Graduate Diploma
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is an academic, practice-based profession that promotes healthy early childhood development. ECEC strengthens families and communities by enhancing children’s cognitive and social-emotional skills while supporting the workforce participation of parents and caregivers.
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is a one-year course designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of early childhood development, pedagogy, curriculum, and the ethical and legislative requirements of the profession. You will also develop critical thinking, reflective practice, and continuous professional development skills.
You will be introduced to the profession of early childhood teaching through an integrated curriculum that combines direct practice with theory, leadership, and advocacy, within a contemporary, play-based, and holistic approach. Field education placements will provide opportunities for experiential learning, allowing you to apply and develop theoretical knowledge across various early childhood teaching settings. Classroom activities, online tasks, and field practicums will help you connect theory to practice and apply your learning effectively.
As an AE student based in the heart of Australia’s most vibrant cities, you join a diverse and friendly community of practice. You will benefit from plenty of opportunities to make lifelong friends, network, and grow as a global professional.
To be admitted to the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, you must have an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
English Requirements
If you have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a country other than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, or the Republic of Ireland, you must meet one of the following minimum English language requirements:
Please click here to download Admissions Policy for Overseas Students and Admissions Procedure for Overseas Students (HE and VET).
Occupational titles for you with this qualification may include:
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is conducted over three trimesters, with units taught concurrently within each trimester and dedigated time to complete your placement. The course is designed to be completed within one year of full-time study. You will need to complete two separate field education placements at an approved early childhood service, totaling 60 days of supervised professional experience.
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, you are required to complete 8 units (48 credit points) as outlined below.
You will study 2–3 units per trimester, with most on-campus units (except placement units) consisting of two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorials per week. Additionally, you should allocate seven hours of personal study per unit each week.
For on-campus & online option, in Trimester 1, you will attend campus one day per week. However, during the placement period in Trimester 2 and 3, you will be required to commit additional days as per the placement schedule. For fully online option, you will be required to attend your placement face-to-face in Trimester 2 and 3.
All online units are self-paced.