Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching at Victoria University introduces you to a contemporary method of tertiary teaching.
Block teaching is an approach to teaching and learning where students complete one unit at a time over a period of 4 weeks before beginning a new unit. There are no lectures in this model, and classes are typically small and highly engaging.
This postgraduate teaching certificate is designed for all educators at schools, universities, TAFE, and other tertiary institutions. By undertaking this course in a high-engagement and immersive model of instruction, you will extend your skillset and career options.
The course introduces practical approaches to teaching and assessment in the VU Block Model and will examine other modes of block delivery around the world. You will gain essential high-engagement teaching techniques and curriculum-design understanding for both in-person and online course delivery using these methods.
Learning in workshops and through carefully curated online self-paced activities, you will explore many approaches to this pioneering tertiary education model. You will develop and enhance your teaching skills in context, via a strong inquiry-led approach.
Successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching will demonstrate your teaching capabilities when applying for positions, in alignment with the Advance (HEA) Fellowship.
To expand your skills further, you can progress to the Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching, with credit points.
Commonwealth Supported Places in 2023
Fees are heavily subsidised and HECS-HELP loans available for eligible students in 2023. Apply now or register your interest - there's never been a better time to study!
What is the VU Block Model?
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, which builds a degree program from units studied in sequential blocks, across all undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
In the model, students complete one unit at a time, then move to the next. The block is characterised by three half-day teaching sessions per week, delivered in small classes rather than large lecture halls. Assessments are completed within each block.
All students take part in complementary activities, which reflect their needs according to year level.
So far, the VU Block Model has delivered exceptional results, with pass rates and academic achievements such as high distinctions up across the board. The model has won awards for innovation and excellence.
Learn from experts in the field
Teachers and lecturers at Victoria University are uniquely qualified to address this subject, with deep understanding of intensive teaching methods built on practical experience and scholarly research.
We apply this expertise to the curriculum, delivering a useful, targeted and practical course that puts into practice the techniques covered in the theory. This gives you a direct demonstration of the block model in action, and ensures that you graduate with relevant, applicable knowledge and teaching techniques.
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Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers
The Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching is designed to enhance your teaching practice and open new career opportunities for those working in tertiary education. It is designed to support:
- university lecturers
- tertiary tutors
- TAFE and vocational teachers
- professionals in adult education.
The teaching certificate is also recommended for professional university staff who would like to better understand the complexities of block and intensive teaching, and improve high-engagement teaching activities.
Course structure
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching, students will be required to complete 48 credit points consisting of:
- 36 credit points of core studies
- 12 credit points of elective studies
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- EBL6001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EBL6002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EBL6003
- Credits
- 12
And
12 credit points from the approved Elective list:
-
- Unit code
- EBL6004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EBL6005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EBL6006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EBL6007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EBL6008
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Elucidate the principles, practices and knowledge of educational theories in tertiary education that underpin block teaching; | ||
| 2. | Critically reflect upon the theoretical and pedagogical implications of block delivery, and assessment in block delivery that provides feedback to support student success; | ||
| 3. | Exhibit skills in the development and design of learning environments for block delivery that are structured and scaffolded to meet the needs of diverse student cohorts; | ||
| 4. | Evidence the ability to engage students through active learning and high quality inclusive teaching using current educational practice and theories to support implications for teaching; | ||
| 5. | Use a mix of theoretical knowledge, peer observation, student feedback, student work and self-reflection to critically evaluate a wide range of learning and teaching activities and outcomes. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline
OR
Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 April 2025
- 28 July 2025
- 29 September 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
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Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
