ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
0.5 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
Online Self-Paced
Delivery mode: 
In person
Application due dates:
Applications are not being taken at this time.

Overview

Make an informed assessment about education as a career, focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching, with the Undergraduate Certificate in Education (P12) from Victoria University.  

This education course provides strong theory and curriculum knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching. 

It will help you prepare for a career in learning settings where teacher registration isn't required, such as community training and after-school or holiday programs.

This Undergraduate Certificate in Education develops knowledge, skills and attributes that will be useful in a range of education roles. It is also a strong basis for further tertiary study in primary or secondary teaching.

Undergraduate certificates are a recent addition to our courses. They let you graduate with a recognised qualification in as little as half a year.

Take advantage of the new certificates to begin an entry-level career sooner, or to take your first step towards further study and a bachelor degree.

This course will be delivered in the VU Block Model, which means you study one unit (subject) at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several units at once.

With its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks. 

The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence. 

 

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills. 

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time. 

Our programs include: 

  • workshops 
  • drop-in sessions 
  • peer mentoring 
  • maths and writing resources 
  • resume and career guidance. 

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students. 

Careers in education/STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are learning areas that are in demand in education.

Completion of the certificate will upskill you in those areas.

You could seek employment in government-initiated tutoring programs that have been created as a response to COVID-19 learning challenges experienced by school students. The focus on education may also be relevant to working in training roles in a range of organisations or industries.

After completing the course you may apply to enter the Diploma of Education Studies (EDES), Bachelor of Education Studies (EBST) or Bachelor of Education (P-12) (EBED) as long as you meet other entry requirements.

 

Course structure

To attain the Undergraduate Certificate in Education (P12) STEM students will be required to complete:

- 48 credit points Core units

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Reflect on their own learning experiences and examine how their learning connects to different educational approaches;  
  2. Analyse connections between children and young people's development, wellbeing and global human development;  
  3. Understand how a number of foundational science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts are interdisciplinary and build on each other;  
  4. Engage in reflections, both individually and collaboratively, on the uses of ICTs in learning environments and in the wider world;  

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 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:

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.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Training & Development, Education, Child Care or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Additional information

Applicants should note additional admission requirements for transitioning into EBED:

Students who successfully complete the Undergraduate Certificate of Education (P12) STEM with a Distinction average and meet other entrance requirements such as CASPer, can apply to be admitted to the Bachelor of Education (P-12).

Students who enter the Bachelor of Education (P-12) from the Undergraduate Certificate of Education (P12) STEM are advised that they must meet the LANTITE benchmark as a prerequisite to progressing to the second year of the course.

Students will require a Working with Children Check to be eligible to undertake and participate in workplace visits, placements or projects. Use the following site link to obtain additional information:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Pathways & credits

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.

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

Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.

Browse our other Education courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.

Enquire now

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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.