{ "availability": true, "data": { "awardTitle": "Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education", "advertisedTitle": "Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education", "totalCreditPoints": 120, "offerYear": 2026, "studentType": "International", "locationDisplayName": "Melbourne", "deliveryModeCode": "MM", "deliveryModeDescription": "Multi-Modal", "cricosCourseCode": "119321F", "isFlexibleLocation": false, "majors": [], "specialisations": [], "virtualRollover": { "enabled": false, "instance": false, "indicativeFees": false, "startDates": false }, "relatedCourses": { "nestedCourses": null }, "startDates": "LTU Term 4 (July 2026)", "duration": "1 year full-time", "prerequisite": "", "courseDescription": "<p>Learn from highly experienced teachers with an industry-connected curriculum designed in consultation with industry partners and delivered by La Trobe&#39;s award-winning School of Education*. You&#39;ll gain the skills and knowledge to support the next generation of pre-school children develop foundational skills across social, emotional, physical and academic areas.<\/p><p>Explore key areas of early childhood education through core subjects exploring early childhood development, assessment and reporting, teaching strategies, and safety and ethics as you put your knowledge to work in the real world with work-based learning, integrated placement and an embedded professional mentoring program.<\/p><p>You&#39;ll graduate ready to start your career in early childhood education environments or advance directly into La Trobe's Master of Education, further preparing you for leadership or specialist positions within the sector.<\/p><p>By studying La Trobe&#39;s Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, you&#39;ll learn:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Foundations of child development <\/strong><br \/><ul><li>Investigate the social, emotional and educational needs of children and gain a core understanding of child development and evidence-based pedagogies to develop teaching strategies.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Early childhood leadership<\/strong><ul><li>Explore the complexities of early childhood leadership, such as policy, legal requirements, political influences, professional ethics and operational management.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Theories of cognition and play<\/strong><ul><li>Examine the role of fundamental role of play and play-based learning in the development of skills in science, creativity, literacy development and mathematical thinking.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Assessment and reporting<\/strong><ul><li>Investigate the authentic use of assessment in early childhood education, including examining the way that assessment is used to inform understanding.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><p> <\/p><p>* <em>Australian Financial Review (AFR), 2022, AFR Higher Education Awards show universities at their creative best<\/em><\/p><p class=\"footnote\">The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Diploma.<\/p>", "entryReq": { "rse": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "admCriAtarStmt": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCriInAddToAtar": "", "selRankAdj": "", "otherAdmOpts": "" }, "higherEd": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCri": "" }, "vet": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCri": "" }, "wle": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCri": "" }, "prerequisite": "<p>Successful completion of an Australian cognate or related Bachelor (or international equivalent). (Examples of related Bachelors include knowledge relevant to working with children and young people. This includes areas such as child welfare, youth work, community services, health, psychology, social work, and related sectors where there is direct engagement with the care, development, wellbeing, or protection of children.)<\/p>", "academicEntReq": "<ul><li><p>All applicants will complete a situation judgement test to support selection into teaching programs. This is a requirement for initial teacher training courses in Victoria and aims to assess an applicants personal and professional attributes. You can either register to sit the online <a href=\"https:\/\/acuityinsights.app\" rel=\"nofollow\">CASPer Test<\/a> or the La Trobe University School of Education Aptitude for Teaching Assessment (AFTA). You can register for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/courses\/short-courses\/aptitude-for-teaching-assessment-afta\" rel=\"nofollow\">AFTA online test<\/a> for free.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>", "essentialRequirementsInherent": "<div class=\"ds-block\"><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-0\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-0\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Behavioural and relational skills<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-0\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-0\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Students must be able to manage their own responses and behaviour to work effectively in a range of learning environments with diverse people and tasks. This includes the capacity to be receptive and respond appropriately to constructive feedback. Students should also be able to work with others in a team or group environment and make and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals in order to complete tasks or for professional practice.<br \/><br \/>See also <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.latrobe.edu.au\/document\/view.php?id=60\">Student behaviours policy<\/a> for more information.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Early Childhood Education students must demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills that will allow them to manage learning environments and continuously develop their expertise during placements and throughout their careers.