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

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Diploma in Education Studies (Primary)

Want to work in primary schools? This Diploma teaches the skills and knowledge needed to work with primary school-aged children as a teacher aide, learning support officer or in after-school care. In the process, you’ll learn how to develop positive relationships that promote children’s sense of agency, safety and wellbeing.

In this program you will:

  • Develop specialised knowledge and skills for employment with school-aged children age in school and out-of-school care contexts
  • Learn to design creative, intentional teaching practices using language, play and cooperation
  • Learn about child development, curriculum development, diversity and inclusion, and relevant legislation and guidelines
  • Complete 40 days of professional experience placement

Location

Entry threshold

60.00 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 2025 fees (A$)

A$4,624 - 2025 Fees CSP
CSP

QTAC code

015731 ^ 019902

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 1

Career opportunities

  • Learning support
  • Outside school hours care
  • Teacher aide
  • Teacher educator

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 1
Delivery mode
  • Online with mandatory onsite requirements
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
9
Total units
96
Duration
1 year 1 year
UniSC program code
ED102
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses 7 (72 units)

EDU101 Human Development and Learning
EDU103 Teaching with Technology
EDU105 Professional Experience: The role of the teacher
EDU116 Introduction to Diverse Learning Contexts(6 units)
EDU117 Introduction to Inclusive Practice(6 units)
EDU118 Foundations of Numeracy
EDU119 English Language and Literacy

Developing courses 2 (24 units)

EDU209 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
EDU213 Teaching English: Curriculum and Pedagogy

Program requirements
Program requirements
  • To graduate with the Diploma of Education Studies (Primary) 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 40 days of Professional Experience (PEx) included in Diploma of Education Studies (Primary). 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 (Primary)
  • Cross institutional study is not permitted for the Diploma in Education Studies (Primary)
  • 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
Credit precedents
  • On successful completion of the Diploma of Education Studies (Primary), you will receive 84 units* of credit towards UniSC's Bachelor of Primary Education. (*Note: you must also meet all entry requirements for the program)
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
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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
Fraser Coast 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.

Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Bachelor of Primary Education - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the 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 015731
Fraser Coast 019902
Gain first year credit for the Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Become qualified to work in childcare
No. 1 in Qld for overall educational experience in education and training Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25

Student story

“Studying at the Fraser Coast campus will allow me to continue growing in a familiar environment, close to family and surrounded by a supportive and welcoming community.”

Emma Cordie Student
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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