Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages Education (Stream A)

The Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages Education (Stream A) is designed for people who are already qualified to teach in Australian schools but do not have qualifications in teaching Languages Other Than English (LOTE) and wish to obtain an initial formal qualification in the specialisation of LOTE.

In combination with an approved initial teaching qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages Education (Stream A) is recognised as an approved course of study for appointment and promotion to tagged positions within the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development).

Completing the Graduate Certificate will fulfil the first half of the requirements for the Master of Modern Languages Education (Stream A).

The course aims to upgrade and/or retrain teachers in Modern Languages Education in the primary, secondary and adult education sectors. More specifically, it is intended that graduates should be able to:

• identify the principles and approaches to teaching and learning Modern Languages Education;
• understand and apply current Modern Languages Education methodologies;
• apply strategies for recognising students requiring Modern Languages Education tuition and analyse their learning needs;
• understand the nature and form of the English or target language;
• demonstrate competence in the management of Modern Languages Education programs and resources which are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

There are four compulsory subjects.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an undergraduate degree and a fourth-year level education qualification, or
– a four-year education degree, or equivalent;
and
• either
– a major study in a language other than English; or
– an equivalent level of proficiency in a language other than English.
In addition, applicants for Stream A are required to be eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• the degree of proficiency in a language other than English; and for applicants for Stream A
• eligibility for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.

Note.
• Successful completion of a major in the language other than English is a requirement for LOTE teacher accreditation in Victoria.
• Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream A) or the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream B) may be eligible to progress to the Master of Modern Languages (Stream A) or Master of Modern Languages (Stream B), respectively, with 50 points credit.
• Students who discontinue from the Master of Modern Languages (Stream A) or the Master of Modern Languages (Stream B), but have successfully completed the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream A) or the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream B), respectively, will be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate as an exit award.

The Melbourne Graduate School of Education welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Graduate School policy to take reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Graduate School’s programs.
The core participation requirements for study in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education are:

In all courses

1. The ability to comprehend complex information related to education and the disciplines in which the student is teaching.
2. The ability to communicate clearly and independently in assessment tasks a knowledge of the content, principles and practices relating to education and other relevant disciplines.
3. Behavioural and social attributes that enable a student to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel a disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact Disability Liaison.

Graduates may progress to a range of other graduate coursework programs.

Completing the Postgraduate Certificate will fulfil the first half of the requirements for the Master of Modern Languages Education (Stream A).

In combination with an approved initial teaching qualification, the Postgraduate Certificate in Modern Languages Education (Stream A) is recognised as an approved course of study for appointment and promotion to tagged positions within the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development).