UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND · AUSTRALIA
Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood Education and Care
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€1k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 5/5 starsGraduate starting salary
- Future-focused skillsDirectly transferable to the workplace
- Online studyFlexible study options
This graduate certificate program is designed to enhance your teaching expertise, enabling you to provide learning experiences that have a lasting impact on young children. You will gain the skills necessary to deliver crucial early childhood and Kindergarten learning. The program qualifies you to work with children from birth to five years of age and is an approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). It's particularly beneficial for primary or secondary teachers looking to transition into early childhood education, or for rural educators who need versatile skills in areas with limited teaching resources. You will explore the significant impact of the first five years of life on brain development and learn how nurturing environments lay the foundation for future learning, health, and life success.
Curriculum
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood Education and Care, you must successfully complete 4 units of study. The program includes advanced coursework and opportunities to deepen your expertise in early childhood education.
- Part-time study
- Planning for Learning: Curriculum, Play and PedagogyEDE5000
- Relating and Inquiring in Infant and Toddler Education and Care ContextsEDE6015
- Leading in Early ChildhoodEDE6215
- Numeracy, Literacy and STEM in Early Childhood Professional ExperienceEDU4199
Careers
This degree is ideal for teachers seeking to expand their career prospects in high-demand roles within kindergarten and long day care settings. It also prepares you for management or advisory positions in educational environments, working with children aged 0-5 years.
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Long Day Care Educator
- Management roles in education
- Advisory positions in education
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for this program?
- Applicants must have an undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher education qualification in primary or secondary education leading to teacher registration. You also need an IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.5.
- What is the estimated tuition fee for international students?
- The indicative annual tuition fee for international students is AUD 2,368 for 4 units, based on the first year of study. This does not include textbooks, materials, or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- What career outcomes can I expect after completing this certificate?
- This certificate prepares you for roles such as an Early Childhood Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, or Long Day Care Educator. It also qualifies you for management or advisory positions in educational environments working with children aged 0-5 years.
- What are the key application deadlines and intake dates?
- Applications are ongoing, with multiple intake dates available in February, June, and September. Professional placement requirements, such as a Working with Children Check, must be met before attending placements.
- Is this qualification recognized?
- Yes, this Graduate Certificate is an approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Entry requirements
Undergraduate Initial Teacher Education QualificationCompletion of an undergraduate initial teacher education qualification in primary or secondary education leading to teacher registration (e.g., Bachelor of Education).
Postgraduate Initial Teacher Education QualificationCompletion of a postgraduate initial teacher education qualification in primary or secondary education leading to teacher registration (e.g., Master of Learning and Teaching).
IELTS (Academic)Overall 6.5, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
While not required for application, you must meet English language requirements throughout your studies. Additionally, you will need a Working with Children Check (Blue Card or equivalent) and must complete mandatory National Child Safety Training before undertaking professional placements. Students in different Australian states or overseas must comply with equivalent requirements and register with UniSQ's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team.
Fees
Tuition (international)AUD 2,368 (Indicative annual fee for 4 units)
Tuition (home)AUD 2,368 (Indicative annual fee for 4 units)
LivingNot specified
The indicated annual fee is an estimate for the first year of study (4 units) and does not include costs for textbooks, materials, or the Student Services and Amenities fee. Actual fees will vary based on course selection and are calculated at enrolment. Fees are reviewed annually and may increase. Further details are available on the UniSQ Fees website.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the program. You will also need to consider the additional requirements for professional placements, such as a Working with Children Check and child safety training.
2. Gather DocumentsPrepare necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and any other required identification or supporting information.
3. Submit ApplicationApply through the university's application portal. The program has multiple start dates throughout the year (February, June, September).
4. Arrange PlacementsOnce enrolled, you will need to arrange and complete mandatory professional placements: 15 days with children aged 0-35 months, 15 days with children aged 3-5 (Kindergarten), and 30 days with school-aged children. Ensure you comply with state/territory or overseas requirements for working with children.
Accreditation
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) - Approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for this program?
+
Applicants must have an undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher education qualification in primary or secondary education leading to teacher registration. You also need an IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.5.
What is the estimated tuition fee for international students?
+
The indicative annual tuition fee for international students is AUD 2,368 for 4 units, based on the first year of study. This does not include textbooks, materials, or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
What career outcomes can I expect after completing this certificate?
+
This certificate prepares you for roles such as an Early Childhood Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, or Long Day Care Educator. It also qualifies you for management or advisory positions in educational environments working with children aged 0-5 years.
What are the key application deadlines and intake dates?
+
Applications are ongoing, with multiple intake dates available in February, June, and September. Professional placement requirements, such as a Working with Children Check, must be met before attending placements.
Is this qualification recognized?
+
Yes, this Graduate Certificate is an approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).