Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education

Lead change. Inspire innovation. Strengthen education.

Entry requirements

Key information

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Bachelor degree or a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and have 5+ years' of full-time professional work experience

See entry requirements Download brochure

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July (part-time only)

Annual Fees

2026 : $4,738 (CSP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online plus placement/intensive

Practical experience

Available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study Leadership in Education at Flinders?

This flexible, research-informed program empowers educators and policy makers to develop the strategic, relational, and leadership skills needed to drive inclusive and contextually responsive change across schools and education systems.

Lead change in diverse educational settings

Learn to inspire others, manage teams, and create meaningful impact across classrooms, schools, and broader education environments.

Boost your career and study options

Strengthen your leadership capabilities with a qualification that also provides a pathway into a Master of Education.

Engage with the latest leadership research

Explore current leadership literature, policies, and practices, and apply evidence-based approaches to your own context.

Apply learning directly in your workplace

Apply learning directly in your workplace Put theory into practice as you study, embedding new leadership strategies in your real-world professional environment.

What you will study

Build future-focused leadership skills with topics shaped by today’s education challenges. Explore leadership in diverse contexts while developing practical skills in innovation, people development and organisational change.

Course handbook

Topics

Your topics might include:

Leadership in rural, regional and remote contexts
Leadership in education
Developing people
Managing innovation

Your career

Advance your education career. Gain the skills and confidence to step into leadership roles across schools, policy, administration, and community organisations.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary

$120,000^*

Expected salary

$115,000^*

Expected salary

$150,000^*

Expected salary

$70,000^*

Expected salary

$98,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary

$120,000^*

Expected salary

$115,000^*

Expected salary

$150,000^*

Expected salary

$70,000^*

Expected salary

$98,000^*

Potential employers

Department for Education
Independent and Catholic school sectors
Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers
Universities and higher education institutions
Policy and research institutes
Education-focused non-government organisations

Practical experience

Apply leadership strategies directly in your workplace while developing the skills to inspire and manage change in education.

Explore case studies grounded in real-world education contexts

Reflect on your own leadership practice and workplace challenges

Develop solutions you can implement immediately in your professional setting

Connect with industry

Connect with leaders and organisations across the education sector. Flinders has strong links with schools, policy bodies, and community education providers. With opportunities to apply your learning directly in your workplace and engage with peers from diverse settings, you’ll graduate ready to lead and make an impact in a range of education contexts - urban, regional, public, or independent.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Financial support - eligible students an receive significant financial assistance, such as government subsidies and scholarships, reducing the cost of the degree.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment*.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

Flinders University is ranked No. 1 in South Australia in Education & Training for learner engagement, learning resources, overall educational experience, student support and teaching quality***.

^{*QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal **Source: Jobs and Skills Australia 2023 employment projections to May 2033

***The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)}

Get inspired

Explore Leadership in Education at Flinders.

Cherie Dawkins

Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education

Mais Abuserdaneh

Master of Education

James Mingorance

Master of Education

I loved my time at Flinders and the connections I made.

This degree is strongly supporting my current role and aligned perfectly with my career goals.

The teaching staff are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students.

I loved my time at Flinders and the connections I made.

This degree is strongly supporting my current role and aligned perfectly with my career goals.

The teaching staff are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students.

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Professor Gretchen Geng

Course Coordinator

See full profile

Professor Gretchen Geng leads as Professor in Innovative Education Futures at Flinders University. She brings over a decade of senior leadership in higher education - at Australian Catholic University, RMIT, Beijing Foreign Studies University and more - and a deep international reputation for work on digital play, XR learning, and early childhood innovation. Her “Playful Reading” framework has already supported tens of thousands of teachers across Southeast Asia and reflects her commitment to transforming learning through technology, creativity and inclusion.

Dr Steve Corrie

Lecturer

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Dr Steve Corrie is Course Coordinator and Strategic Development Co-ordinator (Education) at Flinders University. With more than 28 years’ experience across primary, secondary and tertiary education, Steve draws on his background as a teacher, school leader and principal to support educators in developing culturally responsive and impactful leadership practices.

Entry requirements

To apply, you’ll need a bachelor degree (or equivalent) plus at least two years of relevant work experience. If you don’t quite meet these requirements but have significant professional experience, you may still be considered.

Take the next step: from Graduate Certificate to Master Degree

When you complete the Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education, you’ve already taken the first step towards a Master of Education or Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education. Your completed topics count directly toward the Master’s degree, meaning you can continue your studies and graduate with a full Master’s qualification when you’re ready. Use your Graduate Certificate as the foundation for higher qualifications and further career opportunities.

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What will I learn in the Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education?

You’ll develop advanced leadership skills in education, including strategic thinking, change management, and the ability to lead diverse teams in schools, universities, and training settings.

Can I study the Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education online?

Yes, the course is delivered 100% online with flexible study options, so you can balance professional and personal commitments while building your leadership expertise.

What career opportunities are available after completing this degree?

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as principal, deputy principal, education coordinator, training manager, and policy advisor across schools, higher education, and government.

Can the Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education lead to further study?

Yes, successful completion can provide credit towards a Master of Education, giving you the option to continue building your leadership qualifications.

What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education?

You’ll need a bachelor degree (or equivalent) and at least two years of relevant work experience. Applicants with extensive professional experience may also be considered.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.