Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Academic admission requirements
To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must meet the University’s standard minimum admission requirements for postgraduate courses:
• completed a bachelor degree (AQF 7) or equivalent; or
• equivalent work experience as determined by the Faculty.
An applicant will also be eligible for entry into this course if they meet the following course specific admission requirements:
• a completed Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (AQF5 or above) or equivalent, and a minimum of five years relevant work experience (undertaken within the last seven years) in an 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:
a) have completed approved qualifications where language of instruction was English as outlined in Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 2 Section 2; or
b) 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.
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 Score | 6.5 |
| Reading | 6.5 |
| Writing | 6.5 |
| Listening | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 6.5 |
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
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
Online students may be required to attend on-campus workshops during some of the units.
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 | $29,400 ($3,675 per unit) | 102984F |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 | $29,400 ($3,675 per unit) | N/A |
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. | |||
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
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.
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.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCHR5001 | Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education | ||||
| TCHR3001 | Early Childhood Matters | ||||
| TCHR2003 | Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood | ||||
| TCHR5003 | Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education | ||||
| TCHR2002 | Children, Families and Communities | ||||
| TCHR3004 | Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood | ||||
| TCHR5009 | Theory to practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers | ||||
| TCHR6008 | Professional Experience: Early Childhood I | Note 1 | |||
| TCHR6011 | Professional Experience: Early Childhood II | Note 1 | |||
| TCHR5010 | Theory to Practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers | ||||
| Note 1: | This unit involves a professional experience placement. |
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 application of advanced knowledge and current research in relation to Early Childhood education 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 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 |
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 |
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 Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills applicable in professional educational settings |
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 |
A variety of assessment methods are included in this course. Scenario analysis, professional portfolio development, critical thinking and workplace development during professional experience placements.
Students learn in an interactive online environment with plenty of flexibility to accommodate the competing commitments of busy professionals. There may be compulsory attendance requirements in some units. Units are delivered online. Units include innovative and appropriate use of technology to support student learning, and to ensure regular engagement with academics and fellow students. Learning is facilitated by highly-qualified and supportive academics. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The methods of teaching vary from unit to unit.
Please note: This course is delivered online and students may be required to attend on-campus workshops during some of the units.
Career opportunities arising from this course include:
Students undertake 60 days 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 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.
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.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.