Macquarie University-Sydney
Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
Information for Canadian Students
Applications to Canadian teacher education programs far exceed available places. As a result, many students wishing to gain a teaching qualification must seek programs elsewhere. Australia is a popular (and safe) destination.
Macquarie University offers Canadian students the opportunity to gain a secondary school teaching qualification while enjoying the experience of living in one of the world's great cities.
Why study abroad?
Studying abroad has many advantages.
Consider the following:
- Studying abroad promotes personal growth and provides students with the opportunity to enhance their vocational preparation by placing them in educational contexts that differ significantly from their own.
- Studying overseas opens a window to a world of new experiences. Students are introduced to new environments and cultures. It also enriches their knowledge and understanding of international, political, and economic issues.
- Students who have a successful study experience abroad develop skills that are valued in the contemporary workplace. Cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, resilience and, the ability to adapt to new circumstances and deal constructively with differences are valued workplace competencies. Those who study abroad are able to demonstrate that they can thrive in new and sometimes challenging environments.
Interested in applying?
Please visit the Macquarie International Website for more information.
About Macquarie
Macquarie University is ranked in the world's top 100 universities. It is home to 30,000 students, including 8,500 international students.
Macquarie is located on 135 hectares of parkland, 20-30 minutes drive north-west of Sydney's Central Business District. The modern campus is home to an acclaimed sculpture park, several museums, two hotels and a golf driving range, and is adjacent to a large shopping centre and transport hub. It is a safe, peaceful environment that is conducive to study. Quality student accommodation is available both on- and off-campus.
The campus is linked to the CBD and other parts of metropolitan Sydney, by a motorway, an express bus service, and an underground rail link due for completion in 2008. Sydney's famous beaches are all readily accessible by public transport.
On campus facilities include a state of the art aquatic centre and gymnasium, and a comprehensive range of student services. Adjacent to the campus is the Macquarie Centre shopping mall which houses a large department store, hundreds of specialty shops, a multi-screen cinema complex, a food court and restaurants, and even an ice rink for those missing the Canadian winter.
Click these links for additional information about 'Life on Campus', and information about 'Life in Sydney'.
Why choose Teaching Education at Macquarie?
Since its foundation in 1967, Macquarie's School of Education - a department of the Australian Centre for Educational Studies - has built an international reputation for the quality of its programs, its research, scholarship and service to the educational community. The School has strong links with the broader educational community through professional associations and active involvement with education providers at all levels.
The School's Teacher Education Program is widely acknowledged as one of Australia's finest. The program is distinguished by the emphasis it attaches to the concept of the scholar-teacher, its promotion of reflective classroom practice, and its innovative, school-based, professional experience program. A focus on the application of information and communication based technologies in educational settings is integrated across our programs.
Additional information regarding the Graduate Diploma of Education can be found:
Teaching Qualifications
What teaching qualification is available to Canadian students at Macquarie?
The University's School of Education offers a Graduate Diploma of Education which students can complete in one year of full-time study (February-December).
The Graduate Diploma of Education is available to graduates with academic qualifications in any of the "major" secondary teaching areas listed below.
- Economics, Business Studies and Commerce
- English
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Science
A second (or "minor") teaching methodology can be undertaken in one or more of the following areas:
- Drama
- Economics, Business Studies and Commerce
- English
- English as a Second Language
- Geography
- History
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Languages
- Legal Studies
- Society and Culture
Professional experience component
As a student teacher, you will be assigned an experienced classroom teacher who will act as your mentor for the duration of your professional studies. You will spend one day a week in your allocated school with the opportunity to undertake at least one two-week block of teaching during the course of your studies.
In total a candidate will spend a minimum of 60 days in classroom experience.
This "developmental" model allows the student teacher to apply the knowledge and skills they develop on campus in a classroom setting on a regular basis.
Recognition of Qualifications
Will my qualification be accepted in Canada and elsewhere?
Graduates are eligible for an internationally recognised Statement of Professional Standing, issued by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training under a memorandum of understanding with the Ontario Provincial Government. In addition, graduates are eligible to apply for registration in most education systems throughout the world.
Please note: It is the responsibility of graduates returning to Canada to enquire about the specific conditions which apply to registration in the Province he/she intends seeking employment.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must have a degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a substantial background of academic study in the preferred secondary school teaching area. Where applicable, candidates must be able to demonstrate English Proficiency by satisfactorily undertaking both TOEFL and IELTS testing.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Paper-based test: Score of 580 overall, 5.0 TWE and the following scores for each section: Listening 53, Writing 51, Reading 52.
Computer-based test: 237 overall, 5.0 TWE, with a minimum of 19 in each section.
IELTS (International English Language Testing)
Score of 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each section.
When applying candidates will need to supply an official academic transcript and a personal statement outlining any additional information relevant to the application. If candidates are undertaking studies at the time of the application - last term/semester final results must be lodged as soon as they become available.
Accommodation
Macquarie University has a range of accommodation options available to students both on-campus and off-campus. These include college-type accommodation (at the Dunmore Lang and Robert Menzies Colleges) and the Macquarie Apartments. Apartment-based accommodation formats vary but typically feature (5) single bedrooms in two storey townhouses with living, dining and kitchen facilities shared by the five residents. Each bedroom is lockable and contains a bed, desk, built-in wardrobe, set of five drawers and its own ensuite including a toilet, basin and shower.
The University operates an airport pick-up service from Sydney International Airport to pre-arranged accommodation.
Click here for additional information regarding accommodation options.
Tuition Fees
Click here for up-to-date information regarding the fee for the Graduate Diploma.
How do I apply?
Students interested in the Graduate Diploma of Education can apply by downloading an application form at: www.international.mq.edu.au or through our Canadian representatives:
AustraLearn Canada
ph: 1 888 637 4412
fax: 303 446 5955
email: studyabroad@australearncanada.org
website: www.australearn.org
KOM Consultants
ph: 905 318 8200
fax: 905 318 5664
email: info@komconsultants.com
website: www.komconsultants.com
OzTrekk
ph: 1 866 698 7355
fax: 1 613 267 4144
email: info@oztrekk.com
website: www.oztrekk.com