Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Sp Ed, Inc & Erly Intv)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Special Education, Inclusion & Early Intervention) is aimed at providing training to teachers and practitioners in understanding the learning and programming needs of children and students with disabilities enrolled in regular schools and preschools. The subjects and their content address current international, national and state philosophies and practices in inclusion, special education and early intervention and the cirteria and competencies established by the Council of Exceptional Children (an international professional association for special educators).

The course is offered on a part-time basis over one year.

Students completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Special Education, Inclusion & Early Intervention) will be able to:

• Deepen their knowledge and extend their understanding in the general area of educational thought and practice;
• Acquire a substantial understanding of relevant theory and practice in particular areas of education pertinent to the specialisation program in their course;
• Improve their ability to present carefully reasoned and appropriately documented positons on matters of educational significance related to their chosen subjects;
• Be acquainted with the range of expert writing and research on particular topics in the field of education;
• Apply to the resolution of practical situations in areas of education related to their studies, principles for action based on pertinent writings and research;
• Be eligible under particular specified conditions for employment in designated positions with the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and in other school authorities and in Early Childhood Intervention programs funded by Human Services Victoria Have an ongoing interest in the study and practice of inclusive education;
• Establish a sound basis for further studies in education at doctoral level.

An applicant may be eligible for entry into the Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Special Education, Inclusion & Early Intervention) if the applicant has:

• completed an approved degree and an approved teaching qualification or equivalent;
• completed an approved four-year teaching degree or equivalent; or
• completed an approved equivalent qualification which is recognised by the Faculty as evidence of adequate preparation for the course and has a record of professional or teaching experience in a field and at a level acceptable to the Faculty.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability