#13 worldwide for education
Pathway into a masters degree
Program designed with education sector experts
Why choose Deakin
Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) responds to a growing demand for a more inclusive education system that fosters supportive and accessible learning environments. Gain the skills to pursue specialist support roles in education and contribute to meaningful progress in making education more inclusive.
You will examine diversity, explore the challenges and possibilities of heterogeneous classrooms and gain the confidence to create supportive learning environments while tailoring your focus through an elective in a complementary area. Developed with sector input and delivered online and part-time, this course helps you build current, practical capability while balancing work and study. Graduate with the skills to foster inclusive, responsive learning across a range of educational settings. This course is also a pathway into the Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) for students holding an existing Australian teaching qualification.
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Top-ranked education expertise
Study in a discipline ranked #3 in Australia and #13 worldwide for education and educational research.
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Degrees shaped by employers
This specialist course is developed with input from the Victorian Government’s Department of Education and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
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Learn from active researchers
You will study with industry-experienced staff recognised globally as leaders and innovators in education.
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Flexible postgraduate pathway
Study fully online and part time, with a pathway into Deakin’s Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) for eligible teachers.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build practical skills for specialist support roles that help make learning more accessible and inclusive. You may support diverse learners, strengthen participation and contribute across a range of educational settings.
Student support officer
Support student wellbeing and learning, connect learners with services, coordinate referrals and work with teachers, families and communities to strengthen participation and inclusion.
- $78k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 6.3%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Education officer
Develop and deliver learning programs, resources and workshops for schools, communities or public audiences and contribute to making education more inclusive.
- $95k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 3,852
Jobs advertised
Other jobs
- Disability inclusion facilitator
- Educational assistant
- Koorie engagement support officer
- Diverse learner hub coach
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Education (Specialist inclusive Education)?
In this postgraduate course, you build specialist knowledge in inclusive education through three core studies and one elective. Studied online and part time, the course is designed so you can connect theory with contemporary practice as you learn.
Build specialist inclusive practice
Understand diverse learners
Explore diversity and the realities of diverse classrooms. Build the perspective needed to recognise learners’ strengths as well as barriers to participation.
Apply inclusive strategies in practice
Focus on accessible teaching, communication and positive learning environments, to respond thoughtfully to complex teaching situations.
Shape your expertise for your role
Choose an elective to extend your learning in an area that suits your interests or workplace.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education), you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. This course is available part-time only, with students typically studying one to two credit points each study period.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
* This unit requires Trimester 3 study
ECP711 Creativity and the Arts [No longer available for enrolment, EMP700 replaces this unit]
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise inclusive education theoretical foundations and practices, and create and apply specialist pedagogies, curriculum and assessments across a range of educational contexts. |
| Critically evaluate and apply a range of accessible communication strategies that effectively supports inclusive partnerships between specialist and non-specialist stakeholders across a range of educational contexts. |
| Design, implement and evaluate accessible, high quality digital resources to support equitable access, participation and engagement in learning for all students, across a range of educational contexts. |
| Understand the interrelationship between philosophies, theories and practices of inclusive education to inform strategies that advance equitable access and positive learning outcomes for students and complex learning partnerships. |
| Identify and apply professional and ethical judgement to implement inclusive solutions to complex teaching and learning problems across a range of learning partnerships. |
| Demonstrate critically reflective practice and ongoing professional learning to support the development of inclusive communities of practice, cross-disciplinary dialogue and scholarship. |
| Collaborate and contribute to learning partnerships and multidisciplinary teams across a range of diverse contexts to advance the inclusive learning and development of all learners. |
Approved at Faculty Board 2026
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- E568
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$2,455
- Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.