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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.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

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

Play a crucial role in the development of young children, typically from birth to age five, by providing care, education, and a nurturing environment. They work in various settings, and are responsible for planning and implementing play-based learning programs.

Play a crucial role in the development of young children, typically from birth to age five, by providing care, education, and a nurturing environment. They work in various settings, and are responsible for planning and implementing play-based learning programs.

~$95,000 Average Salary

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills, typically aged three to six, in the years before they start formal schooling. Create a play-based learning environment, nurturing children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through various activities and interactions.

Help pre-primary school children develop social, emotional and physical skills, typically aged three to six, in the years before they start formal schooling. Create a play-based learning environment, nurturing children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through various activities and interactions.

$65,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Lead and manage an early learning center, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and nurturing environment for children. This role involves overseeing daily operations, curriculum development, staff management, and compliance with regulations.

Lead and manage an early learning center, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and nurturing environment for children. This role involves overseeing daily operations, curriculum development, staff management, and compliance with regulations.

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.

Indigenous Student Services

Access opportunities. Get tailored support with your studies. Thrive as an Indigenous student with the team at the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People. Established in 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) handles all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne. This includes governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture and engagement. Student services include but are not limited to:

    • Dedicated student support services
    • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP)
    • Cultural and engagement programs
    • Networking opportunities, career support and much more

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.