Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CRICOS Code | 117457F |
| Full Time | 6 months |
| Part Time | 1 year (Domestic only) |
| Units | 4 |
| Campus | Sydney, Parramatta, Geelong, Melbourne |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent |
| Delivery mode | Blended, Face to Face |
| Outcome | Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies (GCECS) |
Course Description
Graduates with a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies will have an understanding of some of the key issues in early childhood education. It will not qualify them to teach children in an approved early childhood centre but may allow them to gain experience in a centre.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Code | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | Apply theoretical knowledge and research-based understanding of early childhood to design evidence-based curriculum and embed pedagogical practices that foster children’s holistic learning and development and respond to the diverse needs and abilities of children in early childhood settings. |
| CLO2 | Critically analyse and evaluate the impact of social, cultural and environmental factors on children’s learning, development and wellbeing, and apply these understandings to create inclusive, equitable and culturally responsive learning environments. |
| CLO3 | Utilise a range of assessment and documentation strategies to evidence children’s learning, development and wellbeing and use these to plan and differentiate teaching to meet the needs of individuals and groups of children. |
| CLO4 | Evaluate theory, research, pedagogy and evidence-based practices in early childhood education to inform decision-making and continuously improve teaching practices. |
| CLO5 | Engage in reflective practice, self-assessment and ongoing professional development to enhance personal and professional growth. |
Graduate Attributes
| Code | Attribute |
|---|---|
| GA1 | Communicate effectively in a diverse range of professional or community context |
| GA2 | Complete work tasks and assignments independently or as an effective member of multidisciplinary teams |
| GA3 | Engage in and value life-long learning leading to the enhancement of professional knowledge and skills |
| GA4 | Are information and technology literate |
| GA5 | Respond appropriately to a changing workforces, cultures and values reflecting a global work environment |
| GA6 | Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making abilities essential to contributing soundly to the resolution of issues confronting organisations |
| GA7 | Facilitate intellectual curiosity |
| GA8 | Act in an ethical manner in all aspects of professional life |
International Student Duration
The CRICOS-registered duration is 6 months of full-time study (1 semester). Please note the part time mode is not available to a holder of a student visa who is not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, or who is not an Australian permanent resident, or who is a temporary resident of Australia.
Domestic Student Duration
For domestic students the course is 6 months full-time or 1 year part-time.
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE501 | Learning Development and Pedagogy | 6 | Nil |
| ECE502 | Language and Multimodal Practice | 6 | Nil |
| ECE503 | Contemporary and Historical Perspectives in Early Childhood | 6 | Nil |
| ECE504 | Creativity and the Arts in the Early Years | 6 | Nil |
| TOTAL CREDIT POINTS | 24 |
Device Specifications
| Windows | macOS | |||
| Minimum | Recommended / Better | Minimum | Recommended / Better | |
| Version | Windows 11 (latest version) | Windows 11 (latest version) | macOS (latest supported release, or one previous) | macOS (most current major release) |
| Processor | Intel i5 (≥2.0 GHz) / AMD Ryzen 5 | Intel i7 (≥2.0 GHz) / AMD Ryzen 7 | Apple M1 chip (or later) | Apple M2 or M3 chip |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | 4 hrs (under normal use) | 6–8 hrs (under normal use) | 4 hrs (under normal use) | 8–10 hrs (under normal use) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) with 2×2 MIMO | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E) with 2×2 MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO | Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 with 2×2 MIMO |
| Webcam & Audio | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers |
Delivery Method
| Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Blended | Delivered partially on campus and partially online |
| Face to Face | Delivered at: • Level G, 98–104 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia • 107 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia • Level 1 / 237 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia • 363 King St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia |
Assessment Methods
The Institute uses authentic assessment principles that may include practical exercises, case studies, presentations, reports, online simulations, essays, and examinations. These may include being done under invigilation.
Exit and Career Outcomes
Exit Outcomes
To obtain a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies, candidates are required to complete all 4 units. Not all units are offered each semester.
Career Outcomes
A graduate certificate in early childhood education can lead to roles such as early childhood educator, nanny, or kindergarten assistant. Further studies and experience in early childhood teaching may provide the opportunity to progress to qualify as a teacher in an early childhood centre and subsequently to higher positions, for example the director of a centre or other roles in the wider profession.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed
- a Bachelor’s degree (AQF 7) or higher, awarded by a recognised university or higher education institution, in any discipline or equivalent;
OR - an Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma (AQF 6) awarded by a recognised university or higher education institution in any relevant discipline, AND have at least two-years full-time equivalent professional work experience.
- Applicants from a non-English speaking background must satisfy English language requirements set by the Institute. Details are published on the PIA website.
- Where an applicant does not meet either of the requirements above, admission may be granted if the Dean is satisfied that the applicant has a reasonable possibility of successfully completing the course.
Language proficiency
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; or
- TOEFL: 575 or better; or
- TOEFL IBT (International Benchmark Test): 91 or better; or
- TOEFL CBT (Computer Based Test): 235 or better; or
- Academic PTE (Pearson Test of English): 58 or better; or
- Cambridge English: CAE and CPE (from 2015): 176 or better; or
- General Certificate of Education (GCE): A Levels with a C or better in English; or
- KITE: all bands B2 with a result greater than 450 in each band; or
- Duolingo: overall 115 with no band less than 110.
English Language Test results are valid for two years from the date of the results up to the date of commencement at the Institute. The most recent test supersedes ALL previous tests.
Fees
Domestic Students:
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will be a full Fee-paying place. This is noted in the Letter of Offer. You can also find the annual course cost on our Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees are based on a standard full-time study load and duration. Your course fees and duration may vary if you have applied for and been granted Advanced Standing. Tuition fees may increase during your studies. Students are advised in advance of any increase in tuition fees being implemented.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme.
International Students:
If you’re an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees are based on a standard full-time study load and duration. Your course fees and duration may vary if you have applied for and been granted Advanced Standing. Tuition fees may increase during your studies. Students are advised in advance of any increase in tuition fees being implemented.
How to Apply
Further Information
For further information please contact:
Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd
CRICOS: 03535M
TEQSA provider number: PRV14049
ABN: 34 145 333 795
Head office and postal address:
Level G, 98–104 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000
107 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150
363 King Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003
Level 1, West, 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: +61 (2) 8319 8202
Email: info@pia.edu.au
