Diploma in Education Studies (Early Childhood) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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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

60.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

1 year 1 year 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.
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 2024 fees (A$)

A$4,439 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP

QTAC code

015631 ^

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
Program structure
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

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Student profile

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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.

Program 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)

Headstart Program - Year 11 or 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 USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Previous qualifications or 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.

I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

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.

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
Gain first year credit towards a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Become qualified to work in childcare
#1 in Queensland for teaching, student support and overall experience Good Universities Guide 2023
Kathy Pitt

Student story

“I am first in my family to attend and now graduate from university – something I never imagined was possible.”
Kathy Pitt Graduate
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.

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