
Whether you are a current or aspiring educational leader the Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership is ideal if you are seeking professional development and advanced learning to support your career in educational leadership. You will develop the knowledge and skills to navigate social complexities and shape positive learning outcomes for students and their communities, required of educational leaders. This course provides a pathway into the Master of Educational Leadership.
The Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership will suit educational leaders in schools and educational settings, seeking career advancement and specialised educational leadership, underpinned by research-informed initiatives and pedagogy. This course is aligned with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Professional Standards for Principals.
During your course, you will examine the responsibilities of educational leaders and their role in effectively managing change and seeking opportunities to innovate. You will develop an advanced understanding and critical knowledge of creating and maintaining professional learning communities including community engagement, negotiation and managing competing interests. You will explore, critique and apply contemporary leadership ideas and strategies to promote advocacy, facilitate change initiatives and evaluate educational performance against relevant educational policies and frameworks.
Delivered entirely online, you will benefit from a hyperflexible delivery meaning you can study at your own pace, access your learning material anytime, and tailor your learning to an educational context of your choosing. Whether you choose to study full-time and complete the Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership in 12 months, or part-time at a pace that fits your needs, you'll be supported by a dedicated academic staff member.
A recommended study sequence allows students to satisfy the Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership and pathway into the Master of Educational Leadership. Each unit is made up of approximately three modules which can each be studied as a standalone microcredential within a professional learning context.
Discover more about your self-paced online educational leadership degree, including industry relevant skills and the option to start anytime. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

The course allows me some perspective on how leadership operates within the school that I'm currently at, and the different requirements of those roles, as opposed to being a classroom teacher. It causes you to think beyond the scope of your current position.
Ben Waddell
Master of Educational Leadership
The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership together with relevant practical leadership experience may enhance employment opportunities in leadership roles in schools and other educational contexts. Graduates have specialised knowledge and skills in educational leadership. The course enables the development of professional and research skills to work productively with teams, communities and stakeholders to enhance organisational curriculum and pedagogical capacity and wellbeing. Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership units may be used as evidence of continuing professional development and/or to support career advancement. On completion of the course units, students may enrol in the Master of Educational Leadership
This course is offered fully online in hyperflexible format, meaning you can apply to start anytime.
Designed for maximum flexibility, this course is entirely self-paced and 100% online. Access your course content on any device, anytime.
You must complete four units (24 credits):
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies.
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one year for a Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place and should be used as a guide only. For a graduate certificate, this usually comprises of four units. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and the number of units you complete in the 12 month period. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage.
Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.
You may be eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay their tuition fees. Provided you meet the FEE-HELP eligibility criteria, you can choose to use FEE-HELP to cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Learn more about paying for university or view the FEE-HELP information booklet on the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.
There may be additional costs as part of your studies, such as technology expenses. Learn more about other study costs.
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.
Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.
CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073