The RIDBC Renwick Centre offers a range of postgraduate degrees, either on-site, or through distance education. Award programs can be tailored to focus on hearing impairment or vision impairment.

All degrees are awards of the University of Newcastle, Australia . Students enrol through the University and must meet its criteria for admission and progression. A limited number of scholarships are also available through the University of Newcastle.

Program descriptions are provided below, together with links to The University of Newcastle e-handbook.

The 2012 RIDBC Renwick Centre Student Handbook (PDF 698KB) details the course, programs and student facilities of the RIDBC Renwick Centre.

Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Sensory Disabilities Specialisation)

Entry requirements: Candidates must hold at least a Diploma of Teaching or other equivalent qualification. Persons with alternative qualifications are encouraged to contact RIDBC Renwick Centre for more information.

Course structure: In order to qualify for this award, candidates must complete 40 units of course work in Special Education from a specified range detailed at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/11008.html .

Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Sign Bilingual Education, Listening and Spoken Language and DHH Early Intervention Specialisations)

Entry requirements: These specialisations are intended for qualified teachers of the deaf, speech pathologists, audiologists or other professionals with relevant postgraduate qualifications.

Course structure: In order to qualify for this award, candidates must complete 40 units of course work in Special Education from a specified range detailed at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/11008.html .

Master of Special Education - Specialising in Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Vision Impaired or Sensory Disability

Entry requirements: Candidates must hold the degree of Bachelor of Education or a Bachelors degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (e.g. BA, DipEd) or equivalent qualifications. Two years of teaching or other relevant professional experience in education is highly recommended. Candidates who do not meet the normal entry requirements may qualify for entry by completing a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies as preliminary studies.

Course structure: In order to qualify for the award, candidates must complete 80 units of course work in Special Education from a specified range detailed at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/10936.html .

You can also study a higher degree by research, in particular a Master of Philosophy or a Doctor of Philosophy:

Master of Philosophy

This research degree is for students who have completed a Bachelors degree in Education or equivalent degree. The degree of Master of Philosophy is awarded for a significant contribution to the field as exemplified by a program of advanced study leading to the submission of a thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is a highly specialised research degree for students planning a career in research or higher education. The degree is awarded for an original and significant contribution of merit achieved through a program of advanced study as described in a thesis.

More information about research degrees offered through the University of Newcastle.

All courses at the RIDBC Renwick Centre are now offered in distance education mode.

The Master of Special Education and the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies may be completed through distance education. Courses offered through distance education are delivered through online resources and communication tools, campus conferences and some posted materials.

For successful completion of your program through distance education, access to a computer and the Internet is essential.

Posted materials may include CDs or DVDS. The online component may include reading lists, lecture notes, references to web sites, and discussion board activities. Campus conferences may be scheduled for a block of two, three or four days during a semester.

To view the delivery options for each course, view the 2012 RIDBC Renwick Centre Timetable (PDF 344KB) [last update: December, 2011].

The RIDBC Renwick Centre tries to schedule campus conferences during NSW/ACT school holidays and on weekends but it may be necessary to schedule outside of these times.

Maximum opportunity will be provided during campus conferences for access to support from the RIDBC Renwick Centre Rydge Family Library, RIDBC Renwick Centre Staff, and specialist staff from the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.

Location:
361-365 North Rocks Road, North Rocks, Australia

Mail:
Private Bag 29, Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia

Postgraduate Study and General Enquiries:

• E-mail: renwickenq@ridbc.org.au
• Phone / TTY: (02) 9872 0303
• Fax: (02) 9873 1614

Continuing Professional Education:

• E-mail: mailcpe@ridbc.org.au
• Phone: (02) 9872 0302
• Fax: (02) 9872 0824

Accommodation Officer:

Information about King House covers bookings, costs, forms and the facilities available for those requiring accommodation.

• E-mail: king.house@ridbc.org.au
• Phone (Mon, Tue, Wed): (02) 9872 0373
• Phone (Thu, Fri): (02) 9872 0303
• Fax: (02) 9872 0824

Library:

The library's hours are 9 am - 5 pm daily. Extended hours to 8 pm on Wednesdays during semester.
These hours may be subject to change.
The Library is closed on weekends and public holidays.

• E-mail: renwick.library@ridbc.org.au
• Phone: (02) 9872 0285
• Fax: (02) 9872 0809

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