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- Diploma of Adult Education
If you’re already a teacher, this course will give you useful insights into becoming an effective leader in education. You’ll learn how to apply for and succeed in academic leadership roles. You’ll gain an understanding of adult learning principles, best teaching practices, teamwork, problem solving and using technology. You’ll also explore adult learning theories and how they relate to the learning environment.
To apply for this course, you need at least 2 years’ teaching experience and a completed Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. You may already be in an educational leadership role or be aiming for one. These roles could include head teacher, discipline lead, faculty manager or other leadership positions within teaching. You might also be a secondary teacher wanting to work in adult education.
This course is unique because it offers a fast-tracked teaching opportunity. Your existing Certificate IV means you can get credit for 4 of the 8 subjects, making this diploma a quicker way to upskill.
You’re likely to get the most out of this course if you’re teaching at the same time that you’re studying. This gives you the opportunity to apply the theories you’ve learned in the classroom and experiment with them in practice. Access to a mentor in your workplace will also aid your learning.
Studying this course will prepare you to excel in education, training and assessment across different settings like TAFE NSW, private organisations and corporate training. It gives you a strong foundation in both theory and practical skills.
You’ll also learn how to mentor and support staff and how to analyse workplace and student issues to find and develop alternative solutions. The course includes a thorough look at adult learning models and how they work in real teaching situations.
A unique part of this course is its focus on social constructivism. This means you learn through social interaction and collaboration, gaining insights not just from course materials but also from your peers. Small classes and tutorials give you personalised support and plenty of chances to engage with other students.
You’ll get the most out of this course if you’re teaching while you study. This way, you can apply the theories you learn straight away and try them out in your own classroom. Having access to a mentor at work will also help your learning.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
design, deliver and assess programs by communicating clearly and using your knowledge and skills to help learners succeed
organise, implement and evaluate your training and assessment, including the use of digital technology
carry out academic research and apply it in real situations, including using adult learning theories to plan, design and deliver training for different learners
explore advanced facilitation and assessment methods such as Humanism, Constructivism and Behaviourism, and apply Universal Design for Learning plus the learning frameworks of Fink, Kolb and Bloom
evaluate learning in different settings like classrooms, workplaces and online, reflecting on and improving programs you or your staff have delivered
solve problems using innovative, critical and creative thinking in academic leadership.
Develop specialist skills to gain an advantage in the job market
Graduate with a higher education Diploma of Adult Education.
Skills and knowledge that are transferable across many industry sectors.
Positive interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills you can apply in the workplace.
The confidence to communicate effectively when teaching adults using a variety of text and media.
The skills and knowledge to solve problems using innovative, critical and creative thinking.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
a Certificate IV Training and Assessment (either TAE40110, TAE40116 or TAE40122), as evidenced by a certified copy of your transcript, and
a minimum of 2 years of experience in teaching Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the last 5 years. This must be evidenced by either a resume or letter from an employer with contact details for verification, and
evidence of professional networks and industry currency in your vocational discipline or the completion of the unit TAEPDD401 - Work Effectively in the VET Sector.
Attend a pre-admission interview where you may also be asked to complete a short literacy and numeracy task - this helps us to understand how we can support your study success and provide you with any necessary support
Your certificates, transcripts and other entry requirement evidence must be certified through a Justice of the Peace or other authorising officer
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
a leadership position as a teacher or be a teacher aspiring to lead a team of teachers
access to other teachers you can mentor
access to students so you can apply your support strategies in real time.
You do not require an ATAR score for entry into this course.
If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for special admission.
Please continue with your application and you will be guided to identify as mature aged (at least 21 years old in your first year of study) or disadvantaged (disability, serious or chronic illness, interrupted education, lack of support for study, serious personal problems and/or serious family responsibilities). Please contact us to find out more.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like: VET teacher, lead teacher of a discipline, head teacher, academic lead and team leader.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Alternative pathways into this course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Adult Education does not have any post-graduate courses.
Strengthen your expertise and expand your employability
The Diploma of Adult Education does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you’re successful you’ll achieve your qualification faster.
If you have a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment plus evidence of 2 years of experience in teaching Vocational Education and Training (VET), you may apply for credit for the following subjects:
AEDEL106A - Working in Adult Education
AEDEL104A - Teaching Adults
AEDSN104A - Assessment Fundamentals
AEDEL105A - Work Placement
Please note that beyond these 4 subjects, no further Recognition of Prior Learning will be granted.
Completion of this course requires you to successfully complete 8 subjects (80 credit points) made up of 6 core subjects and 2 elective subjects.
Please note, not all subjects are offered at every TAFE NSW location, every semester. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the subjects offered at that location.
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community