Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor, graduate certificate or diploma, or bachelor with honours qualification, or overseas equivalent, or 3 years of full-time relevant professional experience.
Entry is based on a bachelor, graduate certificate or diploma, or bachelor with honours qualification, or overseas equivalent, or 3 years of full-time relevant professional experience. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
There is a close connection between how the brain works and how we learn. As a result, neuroscience and education are becoming increasingly intertwined, and employers are looking for graduates with skills and knowledge in both areas.
UNE’s Graduate Diploma of Neuroscience and Education, designed by our leading experts and researchers, places you at the centre of human physiology's fastest-growing field and its increasingly crucial role in education.
Whether you're new to either or both fields, or have prior knowledge or experience, our flexible postgraduate course allows you to tailor your program to the topics and areas that interest you most.
Why study the Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience and Education with UNE?
Are you interested in how the human brain works? Would you like to apply this knowledge to education?
This postgraduate course is ideal if you want to delve into the inner workings of the brain and how it shapes behaviour, while gaining a wide range of transferable skills in contemporary education practices and processes.
There are many students who choose this course because they are interested in studying this field, but are not quite ready or interested in our Master's program. If you still wish to gain a recognised and well-rounded education that prepares you for both professional and personal success, this course is for you.
You will study a course designed by education and neuroscience experts at UNE. The course provides an authentic grounding in neuroscience, rather than an adaptation of neuroscience into the field of education.
What makes our course different?
In this flexible course, you will:
- Receive a solid grounding in neuroscience and apply that learning to your chosen specialisation in education (Special Education, Educational Psychology or Educational Leadership)
- Find out how people learn, think, make mistakes, what happens in the brain during those processes, and how research and remediation can take place in multidisciplinary education settings
- Sharpen your skills and knowledge in a variety of contemporary research methods
- Discover how neuroanatomy and cellular function affect human behaviour during an educational experience
- Examine neuroscientific research in a variety of educational contexts to address today's most pressing educational issues
- Use your skills and knowledge straight away, or pursue a higher degree, such as our Diploma or Master's-level program
- Create your own study program based on your interests and professional goals
- Take advantage of advanced standing on the units you have already completed as you progress to our master's level qualification
- Alongside all of this, you will develop advanced critical thinking, research and communication skills.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under four admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed a Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule D: You have a minimum of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience and training undertaken in the past ten years.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Science
- Medicine
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Education
- Health
- Counselling
- Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.
† Relevant professional experience and training must be in one or more of the relevant disciplines above, and include experience in areas of human behaviour and remediation.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rules A, B or C, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule D, you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 6 credit points of Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted under Rules B or C you can apply for up to 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course Entry Advanced Standing
If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
This course is offered under four admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have a minimum of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience and training undertaken in the past ten years.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule D: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Science
- Medicine
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Education
- Health
- Counselling
- Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.
† Relevant professional experience and training must be in one or more of the relevant disciplines above, and include experience in areas of human behaviour and remediation.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rules A, B or C, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule D, you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 6 credit points of Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted under Rules B or C you can apply for up to 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course Entry Advanced Standing
If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points, with 24 credit points in Neuroscience and 24 credit points in Education units at the 500-level.
