An elective component; 6 units.
The individual project can take a number of forms. The student may choose to undertake a theoretical project up to the value of 6 units, a practical project up to the value of 6 units, or a combination of a theoretical and practical project up to the value of 6 units. The choice will be made following consultation with the course co-ordinator in the light of the student's needs and background experience.
It is anticipated that the individual project will, in most cases, be quite closely related to work in the core subject, and will enable the student to study in depth some aspect which the group as a whole has not the time to pursue In sufficient depth to satisfy the needs of the particular student. In this way it is hoped to provide for the varied needs of a very diverse student group.
Theoretical Project
This may be an investigation, a review of research, or any other type of undertaking approved by the Course Committee. (The purpose of this is to provide an opportunity for supervised, in-depth study of a topic of particular relevance to the student concerned.)
Practical Project
This component may be taken as part of the Individual Project, or as a requirement to supplement previous experience.
It will be individually designed in the light of each student's previous experience, current responsibilities and intended future work.
The practical project will most likely take the form of a programme which will be designed, undertaken and evaluated by the student.
All practical projects will be closely supervised in the planning and evaluation stages through discussion and in the implementation stage through advisory field visits.
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Graduate Diploma in Child Development
COURSE REGULATIONS 1.0 THE AWARD
The Graduate Diploma in Child Development is awarded in one grade only by the Council of the Melbourne College of Advanced Education upon the recommendation of the Board of the Institute to students who have satisfied the requirements of the course. A transcript of record of components under- taken and the grades (high distinction, distinction, credit, pass, fail) achieved in each will also be provided at the completion of the course.
2.0 DEFINITIONS 2.1 Course
Prescribed and elective studies, the successful completion of which leads to the award.
2.2 Component
A defined body of content of varying length within the course. Components may be prescribed or elective.
2.3 Unit
Ten hours of programmed contact time.
2.4 Institute
Institute of Early Childhood Development.
2.5 Board
Board of Studies of the Institute of Early Childhood Development.
2.6 Course Committee
The Graduate Diploma in Child Development Committee: a standing committee of the Board.
3.0 LENGTH OF COURSE
3.1 The course requires a minimum of one year of full-time study, or an equivalent of part-time study.
3.2 The maximum period of time for which a candidate may be enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Childhood Development shall be five years, provided that, in special circumstances, the Board may grant an extension of time where a student is permitted to intermit.
4.0 REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
4.1 Applicants may be admitted to the course if they have successfully completed a recognized professional qualification in a relevant field, at least UG1 (degree), or UG2 (diploma) level, and have had at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field, or have satisfied special requirements for admission determined by the Institute from time to time.
4.2 Special Entry for a limited number of applicants who hold a different qualification (e.g. a nursing qualification) may be granted, provided that they have the necessary professional experience and provided that the proportion of special entry students enrolled in the course at any one time does not exceed that fraction of the total enrolment set by the accreditation authority.
4.3 Normally students enrolled in the course will be required to undertake all the prescribed components of the course and the required number of elective components. That is, advanced standing will not normally be granted.
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Graduate Diploma in Child Development 5.0 COURSE REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Child Development, students are required to undertake 36 units, each comprising 10 hours of face- to-face contact, together with a minimum of 30 demand hours for each unit.
Twenty-eight of these components are prescribed. The remaining eight units are taken as an elective of two units and an individual project of six units or as electives totalling eight units.
5.1 Prescribed Components
Human Communication — 2 units Theories of Child Development — 3 units
Biological Aspects of Child Development — 2 units Sociology of Childhood within the Family — 3 units Research Evaluation — 2 units
Introduction to Behavioural Studies — 2 units
Observation and Inference in Behavioural Studies 2 units Child and Family Study — 2 units
Analysis of Developmental Concepts — 3 units The Developing Child 0-8 years — 5 units Current Issues in Child Development — 2 units 5.2 Alternative Arrangements for Prescribed Components
Where a student can provide evidence that he has already successfully completed work similar to that undertaken in a prescribed component, that student may, with the approval of the Course Committee, be permitted to undertake a reading component equal in unit length to the prescribed component in question, provided that the total number of reading units he is undertaking does not exceed four units.
5.3 Elective Components
Parenthood in Contemporary Society: The Perspective of Parents — 2 units Relationships Between Parents and Professionals — 2 units
Parenthood and Education — 2 units Parenting Project - 2 units
Ethnic Studies — 2 units or 4 units
Australian Children's Folklore — 2 units to 4 units Others as determined by the Board
6.0 To satisfactorily complete a unit/component, a student shall attend such lectures. tutorial classes, seminars; undertake field work and complete to the satisfaction of the Course Committee such assignments/examinations as may be prescribed by the Course Committee.
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