Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood)

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 Outcomes

1. Exercise critical analysis, problem solving, and decision making in Early Childhood educational based practice.
2. Demonstrate application of advanced knowledge and current research in relation to Early Childhood education practice.
3. Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories.
4. 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.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the need for student safety and support within professional frameworks.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the education profession.
7. Demonstrate advanced integrated knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood teaching and relevant curriculum framework.
8. Demonstrate an evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective Early Childhood educational practice.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice.
10. Demonstrate an advanced ability to communicate and interpret evidence based research which inform professional decision making.
11. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills applicable in professional educational settings.
12. Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contexts.
13. 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.
14. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of inclusion and diverse learning needs.
15. Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self.

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

In just one year, our Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) will allow you to become a fully qualified early childhood teacher in a preschool, or an educator within the family day care or traditional day care system.

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 three-year teaching qualification.

This course includes professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings, schools, and community sites. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, 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.

Recommended study pattern

TBC

Award requirements

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).

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 points

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

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Indicative total fee $3,984

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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35

1. Applications for admission to candidature in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) may be selected where they can demonstrate academic or professional standing considered by the School Board or Course Coordinator .
   1. completed a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher at this University or another higher education provider; or
   2. equivalent professional experience as determined by the relevant Associate Dean (Education).
2. To meet the minimum English language requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:
   1. have completed senior secondary study equivalent of Australian Year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
      1. the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Schedule A of the and
      2. the language of instruction was English;
   2. or achieved a minimum test score within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
      1. International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 6.5, including a minimum result of 6.5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing; or
      2. International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

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:

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Reading: 6.5
• Writing: 6.5
• Listening: 6.5
• Speaking: 6.5

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

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.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to contact your Course Coordinator or Student Access & Inclusion to discuss.