The one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) program is open to degree holders from any discipline. It blends design thinking, educational innovation, and reflective practice to offer a transformative pathway into the teaching profession. The course also responds to Sarawak’s development goals by addressing the growing demand for flexible, future-focused education pathways.
In support of this initiative, representatives from Swinburne Sarawak recently initiated discussions with Puan Sharifah Fariah, the Head of Division (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD). MEITD has expressed its support for the program, acknowledging its relevance and potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Sarawak and beyond.
“What sets this program apart is its foundation in design thinking,” said Prof. Dr. Brian Wong, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Design and Arts. “By embedding creative problem-solving into every aspect of the curriculum, we are preparing future teachers to think critically, lead innovatively, and respond effectively to the complexities of today’s classrooms,” he added.
The Graduate Diploma of Education is distinguished by its design-school DNA, where design thinking is embedded across all units, encouraging students to become adaptive and creative problem-solvers. With a carousel structure comprising four 10-week terms per year and multiple intake points (March, May, August, and October), the program offers the flexibility to study full-time or part-time. Learning is delivered in a multimodal format – face-to-face, live online, and asynchronously – allowing learners to manage their learning according to individual needs.
A key feature of the program is the mentor-rich practicum, which provides hands-on experience in schools alongside a campus-based micro practicum, ensuring learners engage with real-world teaching from the outset. Reflective practice is embedded throughout the program via a structured journal, fostering continuous personal and professional development. Learners can also tailor their experience through elective specialisations in STEM (Math or Science), English, or Assessment, aligning with current educational demands.
Graduates will be prepared for diverse career paths, including primary and secondary school teaching, curriculum development, instructional design, education consulting, e-learning content creation, and roles such as inclusion specialist, learning support professional, or teacher educator.
The first intake is scheduled for October 2025, with ongoing intakes offered in March, May, August, and October each year. Applications are now open.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), LinkedIn page (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus), X page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak), YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak), or Xiaohongshu page (@SwinburneSwk).