American University in Dubai

What you'll study

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching combines theoretical foundations of education with practical classroom experience. The programme typically covers core areas such as curriculum design, assessment, classroom management, educational psychology and inclusive education, along with subject-specific pedagogy aligned to international and UAE school contexts.

• Curriculum and Instruction: principles of curriculum development, lesson planning, standards-based teaching and alignment with learning outcomes.
• Educational Psychology and Learning Theory: child and adolescent development, learning processes, motivation and behaviour in the classroom.
• Assessment and Evaluation: formative and summative assessment design, use of data to inform instruction and reporting to stakeholders.
• Classroom Management and Professional Practice: strategies for creating positive learning environments, behaviour management and classroom organisation.
• Inclusive Education and SEN: differentiation, adapting instruction for diverse learners, and collaboration with support services.
• Subject-Specific Pedagogy: teaching methods and resources for primary or secondary subjects (participants typically focus on a particular subject area or key stage).
• Practicum / Student Teaching: supervised school-based placement in UAE schools or international settings, combining observation, co-teaching and independent teaching with mentor feedback.

Assessment methods commonly include lesson plans and micro-teaching, reflective portfolios, written assignments and projects, and evaluation of professional performance during the practicum.

Entry requirements

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline; degrees in education or subject areas relevant to intended teaching specialism are welcomed.
• Satisfactory academic standing in prior study as demonstrated by official transcripts.
• Prior teaching experience or related work experience is advantageous but not always required; some applicants may be expected to demonstrate commitment to a teaching career through references or a personal statement.
• English language proficiency is required for applicants whose prior degree was not taught in English; this may be demonstrated via recognised tests or institutional proof of prior study in English.
• Admission may involve an interview, submission of a personal statement outlining motivation and goals, and at least one academic or professional reference. A background check or clearance for working with children is usually required before placement in schools.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching progress into a range of roles within the education sector. The most common pathway is entry into classroom teaching positions across primary and secondary schools, including international and private schools in the UAE and region. Other typical career outcomes include roles as subject specialists, teaching assistants moving into certified teacher roles, curriculum coordinators, learning support practitioners and assessment specialists.

With further experience or additional certification, graduates may move into leadership positions such as year-level or department heads, or into areas like educational consultancy, teacher training, curriculum development and educational policy. The programme also provides a foundation for those wishing to pursue a master’s degree in education or related fields.

Why study at American University in Dubai

• Internationally focused campus: AUD serves a diverse student body and prepares teachers for multicultural classrooms common in UAE and international schools.
• Practical, UAE-relevant experience: the programme includes school-based practicum in local and international school settings, giving hands-on experience with UAE curricula and regulatory expectations.
• Experienced faculty: instructors typically include practising educators and academic staff with regional knowledge of schooling systems, assessment practices and classroom management in diverse contexts.
• Professional connections: AUD’s relationships with local schools and education stakeholders support placement opportunities and links to the regional job market.
• Facilities and support: students benefit from campus teaching resources, academic advising, and career services that assist with job search and interview preparation for teaching positions.