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
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.
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$4,624 - 2025 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
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.