Overview
Learn about the practice of teaching young children from birth to 5 years, with a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
The course introduces key concepts for teaching young children in early childhood education settings.
You will complete four units to gain expertise in the concept of responsive teaching, focusing on different ways of knowing, being and doing in the Australian context.
On course completion, you’ll understand how to create rich and varied learning opportunities in early childhood settings. You’ll learn about teaching and learning approaches that are based on sound ethical principles, reciprocal relationships, and children and families as capable contributors.
Those wishing to register as an early childhood teacher will need to pathway from the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education into the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Commonwealth Supported Places in 2023
Fees are heavily subsidised and HECS-HELP loans available for eligible students in 2023. Apply now or register your interest - there's never been a better time to study!
Study in convenient four-week blocks
Following the overwhelming success of the revolutionary VU Block Model with undergraduate students we have rolled out the Block Model to our postgraduate courses.
This course is delivered in four-week mode, which means you study one unit (subject) at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several units at once. And with its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks.
The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Career opportunities in early childhood
A Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education provides you with an introduction to the field of teaching in early childhood education.
If you wish to register as an early childhood teacher in Victoria, you will need to complete the remaining content from the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Course structure
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education students will be required to complete:
-
48 credit points Core units
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- ECE6009
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE6010
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE6011
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE6012
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Exhibit an introductory body of knowledge of early childhood pedagogy in relation to the changing nature of education in a rapidly evolving global context; | ||
| 2. | Understand how to create learning opportunities in particular areas that embrace a rich and varied curriculum, ensuring learning and teaching approaches are based on sound ethical principles and foster reciprocal relationships in early childhood settings; | ||
| 3. | Critically review different ways of knowing, being and doing founded on the view of children as capable contributors to pedagogical decision-making in learning and teaching. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from countries other than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland will be required to complete IELTS: Overall 7.0 with Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7.5.
OR the following scores that serve as equivalent scores for the IELTS:
• ISPLR: Overall (3+) L (4), R (3+), W (3+), S (4)
• TOEFL: Overall (94), L (27), R (21), W (24), S (24)
• PTE: Overall (65-72), L (73), R (58), W (58), S (73)
Applicants with a minimum of a 3 year Bachelor's degree from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland will not be required to complete IELTS.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Pathways to further study
On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:
You will be credited for up to 48 credit points of study.
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
Additional information
Working with Children Check: Applicants must complete a Working with Children Check prior to undertaking placement.
How to apply
Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.
Browse our other Early childhood education courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
Enquire now
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Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
