The first few years of a child’s life are characterised by rapid brain development, boundless curiosity, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Recognising the profound, life-long impact of these formative years, the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is an innovative course that offers professional practice across two trimesters, where you will be actively involved with children under aged three (generally 0-35 months) and children aged three until before they start formal schooling (generally 3–5-year-old children).
This Graduate Diploma offers a transformative journey that will equip you with the pedagogical knowledge, professional skills, and the compassionate understanding required to create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of young children, families, and communities. Upon graduation, you will be well placed to fulfill a variety of roles working with children, families, communities, and other stakeholders, including early childhood teachers, educational leaders, and service directors.
Age requirements
Learners must be a minimum age of 18 years or above at the time of course commencement.
Academic Requirements
Domestic: completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field
International: Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field and IELTS result of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. However, regarding the English Language requirement, special alternative admission arrangements are as follows:
Minimum academic standards apply to all students, but they can apply for a English test waiver if they can demonstrate:
*Work experience of four or more years in full-time employment (in an early childhood context) where the language of employment, both oral and written is English (evidence from the employer is required).
*Study experience if applicant has completed at least 3 years of full-time studies in a university where English is the main language of study (evidence from the University is required).
English Language Requirement – (one of the following)
Working With Children Check[1] & Child Protection Training [2]
Required before enrolling in the Professional Placement unit.
Vaccinations
Health based placement providers may require students to undertake various vaccinations before being accepted for placement in their agencies.
Interview
Students who demonstrate that they have the minimum entrance criteria will be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.
[1]Working with Children Check | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
[2]Child protection in early childhood: online learning | vic.gov.au
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Delivery Mode | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDECE100 | History and philosophy of early childhood education and care (ECEC) | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE101 | Child Development and Care | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE102 | Inclusive Practice | On-campus | 12 pts |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Delivery Mode | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDECE200 | Education and Curriculum Studies | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE201 | Preparing for Teaching Practice | On-campus | 12 pts |
| GDECE300 | Professional Teaching Experience | Hybrid | 12 pts |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Delivery Mode | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDECE300 | Professional Teaching Experience | Hybrid | 12 pts |
| GDECE301 | The Early Childhood Professional | On-campus | 12 pts |
| Intakes 2026 – 2027 | |
| 2026 | 2027 |
| 2/2/2026 | 1/2/2027 |
| 18/5/2026 | 17/5/2027 |
| 31/8/2026 | 20/8/2027 |
GDECT graduates will have the opportunity to enter master’s courses in education, teaching, social sciences, and other related fields.
Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
LHE is committed to the ethose of lifelong learning and recognises that students may have direct learning and / or work placed experience that mirrors some of the content in our courses. For full details on our approach to advanced standing students should refer to the Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure. Our approach will meet the requirement of external professional bodies with whom the course may be accredited.
The maximum credit allowed is 30%
Upon graduation, students will be well placed to fulfill a variety of roles working with:
Contact us for more information. Our experienced team is here to address any
inquiries and guide you through the process with expertise and care.
Becoming an international student with us involves straightforward steps, just complete your application online and our dedicated team will be ready to assist you throughout your application process.
