Swinburne launches Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET) to upskill Australia's vocational educators

Swinburne is setting a new benchmark for professional development in Vocational Education and Training (VET) as the first dual sector university to offer a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET).

Available from Semester 1 2026, the GCLT (VET) provides a unique pathway for educators to move confidently across both vocational and higher education without needing separate credentials.

The AQF Level 8 qualification builds on the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, supporting eligibility for professional registration and salary advancement. It also gives experienced higher education educators the opportunity to transition into VET teaching roles.

“We are proud to support lifelong learning at Swinburne,” said Madelyn Bolch, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive (Vocational Education and Training).

“The new Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET) brings together competency-based training and real-world experience to provide a meaningful course that can foster career progression for our vocational educators and create a pathway for those looking to transition into VET teaching roles.”

By bridging the gap between VET and higher education, Swinburne is leading the way in driving multi-sector harmonisation and supporting Australia’s vocational educators to forge their own individual pathway to success. This is a key part of Swinburne’s Ad Astra_2030 strategy, which aims to create tailored, innovative credentials for a future-ready workforce.

“The new GCLT (VET) is an important step in preparing all our educators, especially those currently in VET, to tackle the challenges of a changing vocational education sector,” says Professor Llew Mann, Pro Vice-Chancellor Educational Innovation at Swinburne. 

“Its introduction enables a more consistent approach to teaching across our vocational and higher education courses, and supports educators’ professional registration and career advancement.” 

Educators will learn how to develop curriculum for a diverse range of delivery modes and will complete 200 hours of practicum.

This course is offered part-time across one year and students must complete 4 units of study to the value of 50 credit points. Applications for the Semester 1 2026 intake close 13 February 2026.

How to enrol

Educators ready to further their teaching career can apply online.

Find out more in the course handbook.