48 credit points
6 credit points
Complete the following unit;- A Walk Through the Brain (NEUR530) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units- Neurobiology (NEUR531) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiology of Developmental, Anxiety and Cognitive Disorders (NEUR534) – 6 credit points
- Clinical Neuroscience (NEUR535) – 6 credit points
- Understanding and Changing Human Behaviour (NEUR537) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiological Bases of Autism (NEUR539) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiology and Treatment of Depression (NEUR540) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders (NEUR542) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from one specialisation;18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units;- Issues in Inclusive Education: International Perspectives (EDSP505) – 6 credit points
- Positive Behavioural Support (Special and Inclusive Education) (EDSP552) – 6 credit points
- Autism: Evidence Based Intervention (EDSP554) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units;- Leadership for Learning (EDAL516) – 6 credit points
- Applying Leadership Mindsets (EDAL517) – 6 credit points
- Leadership for Learning Analysis (EDAL518) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units;- Motivational Theories of Learning (EDLT518) – 6 credit points
- Instructional Designs and Cognitive Theories of Learning (EDLT516) – 6 credit points
- Educational Psychology in the School: Theories and Applied Practices (EDLT517) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
24 credit points
Candidates admitted under Rule (d) shall be granted advanced standing for NEUR530 and 18 credit points of Listed Units as specified in the Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education.18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units;- Neurobiology (NEUR531) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiology of Developmental, Anxiety and Cognitive Disorders (NEUR534) – 6 credit points
- Clinical Neuroscience (NEUR535) – 6 credit points
- Understanding and Changing Human Behaviour (NEUR537) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiological Bases of Autism (NEUR539) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiology and Treatment of Depression (NEUR540) – 6 credit points
- Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders (NEUR542) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from one specialisation;6 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from following units;- Issues in Inclusive Education: International Perspectives (EDSP505) – 6 credit points
- Positive Behavioural Support (Special and Inclusive Education) (EDSP552) – 6 credit points
- Autism: Evidence Based Intervention (EDSP554) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from following units;- Leadership for Learning (EDAL516) – 6 credit points
- Applying Leadership Mindsets (EDAL517) – 6 credit points
- Leadership for Learning Analysis (EDAL518) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from following units;- Motivational Theories of Learning (EDLT518) – 6 credit points
- Instructional Designs and Cognitive Theories of Learning (EDLT516) – 6 credit points
- Educational Psychology in the School: Theories and Applied Practices (EDLT517) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $21,352* |
| International | $28,762* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $8,928* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Neuroscience and education are diverse fields that are rapidly growing. Both disciplines go hand- in- hand, and now more than ever, they are becoming increasingly important in educational settings. With a postgraduate neuroscience and education qualification from UNE, you'll be able to understand how the brain works, why certain behaviours occur, and how to help people change.
You could consider opportunities in the following settings, based on your other qualifications:
- teaching
- teaching support
- special education
- educational leadership
- educational psychology
- research
- policy development in the public or private sectors.
Adapt to the rapidly changing world of health and biomedical science with our Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience and Education. You’ll graduate with job-ready skills, a specialist understanding of highly topical fields, and the opportunity to continue your studies to our Master’s-level qualification, with advanced standing for the units you’ve already completed.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate, through their own study and practice, advanced knowledge of neuroanatomy, cellular function within the human brain, and how these may impinge upon a range of human behaviour within educational settings;
- utilise cognitive and communication skills, tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of professionals working in an educational settings;
- demonstrate a well-developed ability to use creativity and judgement in analysing neurobiological processes as they relate to human behaviour in education, and to focus those abilities to everyday issues in education;
- demonstrate postgraduate-level skills analysing information and evaluating evidence based practice/research drawn from a range of sources, reports, organisations and data sets within educational settings;
- demonstrate and apply an advanced ability to critically evaluate and formulate proposals for undertaking research regarding neurological processes in educational settings; and
- demonstrate a preparedness to pursue a specialised knowledge and understanding to enhance professional skills and research in the general field of educational neuroscience.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have an advanced knowledge of human neuroscience and education through the learning and teaching activities associated with each unit and interaction with the unit coordinators, in lectures and tutorials, online activities and discussion board. Students will be assessed using assignments, individual projects and research reports.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have advanced cognitive and communication skills related to human neuroscientific and educational activities acquired through written assignments and reports, oral presentations and participation in online activities and discussion boards.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will have advanced problem solving skills in many aspects of research and neuroscience and education. All units teach and assess problem-solving skills.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be able to commence the process of analysing and evaluating information about neuroscience and education from a range of sources, using a range of technologies. Students are required to demonstrate information literacy in assessment tasks for all units.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will have a postgraduate-level understanding of the social, cultural and ethical issues related to collection and dissemination of information about neuroscience and education. Social responsibility and professional practice is embedded in the course content.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have postgraduate-level skills required to supplement their knowledge and to keep abreast of any changes in the field of neuroscience and education.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have initial skills and knowledge in the general field of neuroscience and education. They will be able to work with intellectual independence, and to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team member with colleagues and students. Working in a group environment is an essential component of the course and in provision of expert advice in the fields of neuroscience and education.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
