Major overview
All teachers have a responsibility to understand diversity and teach in ways that are inclusive of all students. Through this course, you’ll gain specialist knowledge in order to assist in negotiating the complexity of supporting students with a diverse range of abilities and backgrounds.
You’ll be able to identify and understand diverse learning needs, as well as develop and implement strategies to enhance learning outcomes for these students. The focus will be on inclusion and diversity – learning in the classroom for all students.
This major is offered in the Graduate Certificate of Education for primary and secondary teachers and educators to upskill in Inclusive Education.
3 reasons to study Inclusive and Special Needs Education at Murdoch University
- Our part-time, on-campus or online options help you fit study into your working life.
- Be mentored by our experienced teaching professionals who are here to support you in becoming a confident, creative and flexible educator.
- You’ll have dedicated Student Success Advisors to help you along your postgraduate journey.
What you’ll learn
- Ways in which diversity can be accommodated and celebrated in the inclusive classroom.
- To identify and understand the diverse characteristics and needs of students with disabilities and students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- To develop and implement evidence-based strategies to enhance learning outcomes for diverse student needs.
- The policies and legislation that support and govern inclusion.
I think if you want to make change, then you need to be looking for places that enable you to show that you care. And Murdoch did that. Murdoch did that for me.
Jason Pitman, Education
Read full student story
Your future career
Murdoch graduates are employed in government and non-government schools and other education related occupations across Australia and throughout the world. This graduate certificate will give you the practical skills and knowledge required to teach diversity, inclusion and special needs education.
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate may apply for admission to the Master of Education (Coursework) and have this accredited towards that qualification.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Start dates (Transnational)
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2, 2026 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 1, 2027 | Murdoch University Dubai, UAE | No | Yes | Yes |
| Trimester 3, 2027 | Murdoch University Dubai, UAE | No | Yes | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.
Graduate Certificate in Education
Are you a primary or high school teacher or an educator looking to upskill in a field of interest? Choose from nine majors and grow your knowledge and confidence of Australia’s contemporary school curriculum and broader educational contexts and practices.
Are you ready to take the next step in your education career? Advance your skills and become and leader with a Master of Education.
Want to take the next step in your education career? Deepen your expertise and become and leader with a Master of Education.