The University of Newcastle has launched a new Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) to help provide a much-needed solution to the state’s teacher shortage. The graduate diploma provides a 12-month program for people who are looking to transition their careers and fast track their studies to become a high school teacher.

The diploma is delivered online with intensive face to face on-campus experiences and features two practical experiences in high school classrooms. The University is the first in the country to realign the Master of Teaching to provide a ‘front-loaded’ opportunity that condenses two practical experiences into the 12-month study period, so that students are prepared to be conditionally accredited in New South Wales schools. 

NSW Government modelling in 2022 revealed that demand for secondary teachers was set to outstrip graduates by about 4,100 students over the next three years, while it’s estimated that there is currently a shortage of more than 2,100 high school teachers across the state. 

Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Human and Social Futures, Professor John Fischetti was excited about the new online program that is the quickest qualification into becoming a qualified, classroom-ready teacher.

“We know that high schools are experiencing an acute teacher shortage in New South Wales and undergraduate enrolments in education are down right across the country, that’s why we’re excited to introduce the graduate diploma. It’s designed to maintain high-quality with the flexibility people need to be able to work and study. 

“Our educators are invaluable to our community and last year our University saw more than 250 students graduate as high school teachers with either a Bachelor in Education or Master of Teaching degree.

“We know there are many more people with degrees in hand across New South Wales and Australia who are considering teaching but haven’t made that next step. We’re incredibly proud to launch a sector leading solution that we think can make a real difference for people who want to become high school teachers.” 

“We want anyone who has an existing degree and is considering moving into secondary teaching to know there’s a place for them at our University and they can achieve that dream in just 12 months,” said Professor Fischetti.

The new Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) will be open to anyone who has a bachelor degree aligned to an area of secondary teaching and is thinking of starting their high school teaching journey. 

Following the completion of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), students would go on to complete a Master of Teaching to become fully accredited. The additional three courses could be achieved within as little as six-months but also spread over three years.

The online program is Commonwealth Supported so eligible applicants can save up to 80% on postgrad fees. Students can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) starting Trimester 1, 2024 at the University of Newcastle by visiting newcastle.edu.au/teach.

The University is hosting a webinar where you can find out more about the new graduate diploma and ask questions. 

WEBINAR - Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
Date: 1 November 2023  
Time: 6 – 7pm 
Register to the webinar via zoom

For more information about the program, email the program team at [email protected]