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.

Save on your fees

From 2026, Master of Education students are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). That means the government will subsidise some of your fees, while you can apply to defer the balance through an Australian Government HELP loan if you're eligible.

Course highlights

This course equips students with applied knowledge in data analytics, fundamental economic modelling and communication of policy analysis and evaluation to a wide range of audiences.

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
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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What you will study

The online Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is for current education professionals looking to enhance their skills to step into the next phase of their career. Gain foundational leadership and management skills needed to connect, inspire and influence positive change in contemporary learning environments.

For those looking to become a teacher, we recommend contacting the University of Canberra Future Students Team to find out which course is right for you.

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is composed of 4 core units and is an entry point for the Master of Education (Leadership).

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.

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

Unsure about which specialisation is right for you?

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

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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.”

Janet Smith | 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

“Spatial reasoning is a foundational aspect across the STEM disciplines. Importantly, spatial reasoning skills can be learned and improved. When educators are prepared with strong spatial reasoning skills, and spatial tools to teach spatial reasoning and related STEM content, students’ STEM learning improves.”

Dr Ilyse Resnick | Associate Professor

“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