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Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching

Help nurture a dynamic learning environment for young learners.

  • Join an industry with an expected job growth of 21.6% by 2030
  • Gain professional experience through a workplace-based internship
  • Delve into early childhood education, focusing on practical teaching techniques, child development, and contemporary pedagogical practices
  • Accredited by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

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12 months full-time

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Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct

Start Dates

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4

Units

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$6,420*

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OVERVIEW

Play a pivotal role in the development of young children.

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is a one-year postgraduate qualification which will provide you the pathway to become a qualified teacher with an expert understanding in educational theory and pedagogical practices to make a difference to children’s lives and your early childhood employer services.

The demand for early childhood teachers and job roles are predicted to rise strongly from 47,900 to 56,200 by 2025. With strong employability prospects and a growing demand for early childhood teachers, there has never been a better time to elevate or discover your passion in childhood education.

This innovative and accelerated early childhood teacher qualification helps overcome the typical barriers to undertaking an early childhood teaching qualification through a workplace-based internship model with alternative setting experience. For every unit you undertake, you will arrange a classroom placement, and have real-world opportunities to teach literacy, numeracy, creative arts and sciences while addressing the specific learning needs of children within early childhood services.

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching is professionally accredited with ACECQA and Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Please check with your state’s early childhood teacher registration body for reciprocal arrangements which exist in other states/territories.

This is not offered to students residing in South Australia (SA) due to AITSL accreditation requirements.

This course not available to international students.

Key Learnings Include

  • Learning Environment Management Techniques: Learn practical, age-appropriate techniques that help nurture a positive and dynamic learning environment for babies and young learners aged 0–5 years.
  • Practical Skills for Early Childhood Teaching: Apply early-childhood specific learning techniques in group learning contexts, preparing dynamic lesson plans that harness the education potential of play and creativity.
  • Curriculum Planning: Create learning activities to engage students and develop their skills.
  • Child Behaviour: Understand why children display different behaviours and learn how to best approach them.
  • Health & Activity: Explore a range of issues surrounding children’s health, nutrition and safety.
  • Twenty-First Century Teaching: Embrace the role of being a teacher in an era of rapid change.

Professional accreditations

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

21.6% ▴

As a Kindergarten Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 21.6% increase expected in the next five years.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online Education graduate

21.6% ▴

As a Kindergarten Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 21.6% increase expected in the next five years.

Our undergraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching you must complete 4 double-credit units:

  • 4 Core Units

What you'll study:

 

Child Growth, Health and Wellbeing

Child Play with Literacy and Creative Pedagogy

Child Play with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Professionalism with Family, Community and Industry

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Students must have successfully completed an Australian Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or recognised ungraded 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.

Additional requirements

All enrolled students must maintain a current Working with Children Check from the appropriate State Authority.

A Police Check may also be required by a school prior to a placement.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $6,420*.
  • There are 4 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs:

The Fraser Foundation scholarship

The Fraser Foundation offers scholarships to help all students achieve their full potential in the field of Early Childhood Education. They are awarded to people from all backgrounds and study areas and are not just for high academic achievers.

In order to be eligible for a scholarship with The Fraser Foundation you must (include but not limited to):

  • have a passion for and commitment to education and early childhood learning
  • have enrolled or intend to enrol as a full-time or part-time student in an approved Australian course of early childhood education
  • commitment to completing your chosen course/degree
  • be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
  • can show/prove a genuine need for support or assistance (for example financial hardship, vulnerability, ATSI or rural or remote location etc)
  • be 17 years of age or older.

Victorian Government scholarships

The Victorian Government is now offering scholarships to encourage early childhood teachers throughout the state through the Early Childhood Scholarship Program. Students applying for an approved qualification may be eligible to receive up to $12,000 towards an early childhood graduate diploma.

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching) (average annual salaries via SEEK):

$90,000 Average Salary

Work with children between two and five years of age to promote their learning and development.

Work with children between two and five years of age to promote their learning and development.

$95,000 Average Salary

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills.

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills.

$65,000 - $95,000 Average Salary

Develop the curriculum, set policies and oversee daily operations of an early childhood centre.

Develop the curriculum, set policies and oversee daily operations of an early childhood centre.

Prepare for a career the right way.

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching provides the opportunity for growth, graduating with valued accreditations while shaping the development of young children.

  • Hands-On Experience: The workplace-based internship ensures that you are job-ready, with hands-on experience and the ability to apply theory directly in real-world settings.
  • Transferable Skills: Develop advanced knowledge in child development, practical teaching strategies, and essential communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Pathway to Leadership: The qualification supports progression into senior positions, including curriculum development and leadership within early childhood education settings.
  • Quality Experience: The degree has received a five-star rating for overall experience, skills development, student support, and teaching quality.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

 

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Your online classroom - Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Education degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.