Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching

VU course code: EGBL | Level of study: Postgraduate

Duration

1 year full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

Hybrid, Online Self-Paced

Fees

Fee type for this course: Full fee

Location

Footscray Park, Online Self-Paced

Applications closed

Young man at a desk in a modern classroom shows a smiling woman in glasses something on a laptop

Overview

Learn to deliver tertiary courses through an effective modern method with the Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching at Victoria University.

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 diploma is designed for 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.

During your study, you will discover a range of practical approaches to learning, teaching and assessment in the successful VU Block Model and other block modes 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 Diploma in Block Teaching will demonstrate your teaching-related capabilities when applying for positions, in alignment with the Advance (HEA) Fellowship.

We also offer a Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching, that lets you progress into the diploma with credit points.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Critically analyse a range of theoretical educational literature to develop an understanding of best practice in tertiary education;

Interpret current practice in tertiary education and its application to block and intensive modes of teaching in order to create transformative learning experiences;

Interrogate pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning using student feedback, student work, peer review and current literature to evaluate and lead continuous improvement and innovation in block teaching and learning practice;

Design and implement a range of assessment strategies to support student success that are informed by current educational theory, relevant pedagogical literature and research into how students learn;

Initiate, plan, implement and evaluate a range of high engagement teaching strategies to optimise student engagement within block and intensive modes of teaching;

Generate structured and scaffolded learning environments that are conducive to block delivery; developed and designed to meet the needs of diverse student cohorts.
: We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, which builds a degree program from units studied in sequential blocks, across all undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
In the model, students complete one unit at a time, then move to the next. The block is characterised by three half-day teaching sessions per week, delivered in small classes rather than large lecture halls. Assessments are completed within each block.
All students take part in complementary activities, which reflect their needs according to year level.
So far, the VU Block Model has delivered exceptional results, with pass rates and academic achievements such as high distinctions up across the board. The model has won awards for innovation and excellence.
: Teachers and lecturers at Victoria University are uniquely qualified to address this subject, with deep understanding of intensive teaching methods built on practical experience and scholarly research.
We apply this expertise to the curriculum, delivering a useful, targeted and practical course that puts into practice the techniques covered in the theory. This gives you a direct demonstration of the block model in action, and ensures that you graduate with relevant, applicable knowledge and teaching techniques.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

For PhD applicants, we offer a related ‘Integrated PhD’ which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

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

48 credit points of core studies 48 credit points of elective units

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

The Graduate Diploma 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 diploma 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.

VU stories

Enhancing tertiary teaching

Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education (offered to staff)

"The qualification has provided me with a professional understanding and theoretical appreciation of teaching principles, and how they impact on the important transition between the classroom and the real world."

Carlo's story