Program Overview

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is designed for those with a diploma and at least five years of professional experience, or prior completion of a non-education bachelor degree (AQF level 7). This program covers key areas of early childhood education for ages birth to five years, including building a strong understanding of child development, curriculum, and pedagogical practices.

Program Details

• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time (online only)
• Campus: Brisbane South (Nathan), Online
• Commencing: Trimester 1, 2
• Academic Career: Postgraduate
• Code: 4212
• Credit Points: 80
• Degree Code: 4212
• Cricos Code: E

Fees

• Indicative Annual Tuition Fee: $36,500
• Fee per Credit Point: $456.25
• Tuition Fee: $36,500 (80 credit points)

Entry Requirements

• English Language Requirements:
  • A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
  • OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
  • OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
  • OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
  • OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
  • OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50
• Admission Requirements:
  • A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)
  • A recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent) and five years of relevant work experience
• Inherent Requirements: Inherent requirements are the essential components of a program or course that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge, and skills required to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit.

Program Structure

• Core Modules:
  • Child Development, Families, and Communities
  • History and Philosophy of Early Childhood
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics and Young Children (STEAM and Young Children)
  • Engagement with Young Children
  • Curriculum and Pedagogy in the Early Years
  • Language, Communication, and HPE
  • Supporting Young Children's Pro-Social Behaviour
  • First Australians, Education, and Communities
  • Understanding Autism

Professional Practice

• Working with Children Check (Blue Card): Required for all students before undertaking professional experience placements.
• Professional Experience: 60 days of professional placement commencing week 1.

Accreditation

• The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes communicate to the community the value of the Griffith educational experience as benchmarked against national qualification standards.

Program Director

• Professor Susie Garvis

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be eligible for credit based on your prior study or experience. This may reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your degree. Credit can include prior study undertaken through an accredited education provider or prior experience through professional or life experience.