Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership Online

Why study the online Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership at UC?

People-first leadership focus

Gain leadership and management skills that help you connect, inspire and influence. Shape educational environments that acknowledge and celebrate the unique needs of students and teachers.

Enhanced professional identity

Develop your professional authority as a modern educator. Enhance your creative problem-solving and communication skills to respond to current and emerging educational challenges.

Online and supported

Study 100% online from anywhere in Australia while receiving dedicated student support allowing you to balance full-time work whilst developing your professionalism and leadership as a teacher.

Course highlights

Gain a people-first leadership perspective
100% online and accelerated to fit around your life and work
Gain a toolkit to respond to contemporary challenges in education
Informed by STEM Education Research Centre's (SERC) evidence-based methodologies and aligned to ACARA curriculum needs
Experience dedicated support at every stage
Start anytime – intakes are open every 2 months

Speak with an adviser

Overview

The online Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Canberra will develop your leadership toolkit with contemporary frameworks and advanced people-first leadership approaches to guide your school community to reach their full potential. Become a pillar of school and system success with the ability to understand and implement strategies to empower, support and encourage development in your staff and students, resulting in school and educational landscape improvement.

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QUICK FACTS

4 units | 7 weeks each
8 months* part-time
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct
$2,887.50 per unit^, FEE-HELP available
*Dependent on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information. ^2025 indicative fees are listed here. Find out more on our Fees page.

One UC online student reading a book and smiling

The University of Canberra is an ambitious university for ambitious people.

The University takes pride in designing online courses that are practical, supported and accelerated. Our courses are truly flexible and inclusive, ensuring you are connected to an inspiring community of teachers and learners anywhere, anytime.

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#1 in Canberra for overall experience, teaching quality, skill development and student support.¹

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UC is #5 in Australia for overall employment.²

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¹Good University Guide 2024 ²Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023

Graduate Certificate

Description of the Course + 4 Number of units or continue studying

Graduate Diploma

All units from the Graduate Certificate + 4 Diploma units or continue studying

Master of Health Services Management

All subjects from the Graduate Certificate + 8 subjects from the Master of Health Services Management

Course structure

We are here to help you! Learn more about the differences between our Leadership specialisation and STEM specialisation.

Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership |
4 units | 8 months*

Gain advanced leadership skills and tools needed to lead and influence positive change in modern education environments.

Master of Education (Leadership) |
8 units | 16 months*

Develop skills in leadership, inclusion and wellbeing to create an optimal learning environment where staff and students feel empowered to succeed. Receive recognition for your ongoing development of your professional authority and be ready for leadership or senior roles in educational settings.

Unsure about which specialisation is right for you?

We are here to help you! Learn more on the differences between our Graduate Certificate of Education general stream, Leadership specialisation and STEM specialisation.

*Dependent on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information.

Taught by industry experts

“The University of Canberra’s online Master of Education and Graduate Certificate in Education courses have been designed to provide teachers with ideal practical professional development and career-building opportunities, allowing them to shape their future education/professional pathways and enhance their skills and knowledge.”

Matthew Brown | Master of Education Course Director

“oday’s modern educational leader needs to understand their role as a leader of people, of systems, of learning whilst being able to champion the needs of their students within an environment that is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. The University of Canberra’s online Master of Education and Graduate Certificate in Education courses provide educators with the opportunity to build their capacity to lead effectively in such times.”

Murray Campbell | Lecturer in Education, Educational Consultant, Expert Educational Leader and Practitioner

“While much attention has been given to improving teachers’ capacity in recent years, the role of school leadership remains fundamental to achieving enhanced educational outcomes for all students. For educational leaders the ongoing acquisition of knowledge about leadership practice and the application of that knowledge is crucial.”

Dr Bernard Brown | Senior Lecturer in Education

Career outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is designed for existing education professionals looking to develop leadership and management skills and gain the credibility to apply for more senior positions in the education sector. Career outcomes may include roles such as:

Curriculum Coordinator or Specialist

Deputy Principal

Early Childhood Director

Education Assessment Specialist

Educational Policy Developer

Executive Principal

Executive Teacher

Head of Department or Faculty

Instructional Leader

Principal

School Leader

School Policy Adviser or Developer

Student Wellbeing Manager

Year Adviser

Fee assistance

Some students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP official page loan scheme.

Visit our fees page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and pay. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a course.

Ready to start learning?

We’re here to help you get on the right path. Download a brochure, email us or arrange a call-back from our staff. Learn more about:

Finding the best course for you

How our courses work

How to apply and enrol

How our courses are structured

How online study works at UC