the units?
Yes, view the unit outlines for our Religious Education units here.
Can I get recognition of prior learning (RPL)?
Students currently working as RE teachers who have accreditation to teach RE in a Catholic School and students who have completed prior undergraduate or postgraduate studies in theology may be eligible for a maximum of 1 unit of study of RPL.
What contact hours are required?
East unit consists of a single, 1-hour online tutorial per week. We recommend setting aside an additional 2-4 hours per week for tutorial preparation and assessments.
How are online tutorials conducted?
Upon enrolment, all students will be given access to Microsoft Teams to join online tutorials. Microsoft Teams functions in a similar way to Zoom, FaceTime or Skype.
Is the Grad Cert only available online?
Yes, it is a 100% online course.
What do assessments look like?
Students will be required to submit answers to tutorial questions, two smaller essays and one major essay for each unit of study. There are no examinations for our Religious Education units.
When do semesters start? How long is a semester?
Semester 1 commences on 1 March 2021. Semester 2 commences on 2 August 2021.
Each semester runs for 14 weeks (inclusive of a 1-week mid-semester break).
How much does the course cost?
Each unit of study costs $1,995. Assuming a first time Pass (or higher) in all units and no RPL, the total cost of the course will be $7,980.
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.
Are any scholarships available?
Campion does not currently offer any scholarships for postgraduate students, however a number of dioceses offer scholarships and reimbursement schemes for teachers as part of the accreditation division of their Catholic Education Office. We encourage you to speak to your Principal, REC or Accreditation Officer to see if this might be a possibility for you.
Do you offer the same qualification for High School level?
Unfortunately, Campion currently does not currently offer the Graduate Certificate for High School level. If this changes, we will make announcements through our website and social media platforms, so we encourage you to follow us there.
Can I still apply to study this year?
Yes! If you would like to commence in Semester 1, please submit your application by Wednesday 24 February 2021.
Applications for Semester 2 close on Wednesday 28 July 2021.
What does the application process look like?
Admission to this course takes the form of:
- An undergraduate degree (minimum AQF Level 7) from a recognised institution, or
- The ability to demonstrate sufficient professional or life experience in areas related to the specialisation of the qualification.
Applicants already qualified to teach religion in Catholic schools must also have an undergraduate degree in education or teaching from an accredited institution.
To apply, simply upload a copy of your transcript with our online application form here. Once we receive this paperwork, we will arrange a phone or video interview with our Dean of Studies. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you and what you hope to achieve by enrolling in the course, as well as a chance for you to ask any additional questions you may have. Following your interview, you will receive a Letter of Offer so you can officially enroll for your first semester.
Visit our Grad Cert Admissions page for further details on this process.
Where can I find more information?
Click here to visit our Course Outline page for further information.
Who can I speak to if I need help with the admissions process or have further questions?
Our Student Recruitment Manager is available from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Please call (02) 9896 9303 or email study@campion.edu.au