Overview
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The special education specialisation of the Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies is designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge and values needed to specialise in the teaching of children with special-education needs, or to qualify for appointments as leaders.
You will tackle the challenges of students with special education needs, early language and learning issues, preventing disruptive behaviour, and teaching students with learning difficulties. The Master of Education (Special and Inclusive Education) is recognised by the NSW Department of Education and Training as a formal qualification in special education. Subject to meeting progression requirements in the graduate diploma, you may apply to transfer to the Master of Education (Special and Inclusive Education).
Subject areas
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
What you'll study
Candidates are required to complete a total of 36 credit points (cp), including: 12 cp (2 units of study) of core units; minimum of 18 cp (3 units of study of elective units from the Special and Inclusive Education Units of Study Table. The maximum of 6 cp (1 unit of study) from any specialisation within the Master of Education program.
Admission requirement
Admission to candidature requires: (i) a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification and either the completion of postgraduate studies, or professional experience equivalent to one year full-time in a field considered by the Faculty to be appropriate to the program of study; or (ii) a bachelor's degree and either the Graduate Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Teaching or Master of Teaching from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or (iii) a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification and either the completion of postgraduate studies in Education, or professional experience equivalent to two years full-time in a field considered by the Faculty to be appropriate to the program of study.Career Pathways
The Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies has been designed to further the careers of teaching professionals, educational administrators, researchers and policymakers within specific areas of education practice. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to further their careers as teaching professionals, educational administrators, researchers and policymakers within specific areas of education practice.Domestic students
International students
