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Learning Mode
Postgraduate
Qualification
12 months full-time
Duration
Jan, Apr, Jul, Sept
Start Dates
4
Units
$6,670*
Fees Per Unit
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching is a one-year postgraduate qualification designed for experienced early childhood educators who want to become qualified early childhood teachers.
This is an accelerated qualification that enables you to arrange a classroom placement for every unit you undertake, giving you real-world opportunities to teach literacy, numeracy, creative arts and sciences while addressing the specific learning needs of children within early childhood services.
Through this graduate diploma, you’ll develop expertise in child development and wellbeing, play-based and creative learning, STEM in early childhood, and professional practice – with workplace-based placement experience built into the course.
Can I become a registered early childhood teacher after completing this course?
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching is professionally accredited with the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
If you plan to teach outside Victoria, you’ll have to check with your local registration body, as reciprocal registration arrangements may vary by state or territory.
How you’ll study
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.
Learning Environment Management Techniques: Learn practical, age-appropriate techniques that help nurture a positive and dynamic learning environment for babies and young learners aged 0–5 years.
Child Behaviour: Understand why children display different behaviours and learn how to best approach them.
Practical Skills for Early Childhood Teaching: Apply early-childhood specific learning techniques in group learning contexts, preparing dynamic lesson plans that harness the education potential of play and creativity.
Curriculum Planning: Create learning activities to engage students and develop their skills.
‘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 an Early Childhood Teacher, you’ll join a career with a 3.9 satisfaction rating (SEEK), seen as rewarding and truly inspiring.
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 the four (4) double credit units below:
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 Consultants 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!
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 for childhood education. Here’s what you could do and what you might earn (Average annual salaries via SEEK 2026):
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.
Hands-On Experience: Put theory into practice through a workplace-based internship and develop real-world skills before you graduate.
Transferable Skills: Develop advanced knowledge in child development, practical teaching strategies, and essential communication and interpersonal skills.
Pathway to Leadership: The qualification supports progression into senior positions, including curriculum development and leadership within early childhood education settings.
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 Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime!
What you’ll use Canvas for:
Think of the Student Hub as your online campus where you will be able to:
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.
