100% Online
100% Online
Learning Mode
Postgraduate
Qualification
12 months full-time
Duration
Jan, Apr, Jul, Sept
Start Dates
4
Units
$6,670*
Fees Per Unit
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 Early Childhood 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 projected to rise by 21% between 2026 – 2028. 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 course is not offered to students intending to teach in South Australia (SA) or New South Wales (NSW), as it does not currently meet state-based qualification requirements.
This course is not available to international students.
‘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
As a Early Childhood Teacher, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 21.6% increase expected in the next five years. (SEEK 2026)
Our postgraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.
Our postgraduate education courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.
To be awarded the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching you must complete 4 double credit units: 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
Applicants are required to meet both of the following minimum entry requirements:
Want to discuss your eligibility for the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
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.
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.
Applicants are required to meet both of the following minimum entry requirements:
Want to discuss your eligibility for the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
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.
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.
*Note: Unit fees may change each year.
FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.
There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.
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.
Services & amenities fee:
For more details on scholarships and financial support, speak with our Course Consultant team today!
Let’s take a look at the range of early childhood and leadership roles you can pursue with a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (average annual salaries via SEEK):
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.
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.
Oversee daily operations, staff, and compliance. Childcare Centre Managers also lead educational programming, manage recruitment and professional development, to ensure WHS/safety standards, handle financial/administrative records, and maintain family relationships.
Oversee daily operations, staff, and compliance. Childcare Centre Managers also lead educational programming, manage recruitment and professional development, to ensure WHS/safety standards, handle financial/administrative records, and maintain family relationships.
Be responsible for operational centre management (supporting the Centre Director) and pedagogical leadership (guiding curriculum, staff development, and quality standards).
Be responsible for operational centre management (supporting the Centre Director) and pedagogical leadership (guiding curriculum, staff development, and quality standards).
Oversee the development, implementation, and quality assurance of early childhood education curricula. Early Learning Program Coordinators also mentor educators, ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), manage staff rosters, and engage with families.
Oversee the development, implementation, and quality assurance of early childhood education curricula. Early Learning Program Coordinators also mentor educators, ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), manage staff rosters, and engage with families.
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching provides the opportunity for growth, graduating with valued accreditations while shaping the development of young children.
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.
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!
You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.
You’ll have access to:
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People!
Support available includes:
Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.
Download a course guide
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.
