Academic courses

Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership [GradCertEdLeadership]

Course ID: TBA
6 month full-time equivalent course.

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership award is an exit point from the Master of Education [MEd], which provides students with the opportunity to investigate current theories, research, issues and practices in a variety of fields of education and to examine these critically using Lutheran principles of education. The course offers students a professional development program to foster leadership in particular areas within the Lutheran school system. The course provides a foundation for students interested in further postgraduate study. The course also provides the academic requirement for accreditation as a Lutheran teacher.

Course outcomes

The Master of Education incorporating the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership enables students to:

develop a deeper understanding of Christian theology and its relationship to education and the way in which theology informs a Christian approach to education;
investigate major constructs of education and examine these critically on the basis of Lutheran principles of education in order to build up an integrated approach to education;
develop skills in evaluating current theories of education and the impact of these in the context of schooling;
apply theological insights in the construction of educational models, practices and programs appropriate to Lutheran schools;
relate Lutheran principles of education to specific educational issues and concerns in schools.

Course structure

The GradCertEdLeadership is an exit point from the MEd consisting of four units of 10 credit points each.

Three of those units must be:

EDU3016 Foundations of Christian Education
EDU3018 Ethics and Values for Educators
EDU3020 Leading Christian Schools

Entry requirements

4 year BEd degree (or equivalent), normally leading to teacher registration
Two years of teaching or other appropriate experience
For students with English as a second language, the ability to speak, read and write English at a level appropriate for participation in tertiary studies: for overseas students this will require assessment by a recognised test in English proficiency (eg IELTS, overall band score 7.0);
ALC operates with a policy of Recognition of Prior Learning: [www.alc.edu.au/policies.asp]

Study modes

The GradCertEdLeadership is currently not available as a full-time on-campus course. However, it is planned that the offering of the course in this mode will be developed during the duration of the period of accreditation.

Because almost all students accessing the GradCertEdLeadership are teachers employed in Lutheran schools, the course is currently delivered through off campus study modes.

Mixed mode

The mixed mode consists of workshops (two workshops of two days each are the normal pattern) conducted by ALC teaching staff or sessional lecturers. Students then complete the unit using comprehensive written materials, submitting written assignments, with support through email and telephone contact with lecturers. Local tutors and mentors may also be identified and students encouraged to establish study groups and networks amongst themselves. Email discussion groups are also established.

Coursework mode

Workshops are highly recommended. Where students cannot attend a workshop, they can work using the comprehensive written unit materials, submitting written assignments, with support through email and telephone contact with lecturers.

Online mode

While core units are not yet available in online mode, it is intended that some units of the GradCertEdLeadership will be developed for online study in the near future. Forums and discussion groups may be used to aid interaction between students and between students and the online tutor.

Requirements to receive the qualification

In order to receive the GradCertEdLeadership, students must complete units according to the required course structure, normally at an accumulated grade point average of at least 2.00 [P1].

Updated: 14/12/2009 [1.00]