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Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood)

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An education graduate stands in front of a building , she is smiling at he camera

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July, September, October

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Online
    Online students may be required to attend on-campus workshops during some of the units.

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    GradDipEd(EC)

  • Course code

    1107425

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

    Learn more

  • Indicative fee

    Commonwealth supported

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, June, August, October

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

Early childhood education is an immensely satisfying career and a precious opportunity to give children the very best start in life.

Within 10 months, our Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) will qualify you to be an early childhood teacher to work in early childhood education and care services, long day care centres, and preschools.

Our course covers key areas of early childhood education and care, theory, principles and practices that best support children’s learning and development. Admission into the course is via an undergraduate degree in any discipline, including a teaching qualification. 

This course includes 60 days (480 hours) professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements website, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Jack Fiedler, Education graduate and primary school teacher stands in a park in front of a picnic table that has kids backpacks on it

“I feel fortunate to be their teacher. They are at an age when their personalities are really emerging. They have such humour and curiosity. You can have a joke with them, yet at the same time they are serious about wanting to learn. They are respectful too. We respect each other.”

Jack Fiedler Education graduate and primary school teacher

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Exercise critical analysis, problem solving, and decision making in Early Childhood educational based practice

Demonstrate application of advanced knowledge and current research in relation to Early Childhood education practice

GA2: Creativity

Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate a knowledge of social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with what is expected of an Early Childhood professional working in a learning community with all stakeholders

Demonstrate an awareness of the need for student safety and support within professional frameworks

Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the education profession

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate advanced integrated knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood teaching and relevant curriculum framework

Demonstrate an evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective Early Childhood educational practice

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate an advanced ability to communicate and interpret evidence based research which inform professional decision making

Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills applicable in professional educational settings

GA7: Cultural competence

Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contexts

Identify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement and behaviour including diverse groups of learners such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, migrants and students from non- English speaking backgrounds

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of inclusion and diverse learning needs

Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self

Students undertake 60 days (480 hours) of professional placement during this course in two environments — a preschool setting and an infant and toddler setting.

Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, including Working with Children Check, as detailed on the Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements page, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. Preparatory coursework components must be completed prior to the commencement of placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

The major areas of study include theories of learning and development, principles and practices of early childhood education and care, key issues in the early childhood education and care field including social justice, diversity and equity, working with families, investigating different early childhood educational models around the world and applying knowledge, skills and capabilities in professional experience.

Note: International EAP 2 students can progress to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) with an equivalent of IELTS 6.5

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)102984F
MelbourneTerm  1, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)115298K
PerthTerm  1, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)115298K
SydneyTerm  1, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)115298K

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities arising from this course include:

  • Early childhood teacher in preschool and long day care (child care) settings
  • Family day care educator
  • Early childhood services.

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

This course qualifies early childhood teachers to teach in settings for children aged from birth to five years.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Academic admission requirements

To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants meet the following course specific admission requirements:

  • completed a bachelor degree (AQF 7) or equivalent; or
  • a completed Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (AQF5 or above), and a minimum of five years relevant work experience (undertaken within the last seven years) in an Australian early childhood education setting with related leadership responsibilities.

English Language admission requirements

To meet the minimum English language requirements for this course the applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. have completed approved qualifications where language of instruction was English as outlined in Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 2 Section 2; or
  2. have achieved within two (2) years of the proposed course start date, an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.5 in the International English Language Test System (IELTS) test or approved equivalent.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.5
Reading6.5
Writing6.5
Listening6.5
Speaking6.5

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:
    • 8 core units (96 credit points); and
    • 2 professional experience units (0 credit points).
Professional Experience Learning
 
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements website, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. Preparatory coursework components must be completed prior to the commencement of placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
 
Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points).
 

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Accepting your offerHow to enrol in your unitsShared Majors

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsLevel of learningNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

