- 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
- External
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 4,624
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Are you aiming for a career shift into early childhood education? If you have an undergraduate degree in any field and are keen to make a difference in this rewarding profession, UniSQ can help you become qualified with the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
- Gain the skills to support child development, implement effective programs, create safe and inclusive learning environments, and engage professionally with families and communities.
- Learn from qualified academics who bring real-world industry insight and a genuine passion for contemporary education, while taking the time to provide you with the support you need.
- Turn your experience into credit towards your degree - at UniSQ, we believe pivotal learning happens in the workplace, which is why we have a strong focus on recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you have a diploma with at least 5 years relevant workplace experience in a leadership position in early childhood education we provide recognition of this prior learning as a pathway to gaining this qualification.
- Put your learnings into practice with 60 days of professional experience, including 20 days with children aged 3-5 years, 10 days with children aged from birth to 35 months, and 30 days with children before they start formal schooling or another approved context.
A really personal experience
I couldn’t imagine the same opportunities anywhere else. UniSQ offers a really personal experience.
Fraser
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you may find work as a qualified early childhood teacher in early learning centres, preschools, long day care, kindergartens or as an educator within a family day care of traditional day care setting.
Professional accreditation
This degree is an approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Degree requirements
You will also gain practical experience during the following placements:
- 20 days with children aged 3 -5 years (Kindergarten)
- 10 days with children aged from birth to 35 months
- 30 days with children before they start formal schooling or another approved context.
Other study options
At UniSQ, we support busy, modern learners wanting to start or progress in their careers. Whatever your goals, we offer flexible study options such as opportunities to upskill without committing to a full degree.
Discover UniSQ’s industry-driven short courses.
This Graduate Diploma does not lead to teaching in primary or secondary schools and graduates are not eligible to apply for teacher registration in Queensland. For more information about the qualifications required to teach in schools, please refer to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or the Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any discipline, including a three-year education degree, from a recognised tertiary institution
or - a relevant diploma and a minimum of five years' of documented, relevant work experience in a leadership position in an early childhood setting (e.g. Activity Group Leader, Head Teacher, Centre Director, Educational Leader, Group Leader).
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet these requirements throughout your studies.
Some childcare centres may require evidence of vaccination prior to undertaking professional experience at the site.
State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, are required to hold a current Positive Exemption Card (Blue Card) or hold a valid Working with Children Check. Students in other Australian states or in overseas contexts need to ensure they have complied with the equivalent requirements and have registered the details with the UniSQ Education Placement Office.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
Placement courses may incur some additional costs, including uniform and equipment, transport to and from venues and, in some instances, living expenses, particularly for placements in rural and remote settings
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 8 September | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
The duration of a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (or equivalent) will vary depending on the education provider you choose.
At UniSQ, our Education and Teaching Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will take you approximately one year to complete. Some students choose to study part-time, which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses.
You will have many opportunities to put theory into practice when studying a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood.
At UniSQ, you will gain practical, hands-on experience during your professional experience placement, including 20 days with children aged 3-5 years, 10 days with children aged from birth to 35 months, and 30 days with children before they start school.
The entry requirements for an undergraduate Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood and Education will vary depending on the learning provider you choose to study with.
At UniSQ, to gain entry into our Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you need:
- to have completed an undergraduate degree (including a three-year education degree) from a recognised tertiary institution.
or - a relevant diploma and a minimum of five years’ of relevant work experience in a leadership position in an early childhood setting.
For more information on entry requirements, please view the entry requirements section of this page.
Do you still have questions about our Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education courses? Get in touch with one of our iconnect support staff to talk through your options.
With a focus on workplace learning and a strong focus on recognition of prior learning, you can become a qualified early childhood teacher with UniSQ within 12 months.
After you have completed your Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (also known as a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching), you can enjoy career opportunities in learning centres, preschools, long day care, kindergartens, and family day care.
At UniSQ you can study our Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood and Care externally, allowing you to learn some of your subject theory online and complete practical experience in person when required. We’ve been delivering distance education for over 40 years, so you can be sure that you are learning your degree from the experts in online education.
Discover more about the different ways you can study at UniSQ.
