TAFE Queensland
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
South Bank, Queensland, Australia
Level
Diploma
Duration
1-1.5OC
Campus
Cairns (QLD)
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
January 2027
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Course Overview
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE Queensland in South Bank, Queensland, Australia is a diploma programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Early years graduates work in nurseries, reception classes, children's centres and family support services, qualifying as Early Years Teachers or practitioners with pathways into leadership, SENCO and children's services roles.
Student life (indicative)
Townsville offers a great outdoor-focused student lifestyle with beaches, cafés and a welcoming community.
The University at a Glance
Staff Ratio
18.0:1
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- Completion of Year 12 or attained Year 12 leaving age | A Suitability Card may be required.
- Students studying this course externally may be required to undertake a workplace observation.
- Contact the relevant TAFE Queensland campus for more information regarding Vocational Placement requirements.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Staff Ratio
18:1
Students per staff
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Townsville offers a great outdoor-focused student lifestyle with beaches, cafés and a welcoming community.
- Townsville offers a great outdoor-focused student lifestyle with beaches, cafés and a welcoming community.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Active pub & club scene
- Great café culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Early years graduates work in nurseries, reception classes, children's centres and family support services, qualifying as Early Years Teachers or practitioners with pathways into leadership, SENCO and children's services roles.
- Early years graduates work in nurseries, reception classes, children's centres and family support services, qualifying as Early Years Teachers or practitioners with pathways into leadership, SENCO and children's services roles.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Healthcare
- Business
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
Like most major Australian cities, Acacia Ridge carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110). A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.
- Like most major Australian cities, Acacia Ridge carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110).
- A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.