You are an overseas student if you are NOT one of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand citizen (or dual citizen)
- Australian permanent resident
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
- Pacific Engagement visa holder.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If you are holding or applying for a Student Visa Subclass 500 you are required to enrol in a full-time course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in Australia. For more details, please visit the Department of Home Affairs and the CRICOS website.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education prepares graduates to teach religious education. It provides graduates with knowledge of the disciplines, principles, practices and traditions that form the basis for religious education.
At Catholic Theological College and Yarra Theological Union the award fulfils the requirements of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Policy 1.7 Accreditation to Teach Religious Education in a Catholic School.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education
- have a foundational knowledge and skills in theological disciplines of importance for teaching religious education.
- have enhanced their capabilities to engage with particular faith traditions and spirituality.
- have ability to communicate religious traditions to students by drawing critically on appropriate sources.
- apply knowledge of contemporary approaches to the learning and teaching of religious education.
- apply their knowledge to religious awareness and faith formation of students and the formation of religious identity in a school community.
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education consists of 72 points.
The GCTRE is offered in two streams:
| Program 1: Catholic Theological College and Yarra Theological Union | 72 | ||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Unit Type | Points |
| BS8610Z | Introduction to the Bible for Teachers | Core | 18 |
| CT8620Z | Introduction to Theology for Teachers | Core | 18 |
| DT8630Z | Introduction to Moral Theology for Teachers | Core | 18 |
| DR8640Z | Introduction to Religious Education for Teachers | Core | 18 |
| Program 2: Australian Lutheran College | 72 | ||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Unit Type | Points |
| Old Testament, New Testament, or Biblical Studies | Postgraduate Foundational | 18 | |
| Systematic Theology | Postgraduate Foundational | 18 | |
| DE8007L | Principles and Context of Lutheran Schooling | Core | 18 |
| DR8013L | The Practice of Lutheran Education | Core | 18 |
Locations and modes
Roman CatholicEast Melbourne VICOnline (off-shore students only) mode
Duration
The standard full-time duration of the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education is six months. The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education must be completed in not less than six months and not more than two years from the date on which the course is commenced.
| Standard full-time | 6 months |
| Maximum part-time | 2 years |
Graduate pathways
Graduates may proceed to study at Graduate Diploma or Masters’ level.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.
For admissions information please consult Australian Lutheran College or Catholic Theological College or Yarra Theological Union.
Fee summary
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education requires completion of 72 points over two years and the course structure differs for each College:
- $2,178 per unit for units totalling 16 points
- $2,451 per unit for units totalling 18 points
- $3,268 per unit for units totalling 24 points
The cost of the course at 2025 fees is $9,804
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.
