Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching

Block teaching is an approach to teaching and learning where students complete one unit at a time over a period of 4 weeks before beginning a new unit. There are no lectures in this model, and classes are typically small and highly engaging.

This postgraduate teaching certificate is designed for all educators at schools, universities, TAFE, and other tertiary institutions. By undertaking this course in a high-engagement and immersive model of instruction, you will extend your skillset and career options.

The course introduces practical approaches to teaching and assessment in the VU Block Model and will examine other modes of block delivery around the world. You will gain essential high-engagement teaching techniques and curriculum-design understanding for both in-person and online course delivery using these methods.

Learning in workshops and through carefully curated online self-paced activities, you will explore many approaches to this pioneering tertiary education model. You will develop and enhance your teaching skills in context, via a strong inquiry-led approach.

Successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching will demonstrate your teaching capabilities when applying for positions, in alignment with the Advance (HEA) Fellowship.

To expand your skills further, you can progress to the Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching, with credit points.

The Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching is designed to enhance your teaching practice and open new career opportunities for those working in tertiary education. It is designed to support:

• university lecturers
• tertiary tutors
• TAFE and vocational teachers
• professionals in adult education.

The teaching certificate is also recommended for professional university staff who would like to better understand the complexities of block and intensive teaching, and improve high-engagement teaching activities.

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching, students will be required to complete 96 credit points consisting of:

• 36 credit points of core studies
• 12 credit points of elective studies

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
• Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.