Diploma in Education Studies (Early Childhood)
Do you love spending time with young children? This Diploma teaches skills and knowledge needed to work with children from ages 0-5, as they engage in prior-to-school contexts. Learn how to guide children’s learning and development, and how to contribute to their sense of self and wellbeing.
In this program you will:
- Develop skills needed for employment in childcare, long day care or kindergarten settings
- Learn how to design creative, intentional teaching practices using language, play and cooperation
- Learn about child development; care and nutrition for babies, toddlers and children; and working with families, including First Nations peoples
- Complete 35 days of professional experience placement
Location
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSPQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
Career opportunities
- Childcare
- Family day care coordinator
- Long day care
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Delivery mode
-
- Online with mandatory onsite requirements
- Total courses
- 9
- Total units
- 96
- Duration
- 1 year 1 year
- UniSC program code
- ED101
- Program coordinator
Required courses (9) 96 units
EDU101 Human Development and Learning
EDU103 Teaching with Technology
EDU109 Professional Experience: Play and Pedagogy in Early Learning
EDU110 Engagement and Behaviour in Early Learning
EDU115 Creative Expression and Play through the Arts
EDU116 Introduction to Diverse Learning Contexts(6 units)
EDU117 Introduction to Inclusive Practice(6 units)
EDU118 Foundations of Numeracy
EDU119 English Language and Literacy
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Online | 60.00 |
Additional entry information
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent.
Proficiency in the English language is required for entry to all programs and courses. Any international or domestic applicant from a non-English speaking background must satisfy the University's standard and program specific English language requirements.
- To graduate with the Diploma of Education Studies (Early Childhood) requires successful completion of 96 units. The course design includes seven courses each with a 12-unit value, and two courses each with a 6-unit value
- There are 35 days of Professional Experience (PEx) included in Diploma of Education Studies (Early Childhood). The student is responsible for maintaining a current Blue Card to complete the required PEx days
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods, that may include essays, quizzes, seminar presentations and reports
- The Study Overseas Program is not currently available to students in the Diploma of Education Studies (Early Childhood)
- Cross institutional study is not permitted for the Diploma in Education Studies (Early Childhood)
- It is the students' responsibility to enrol correctly and be aware of the academic calendar dates and the dates scheduled for the Professional Experience (PEx)
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning your remaining courses
-
It is no longer a requirement that students in Diploma in Education Studies (Early Childhood) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your placement.
UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
Credit precedents
- On successful completion of the Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) you will receive 84 units* of credit towards UniSC's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). (*Note: you must also meet all entry requirements for the program)
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$4,439 - 2024 Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Online | 015631 |
Student story
“I am first in my family to attend and now graduate from university – something I never imagined was possible.”
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
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