Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education - VU Brisbane

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Launch a rewarding and in-demand pre-school teaching career, with VU's one-year Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Our graduate diploma allows graduates of degree programs to become early-childhood teachers. With the current 3-year-old kindergarten expansion in Victoria, this course places you in an excellent position to apply for work as a kinder teacher.

In recognition of the requirements for the delivery of education to international students in Australia, all course delivery will require some form of face-to-face learning at VU Brisbane from Semester 1, 2024.

Key information

Course code: EGEC
CRICOS code: 113431D
Duration: 2 semesters of study
Fees (2024): A$15,500 per semester (scholarship available
Intakes: 19 February, 29 April, 29 July, 30 September

Overview

This course is tailored to applicants with an undergraduate qualification in a discipline other than early childhood. If you hold an early childhood teaching degree and you're looking to advance your career, we recommend upskilling to a four year degree by applying for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership.

You'll study units focused on children from birth to five years, learning how teaching practice can include children and families as capable participants in education.

You'll also gain hands-on work experience in a range of settings, including childcare and kindergartens, graduating with expertise in early-childhood learning built on a strong sense of social justice.

Gain insight into the early years by studying these fascinating areas:

  • child development
  • teaching practice that includes Aboriginal perspectives
  • education and curriculum studies focused on childhood and relationships
  • family and community contexts
  • advocacy and activism in early-childhood settings
  • history and philosophy of early childhood
  • ethical early-childhood professional practice.

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education is recognised as the equivalent of a four-year degree. 

Commonwealth supported places in 2024

Fees are heavily subsidised and HECS-HELP loans available for eligible students in 2024. 

Apply now or register your interest - there's never been a better time to study!

Course structure

To attain the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education students will be required to complete:

  • 96 credit points of Core units and
  • the '0' credit point unit ECE 6013 Professional Practice 2.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent).

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from countries other than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland will be required to complete IELTS: Overall 7.0 with Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7.5.

OR the following scores that serve as equivalent scores for the IELTS:

  • ISPLR: Overall (3+) L (4), R (3+), W (3+), S (4)
  • TOEFL: Overall (94), L (27), R (21), W (24), S (24)
  • PTE: Overall (65-72), L (73), R (58), W (58), S (73)

Applicants with a minimum of 3 year bachelor's degree from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland will not be required to complete IELTS.

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Credit for skills & past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for credit (advanced standing).

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Careers

Childcare job openings are expecting massive growth (ACECQA).

Thanks to the essential experience you’ll get from teaching early-childhood settings during your placement, you’ll be work-ready when you graduate.

With an ACECQA approved early-childhood teacher qualification, our graduates can find employment in:

  • public or private kindergartens (preschool)
  • long-day-care centres
  • early-childhood centres in the state of Victoria, Australia.

This course is ACECQA accredited and is recognised by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) for teaching registration in Victoria and by the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA).

Salaries

Check the Labour Market Insights website to find the average salary for early-childhood teachers.

VU stories

A flexible education
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50113, Bachelor of Education, Master of Education
"VU offers a lot of hands-on practical experience in the teaching profession. I've been able to build my professional networks. "
Sam's story

How to apply

1. Talk to us – Call  +61 2 8265 3222

A conversation with one of our Student Enrolment Advisors will reassure you that you meet all the application requirements of the online course.

2. Prepare your documents

To complete your application, you will need to submit:

  • certified copies of your academic transcript/s or certificate/s of completion
  • a copy of your current CV that includes your current Position Description (PD)
  • supporting letter from your employer outlining your duties, responsibilities and duration of your employment/volunteer work.

3. Submit your application.

Apply online directly via our Admissions Centre.

You will receive an email to confirm your application and advise whether you need to provide any additional information.