<br \/>Students must be able to manage personal responses, beliefs or preferences such that they can work with diverse groups, for example they must be able to work with students of the opposite sex and students with different sexual orientations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-1\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Cognition<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-1\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Students must be able to locate, acquire, retain and apply knowledge as part of their learning and for assessment. They must have the ability to sustain their attention over a designated period, maintain their focus in a variety of learning environments and remember information long enough to complete tasks in a reasonable and safe timeframe.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Early Childhood Education students must be able to use retained knowledge to determine safe and appropriate care decisions. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-2\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-2\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Sensory (visual, auditory, tactile, olfaction)<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-2\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-2\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Students should possess the ability to interact with visual, auditory or tactile inputs sufficiently to manage their learning environment and to meet professional performance needs.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Early Childhood Education students must be able to process visual information and monitor the broader environment for child safety, including observing multiple people and events simultaneously. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-3\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-3\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Strength and mobility<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-3\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-3\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Gross motor skills: Students should possess the strength, range of motion, coordination and mobility sufficient to manage their learning environment and ultimately, professional performance needs.<br \/><br \/>Fine motor skills: Students should possess the manual dexterity and fine motor skills sufficient to manage their learning environment and ultimately, professional performance needs.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Early Childhood Education students must possess sufficient physical capacity to undertake common tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting and bending. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>", "engReq": "<p><span>6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.5.<\/span><\/p>", "hasEngReqAlt": true }, "vtacCodes": null, "courseStructure": "<section id=\"course-structure\" class=\"sublayout-1\"><div class=\"ds-block\"> <p><b>To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 1 year.<\/b><\/p><\/div><div class=\"ds-block ds-block--full-width course-structure-content\"><div class=\"ds-tabs\"><div class=\"ds-tabs-nav ds-block\" role=\"tablist\"><button class=\"ds-tabs-nav__tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab1\" id=\"tab1trigger\" >Year 1<\/button><\/div><div class=\"ds-content-chunk\" data-bg-color=\"lightest\"><div id=\"tab1\" class=\"ds-block ds-tab-content__body\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab1trigger\"> <p class=\"lead\"> Year 1 requires the completion of <b><a class=\"pls-explain\" title=\"A credit point is a unit of measurement to indicate the relative study load of subjects, courses, majors, minors, specialisations and other academic items.<br><br>For example, to be eligible for the award of a standard Bachelor's degree, a student must complete 360 credit points.\">120 credit points<\/a><\/b> including:<\/p> <ul> <li><b>120 credit points<\/b> from Core<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-block\"><h4>Study options<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"ds-block\"><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h5> <button id=\"check-course-struct-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"course-struct-1\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\"> Core subjects <\/span> <\/button> <\/h5> <div id=\"course-struct-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-course-struct-1\"> <div class=\"ds-table-wrapper\"> <p> Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree. <\/p> <table class=\"ds-table--striped\"> <thead> <tr> <th> Subject name<\/th> <th> Subject code<\/th> <th> Year<\/th> <th> Credit points<\/th> <\/tr> <\/thead> <tbody><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/LTU0AIM\" target=\"_blank\">ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE<\/a><\/td> <td> LTU0AIM<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 0<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU5036\" target=\"_blank\">EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU5036<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU5037\" target=\"_blank\">EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU5037<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU4EI\" target=\"_blank\">EARLY INCLUSIONS<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU4EI<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU4036\" target=\"_blank\">LANGUAGE, LITERACIES AND PLAY<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU4036<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU5038\" target=\"_blank\">MATHEMATICS, NUMERACY AND PLAY<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU5038<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU4035\" target=\"_blank\">SAFE AND ETHICAL EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU4035<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU4034\" target=\"_blank\">SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND