UTS course code: C07099
Testamur title: Graduate Diploma in Special Education
Abbreviation: GradDipSpecEd
Course Coordinator: Dr Jennifer Stephenson
Course fee: HECS/$200 per cp (local); $6,900 per semester (international)
Total credit points: 48

Overview
Course aims
Admission requirements
Advanced standing
Course duration
Course program
Assessment
Professional recognition
Other information

Overview

In this course academic study and school experience are combined to prepare you to teach people with mild to severe difficulties and disabilities whose ages range from preschool to adult. The course presents a non-categorical approach to education for persons who need additional support. Support for students in mainstream classes and the provision of an alternative, functional approach to education are both examined. The Graduate Diploma in Special Education enables you to work in any special education setting other than those for persons with visual and/or aural impairment.

Course aims

The Graduate Diploma in Special Education prepares you to work with people with special education needs. You acquire skills in assessing student performance, setting educational goals, designing programs and teaching strategies to meet students' educational needs and in monitoring and evaluating programs. You gain an understanding of special education service delivery and the role of collaborative teamwork with families and other professionals

Admission requirements

You are required to have satisfactorily completed an appropriate degree or diploma. Normally, this qualification is a degree or postgraduate diploma in education, or a degree with a major in education, but related degrees, such as those in nursing or speech pathology, or an Arts degree with a relevant major, may be considered.

Advanced standing

You may apply for subject exemptions if you have completed equivalent special education subjects at another university.

Course duration

You can study full time for two semesters or part time for a longer period. There are two practicums, each of three weeks, spent in special education settings.

Course program

The full-time structure of the course is as follows:

Assessment

You complete a variety of criterion-referenced assessment tasks based on classroom content and on your professional experience activities. These include formal essays, program design, evaluation of research, teaching and assessment materials and commercial curricula, participation in class tasks, presentations to your peers, class tests and formal examinations. Two practicum subjects include a Pass/Fail assessment of your professional skills.

Professional recognition

If you do not have a recognised teaching qualification, this course by itself does not provide a teaching qualification recognised by NSW Department of Education and Training.

Other information

For further information about this course, contact:

telephone (02) 9514 5621
email teached.office@uts.edu.au