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Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work

Graduate Certificate

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    GradCertSocScSW

  • Course code

    1008520

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

Looking for a career that makes a real difference for vulnerable people and communities?

This course is an ideal pathway for graduates of disciplines other than social or behavioural sciences who wish to undertake the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) to become a social worker.

Students will explore concepts and theories related to human behaviour and development, sociology, disadvantage, human rights, social justice, social policy and social welfare as they build a solid academic foundation for their postgraduate studies in social work and future career as a social worker.

Social work is a rewarding field that empowers people to overcome challenges and navigate hardship. Social workers are on the frontline of helping people experiencing emotional and social issues, addiction, housing stress, mental health and illness, domestic and family violence, disability, social injustice and discrimination.

Please note: No academic credit for prior learning will be awarded towards the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) based on coursework completed in the Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work.

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Critically analyse theoretical concepts from the social and behavioural sciences and their relevance to social work in Australia

Critically analyse and apply knowledge of social and behavioural sciences to Australian social work practice in diverse communities and contexts

Reflexively evaluate and communicate to others how social work can draw on social and behavioural sciences knowledge to support critical reflective practice

GA2: Creativity

Critically analyse and apply knowledge of social and behavioural sciences to Australian social work practice in diverse communities and contexts

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate autonomy, integrity and proficiency in academic work

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Critically analyse theoretical concepts from the social and behavioural sciences and their relevance to social work in Australia

Critically analyse and apply knowledge of social and behavioural sciences to Australian social work practice in diverse communities and contexts

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate autonomy, integrity and proficiency in academic work

Reflexively evaluate and communicate to others how social work can draw on social and behavioural sciences knowledge to support critical reflective practice

GA6: Communication and social skills

Reflexively evaluate and communicate to others how social work can draw on social and behavioural sciences knowledge to support critical reflective practice

Demonstrate autonomy, integrity and proficiency in academic work

GA7: Cultural competence

Critically analyse and apply knowledge of social and behavioural sciences to Australian social work practice in diverse communities and contexts

Critically analyse theoretical concepts from the social and behavioural sciences and their relevance to social work in Australia

The Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work is a pathway program that builds a solid foundation for further postgraduate study in social work. Students will explore concepts and theories related to human behaviour and development, sociology, disadvantage, human rights, social justice, social policy and social welfare.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Term 5 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work is a thorough academic preparation for the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) which is conditionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

Graduates of the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) are eligible for AASW membership.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Students admitted to the GradCertSocScSW are required to have completed a relevant three year AQF Level 7 degree.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.5
Listeningminimum 6.0
Speakingminimum 6.0
Readingminimum 6.0
Writingminimum 6.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising:

  • 4 core units (48 credit points)

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the requirements of the award

PSYC5005 Human Behaviour and Development
Term5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
Term5
CLST5001 Australian Society and Disadvantage
Term5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
Term5
POLT5001 Political Systems and Social Policy

Not currently available

 12
WELF5003 Australian Social Welfare in a Global Context

Not currently available

 12

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
PSYC5005 Human Behaviour and Development
CLST5001 Australian Society and Disadvantage
POLT5001 Political Systems and Social Policy
WELF5003 Australian Social Welfare in a Global Context