PLAY<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU4034<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/EDU5039\" target=\"_blank\">THE ARTS AND PLAY<\/a><\/td> <td> EDU5039<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 15<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>", "workBasedLearning": "<p>During this course, you will participate in one or more supervised Work Based Learning (WBL) placements designed to allow you to practice newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge while integrating theory with practice. The placements will immerse you in professional work culture, enabling you to develop and further enhance your skills. WBL provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience at one or more of our local, interstate or international industry partners or agencies. WBL placements will generally be arranged by the Office of the Provost Placements and WBL Team at La Trobe University. The number of hours undertaken can vary considerably, depending on the requirements of the course. Students may incur additional costs and it may be necessary to travel or relocate to complete a specific placement. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information.<\/p>", "handbookLinkHtml": "<a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/courses\/2026\/EG002\" target='_blank'>Melbourne<\/a>", "intendedLearningOutcomes": "<ul><li>Critically analyse research, policies and theories and apply them to early childhood education practices.<\/li><li>Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate effective learning relevant to early childhood education.<\/li><li>Design responsive programs that reflect the diversity, complexity, and ethical responsibilities of early childhood education settings.<\/li><li>Evaluate and critically respond to contemporary issues in early childhood education to encourage equitable, ethical, and sustainable practice and leadership.<\/li><li>Apply relevant digital technologies to enhance effective learning, communication, and innovation practices in early childhood education settings.<\/li><li>Generate and apply evidence-informed and intentional teaching practice and research to enhance learning and teaching.<\/li><\/ul>", "careerOpportunities": "<p>After graduation, students will be eligible for teacher accreditation as early childhood educators and may find employment across private, independent, or public education.<\/p><p>Possible roles include:<\/p><ul><li>Early childhood teacher<\/li><li>Family day care educator<\/li><li>Early childhood education service manager<\/li><\/ul><p>The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a pathway into the Master of Education, preparing graduates further for leadership or specialist positions within the early childhood education sector.<\/p>", "professionalRecognition": "<p>The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education is approved by the Australian Children&#39;s Education &amp; Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Individuals should contact their relevant state\/territory <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acecqa.gov.au\/qualifications-0\/early-childhood-teacher-registration-and-accreditation\" rel=\"nofollow\">teacher regulatory authority<\/a> prior to application. This will help determine the suitability of this course and the registration requirements of the state\/territory you plan to work in.<\/p>", "fees": { "overview": "A$36 800 per 120 credit points. <br>Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.", "showFeeLegislationMsg": false, "amountDescription": "A$36 800 per 120 credit points. <br>Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.", "essentialRequirementsSelection": "<h4>Working with Children Check<\/h4><p><p>Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC). There is no cost for a volunteer WWCC. For more information and costs refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au\" rel=\"nofollow\">Working with Children Check Victoria<\/a> website.<\/p><\/p>", "eligibleForCspLoan": false, "eligibleForErpLoan": false } }, "content": { "atarDistributionReport": null }, "softContent": { "contactCta": { "primaryCta": { "link": "https:\/\/student-latrobe.studylink.com", "text": "Apply now" }, "secondaryCta": { "link": "https:\/\/consultation.latrobe.edu.au\/s\/home-international", "text": "Book a 1:1 consultation" }, "overwriteHeadline": "<h2>Shape the next generation of pre-school children<\/h2>\r\n<h3 style=\"color: black;\">Applications now open<\/h3>\r\n<ul><li>Learn from La Trobe's award-winning School of Education, with strong industry networks and partnerships across Melbourne and regional Victoria.<\/li><li>Follow your passion for nurturing our youngest generation in one of Australia's most in-demand occupations.<\/li><li>Gain real-world experience through work-based learning, integrated placement and an embedded professional mentoring program.<\/li><li>Approved by the Australian Children's Education &amp; Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).<\/li><\/ul>\r\n", "headline": "<p class=\"h2\">Applications now open<\/p>", "subheadline": "<p>There's never been a better time to build new skills and follow your passion. Apply now to secure your place at La Trobe.<\/p>", "contactCallBtn": { "show": true, "link": "tel:+61394791993", "text": "Call (+61 3) 9479 1993" }, "contactConsultBtn": { "show": true, "link": "https:\/\/consultation.latrobe.edu.au\/s\/home-international", "text": "Book a one-on-one" }, "contactChatBtn": { "show": true, "link": "https://www.latrobe.edu.au/contact/chat", "text": "Live chat" }, "contactAskBtn": { "show": true, "link": "https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/international\/international\/ask-a-question", "text": "Ask a question" }, "howToApplyVtacStatusText": "Apply through VTAC", "howToApplyUacStatusText": "Apply through UAC" }, "atarPeriod": "", "feeAdditionalDescription": "" } }