Charles Darwin University
1 year part-time
A postgraduate professional development program for tertiary educators seeking to enhance their teaching practice and obtain formal recognition. Ideal for academic staff wanting to develop core teaching skills, gain micro-credentials, or progress toward a Master's qualification through reflective, practice-based learning.
Applicants must have successfully completed a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification. Alternatively, those with at least five years of relevant professional experience in tertiary education, adult education, learning design or digital technology training may be considered, with supporting documentation required. Domestic students must meet standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at CDU.
The course comprises four 10-credit point units delivered in micro-credentialed, intensive mode. Core units (30 credit points) include: Effective Tertiary Teaching, Technologies for Teaching and Learning, and Designing Curriculum and Assessment. Students select one specialist elective unit (10 credit points) from options including Digital Cultures, Curricula and Assessment; Education, Apps and Mobile Devices; Data Literacy and AI in Education; Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching; Challenging Educational Paradigm; Scholarship of Tertiary Teaching; or University Teacher as HDR Supervisor. Each unit combines pre-semester intensive theory and frameworks followed by co-designed practice-based assessment reflecting individual teaching contexts.
Charles Darwin University is ranked #2 in Australia for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024). CDU offers a people-first approach with flexible study options and a supportive learning environment. The university provides unique opportunities for regional and remote placements, and the course is aligned with Higher Education Academy standards, providing clear pathways toward professional fellowship and recognition in tertiary teaching excellence.
Graduates can advance their careers as tertiary educators with formal recognition of teaching excellence. The qualification provides pathways toward Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy and can be credited toward Master's qualifications. Participants gain enhanced competence in university teaching, positioning them for leadership roles in academic development, curriculum design, learning technology implementation, and higher education management.