ObjectivesThe course is designed to meet specifically the requirements for accreditation to teach Religious Education in Catholic Schools, in accordance with the existing CECV Accreditation Policy
Entry requirementsBachelor degree or accredited diploma or equivalent
Academic titleGraduate Certificate in Catholic Studies
Course description On completion of the course students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the theological concepts fundamental to the Catholic tradition;
2. demonstrate a critical understanding of the place and use of the Scriptures in the Catholic tradition;
3. demonstrate the key principles and practices associated with teaching Religious Education in a Catholic school;
4. demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the communal, sacramental, liturgical and moral dimensions of the Catholic tradition.
Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies
GradCertCathSt
40 cp
Minimum duration: 2 years part-time
Course available at:
Melbourne, Victoria
Nationally, online (http://www.acu.edu.au/elearning/)
EFTSL value of units: All 10 cp units in this course have an EFTSL value of 0.125. Units with a cp value of a multiple of 10 have corresponding EFTSL values.
1. Requirements for Completion of the Graduate Certificate
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate, a student must complete 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings.
Schedule of Unit Offerings
Unit Code Credit Points Unit Name
EDRE526 10 Introducing Religious Education
THEO562 10 Introducing the Scriptures
THEO563 10 Introducing Theology
THEO564 10 Introducing Church Life
EDRE526 Introducing Religious Education
10 cp
This unit is an introduction to Religious Education and teaching methodologies associated with the discipline. It explores the foundation and purpose of Religious Education in Catholic schools and analyses the philosophical, theological and educational assumptions that underpin various approaches to the teaching of Religious Education. The major focus of this unit is curriculum development and teaching topics in Religious Education.
THEO562 Introducing the Scriptures
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation 2 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
This unit engages students in an introductory exploration of the Bible within its historical and cultural contexts. It introduces students to the principles and processes of Catholic biblical interpretation and provides a foundation for understanding the Scriptures in the life of the Church.
THEO563 Introducing Theology
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation 2 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
In this unit students will be invited to reflect on the human search for meaning and purpose. Within that context they will examine some of the major beliefs of the Christian faith, particularly as those beliefs have been articulated in Catholic tradition.
THEO564 Introducing Church Life
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation 2 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
This unit provides a theological framework to develop a coherent understanding of the Catholic tradition in its communal, sacramental, liturgical and moral dimensions.