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 (GA).

Course Learning Outcomes

1. 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.
2. GA2: Creativity: Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. GA5: Lifelong learning: Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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

In 12 months (1 year), our Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) will effectively prepare you to work in early childhood education and care settings, long day care centres, kindergartens, 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, 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 and care setting with related leadership responsibilities.

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) offers a direct pathway to the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood), facilitating advanced education opportunities.

This course includes 60 days professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education and care settings. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on the 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 consistently demonstrated.

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.

Choose your subjects

Majors

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.

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).

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,627

The amounts shown here are 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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

Explore SCU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

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.

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.

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.

Students undertake 60 days (480 hours) of professional placement during this course in two environments — a preschool setting and an infant and toddler setting. Students are responsible for travel to attend placements, which may not always be within their local area.

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.

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.