TCHR5001Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education
Summer Term
Term1,4
12Introductory
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,4
Summer Term
Term1,4
Melbourne
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Summer Term
Term1,4
Summer Term
Term1,4
Perth
Term1,4
Term1,4
Sydney
Term1,4
Term1,4
TCHR5003Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
Term1,3,5
12Intermediate
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Melbourne
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Perth
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Sydney
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
TCHR2003Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood
Term1,2,3,4
12Intermediate
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,2,3
Term1,2,3
Melbourne
Term1,2,4
Term1,2,4
Online
Term1,2,3,4
Term1,2,3,4
Perth
Term2,4
Term2,4
Sydney
Term1,2,4
Term1,2,4
TCHR2002Children, Families and Communities
Term2,3,5
12Intermediate
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Melbourne
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Online
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Perth
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Sydney
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
TCHR6008Professional Experience: Early Childhood I
Dual Term2,3
0Intermediate Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
MelbourneN/A
Dual Term2,3
Online
Dual Term2,3
Dual Term2,3
PerthN/A
Dual Term2,3
SydneyN/A
Dual Term2,3
Co-requisitesTCHR5010 - Theory to Practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
Anti-requisitesTCHR6004 - Professional Experience in Early Childhood Education I: Pre-schoolers
Enrolment informationStudents enrol by the date specified by the Professional Experience Team to ensure a placement can be arranged. All students are required to meet participation requirements including compulsory attendance at the residential, either online or face to face. Students are to provide evidence of compliance for all placement requirements prior to attending professional placement. Full details are available at: www.scu.edu.au/education/education-profession/professional-experience/
TCHR5010Theory to Practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
Term2,3
12Introductory
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Melbourne
Term2,3
Term2,3
Online
Term2,3
Term2,3
Perth
Term2,3
Term2,3
Sydney
Term2,3
Term2,3
Co-requisitesTCHR6008 - Professional Experience: Early Childhood I
Anti-requisitesTCHR6004 - Professional Experience in Early Childhood Education I: Pre-schoolers
Enrolment informationStudents must enrol prior to Week 1. This unit provides intensive workshops which begin on day 1 of teaching and assessment aligned with the Early Childhood Placement.
TCHR3004Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood
Term1,4,5
12Advanced
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Melbourne
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4,5
Term1,4,5
Perth
Term1,4
Term1,4
Sydney
Term1,4
Term1,4
TCHR3001Early Childhood Matters
Term1,3,4
12Advanced
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
Melbourne
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
Online
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
Perth
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
Sydney
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
TCHR5009Theory to practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers
Term3,5
12Intermediate
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Melbourne
Term3,5
Term3,5
Online
Term3,5
Term3,5
Perth
Term3,5
Term3,5
Sydney
Term3,5
Term3,5
Co-requisitesTCHR6011 - Professional Experience: Early Childhood II
Anti-requisitesTCHR6001 - Professional Experience in Early Childhood Education II: Infants and Toddlers
Enrolment informationStudents MUST enrol prior to Week 1. This unit provides intensive workshops which begin on day 1 of teaching and assessment aligned with the Early Childhood Placement.
TCHR6011Professional Experience: Early Childhood II
Dual Term3,4
0Intermediate Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
MelbourneN/A
Dual Term3,4
Online
Dual Term3,4
Dual Term3,4
PerthN/A
Dual Term3,4
SydneyN/A
Dual Term3,4
Co-requisitesTCHR5009 - Theory to practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers
Anti-requisitesTCHR6001 - Professional Experience in Early Childhood Education II: Infants and Toddlers
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet participation requirements including compulsory attendance at the residential, either online or face to face. Students enrol by the date specified by the Professional Experience Team to ensure a placement can be arranged. Students are to provide evidence of compliance for all placement requirements prior to attending professional placement. Full details are available at: www.scu.edu.au/education/education-profession/professional-experience/


Note 1:

This unit involves a professional experience placement.

Unit CodeUnit TitleLevel of learningNotes
TCHR5001Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood EducationIntroductory
TCHR3001Early Childhood MattersAdvanced
TCHR2003Curriculum Studies in Early ChildhoodIntermediate
TCHR5003Principles and Practices in Early Childhood EducationIntermediate
TCHR2002Children, Families and CommunitiesIntermediate
TCHR3004Leadership and Advocacy in Early ChildhoodAdvanced
TCHR5009Theory to practice: Education and Care for Infants and ToddlersIntermediate
TCHR6008Professional Experience: Early Childhood IIntermediate Note 1
TCHR6011Professional Experience: Early Childhood IIIntermediate Note 1
TCHR5010Theory to Practice: Competency and Capability of PreschoolersIntroductory

Why Education at SCU

5-star rating

5-star rating for postgraduate overall experience, student support, skills development and teaching quality in Education and Training

(GUG 2023)

Higher starting salary

Graduates have a higher starting salary than national average in Teacher Education

(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2019)

Graduate employment

90% of graduates employed within four months of completing their course

(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2019)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

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International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

Melbourne

Perth

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Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

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Entry Pathway

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