Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Synthesise in-depth, current knowledge and an integrated understanding of the theories, content and processes of play, learning, teaching and assessment in the field of early childhood education.
2. Articulate advanced knowledge and reflexivity regarding children's development and individual and social differences, including for Indigenous Australians.
3. Critically examine ways of knowing, being, and doing, recognising children and families as capable participants in conceptual and pedagogical decision-making in learning and teaching.
4. Demonstrate dispositions towards relational and transformative education and a strong sense of themselves as agents, advocates and leading professionals in the field of early childhood education.
5. Develop a deep understanding of indigenous cultures and pedagogies and how to weave these through children’s everyday play and learning experiences.
6. Create teaching approaches that embrace a rich and varied curriculum, reflect an ability to contextualise, question, inquire, and evaluate the developmental and relational needs of a diverse range of children.

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) is a post-graduate qualification for already qualified Primary and Secondary teachers who wish to upskill and work with young children aged birth-to-five years. You will gain knowledge of child development, relational pedagogies, curriculum studies and theories of early childhood education, and undertake teaching practice (60-days) which brings together theory and practice in birth-to-5 early childhood settings (e.g. long day care, kindergartens, preschool).

This qualification celebrates Flinders University’s connection to Kaurna Country. Indigenous ways of knowing and being are woven throughout the study plan. Whilst Flinders University celebrates each applicants teaching pedagogy and competencies, re-training to work in early childhood repositions you as a pre-service teacher, learning to work with Australia’s youngest citizens. As such, you will see reference to the term ‘pre-service teacher’ within this course’s study material.

Recommended study pattern

You’ll complete 8 topics and gain hands-on experience with 60 days of work placements to develop skills that will impact children's lives.

You'll learn to inspire and nurture young minds, creating inclusive environments that celebrate differences. You'll engage in exciting projects, design play-based learning experiences, and explore the significance of Indigenous knowledge.

First half of the year:

• Contemporary Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy 
• Reading and Writing Through Play
• Researching Play and Pedagogies
• Knowing the Literate and Numerate Infant.

Second half of the year:

• Playing on Country GE
• Pedagogies of Belonging 
• Professional Experience 1 (Early Childhood) 
• Early Learning in STEM.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5), a student must complete 36 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,624

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must have already completed an appropriate undergraduate degree or approved equivalent in Initial Teacher Education and hold, or be able to attain, teacher registration with the Teachers Registration Board (South Australia).

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• First language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language).
• Completed secondary schooling in Australia.
• Completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution).
• Completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution. 
• Completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program. 
• Performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements. 
• Registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia).
• Achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university.
• Completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.

The course includes 60 days of professional placements in your home-town, providing real-world experience in early childhood education settings.

This ensures you graduate with practical, hands-on teaching skills. There is flexibility in how these 60 days are completed, allowing you to work through options with Flinders’ placement team to fit around your current teaching role where possible.

• Applicants must provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and meet any other state or territory-based clearances required for placements.
• Some placements may require up-to-date immunisation records in line with regulatory standards.

For detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures, visit the Flinders University Course Handbook.

Students should note that teaching practicum topics may require full-time commitment for their duration.