Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Delivered fully online in flexible mode, the course is the first step on a pathway to becoming a fully qualified early childhood teacher. Successful completion of this certificate provides guaranteed entry and up to four units of advanced standing into the ACECQA approved Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood).
Students choosing the professional placement elective will complete professional experience learning in an early childcare setting. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, including a Working with Children Check, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Delivered fully online in flexible mode, the course is the first step on a pathway to becoming a fully qualified early childhood teacher. Successful completion of this certificate provides guaranteed entry and up to four units of advanced standing into the ACECQA approved Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood).
Students choosing the professional placement elective will complete professional experience learning in an early childcare setting. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, including a Working with Children Check, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
A three (3) year bachelor qualification or equivalent work experience.
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Listening | minimum 6.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.0 |
| Writing | minimum 6.0 |
In addition to studying core units, students will choose to undertake the Professional Experience pathway or the Elective pathway.
The Professional Experience pathway includes a 30 day professional experience placement in an approved early childhood setting completed together with the relevant Theory to Practice unit.
The Elective pathway allows students to choose one elective unit of study from a range of early childhood unit options.
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Online | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
International students
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
1. To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising:
2. Permission to undertake a professional experience placement requires meeting all academic and non-academic requirements as stipulated by the University and relevant accreditation bodies.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Units | |||||
| Select three (3) units from the following: | |||||
| TCHR5001 | Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education | ||||
| TCHR5003 | Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education | ||||
| TCHR2003 | Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood | ||||
| TCHR3001 | Early Childhood Matters | ||||
| TCHR2002 | Children, Families and Communities | ||||
| TCHR3004 | Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood | ||||
Electives | |||||
| Students who select a Professional Experience unit must complete two (2) electives. | |||||
| Select one (1) unit from the following: | |||||
| EDUC3024 | Education and the Environment: More than Human | Note 2 | |||
| TCHR6007 | Creative Arts for Early Childhood Education | Note 2 | |||
| TCHR6006 | Health, Wellbeing and the Environment in Early Childhood Education | Note 2 | |||
| OR | |||||
| Select two (2) units from the following: | |||||
| TCHR5010 | Theory to Practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers | ||||
| TCHR6008 | Professional Experience: Early Childhood I | Note 1 | |||
| OR | |||||
| Select two (2) units from the following: | |||||
| TCHR5009 | Theory to practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers | ||||
| TCHR6011 | Professional Experience: Early Childhood II | Note 1 | |||
| Note 1: | This unit includes a 30 day professional experience placement in an approved early childhood setting and must be completed together with the relevant Theory to Practice unit. Students will undertake 240 hours of supervised placement (30 days over 6 weeks). |
| Note 2: | This unit is NOT offered in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCHR5001 | Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education | ||||
| TCHR3001 | Early Childhood Matters | ||||
| TCHR5003 | Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education | ||||
| TCHR2002 | Children, Families and Communities | ||||
| TCHR2003 | Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood | ||||
| TCHR3004 | Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood | ||||
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
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.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Exercise critical analysis, problem solving, and decision making in Early Childhood educational based practice |
Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories |
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 evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective Early Childhood educational practice |
Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice |
Demonstrate an advanced ability to communicate and interpret evidence based research which inform professional decision making |
Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contexts |
A variety of assessment methods are included in this course including scenario analysis, professional portfolio development, critical thinking and workplace development.
Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
This course is ideal for graduates from any discipline looking to enter the early childhood sector. Successful completion of this course provides guaranteed entry and four units of advanced standing into the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood).
Students who choose to complete Professional Experience pathway will undertake professional experience learning via field education. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, including a Working with Children Check, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
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Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.