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Graduate Diploma of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Graduate Diploma

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    GradDipIDD

  • Course code

    1108008

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

Developing your ability to help people who are most in need, the Graduate Diploma of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a stepping stone to a career that can truly transform lives.

Aligned with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – offering targeted support to people with disability and their carers – this program responds to the increasing demand for professionals with specialist knowledge in disability services. An elective professional portfolio unit allows you to develop your ideas for service delivery in a project format.

It is also designed to reflect the principles of the NDIS by focusing on customised services geared to individual need.

With career potential across disability service delivery, management and policy, this course is ideal for graduates keen to broaden their professional scope via greater knowledge and expertise in disability services.

The Graduate Certificate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a pathway to this course. 

Course Learning Outcome

Exercise critical and analytical thinking and judgement in researching and addressing the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disability and relevant theories, models and frames of reference.

Apply knowledge and skills creatively in addressing social, institutional and relationship barriers to the full inclusion and participation of people with intellectual and developmental disability.

Demonstrate well developed judgement and use of ethical framework(s) in scholarly and professional contexts in order to protect and defend the dignity, respect and regard of people with intellectual and developmental disability.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of theoretical and technical knowledge in one or more disciplines or areas of practice in order to provide person centred leadership.

Critically reflect on, assess and regulate one’s own learning and research capabilities and performance in order to ensure accountability in all decision making processes.

Effectively communicate understanding of theoretical concepts complex knowledge and ideas in order to inform and enhance supports and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disability.

Demonstrate an understanding of diverse cultural and Indigenous Australian contemporary realities and values impacting on the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disability.

Contemporary issues in person-centred service provision, policy, and advocacy. Core units cover organisational change, supporting decision-making, positive behaviour change and supporting the social and economic participation of people with disability. Electives include units on autism spectrum disorder, advocacy, mental health and the option to complete a professional portfolio.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Online Study Period 2 , Study Period 3 , Study Period 4 , Study Period 5 N/A N/A

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

All applicants must:

  1. have successfully completed a three year Bachelor degree from any Australian university, or equivalent, in a health, psychology or social science related discipline; OR
  2. provide evidence of minimum five years' full-time and current work experience in intellectual and developmental disability and related fields as acceptable to the Course Co-ordinator.

Applicants need to provide curriculum vitae and an employer’s reference and will be required to demonstrate the ability to undertake graduate study via an interview with the Course Co-ordinator.

Course requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

  • 4 core units (48 credit points); and
  • 4 equivalent elective units (48 credit points).

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising all core units.

Course structure

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Core Units
PBH82101 Creating Person Centred Organisational Change Intermediate
PBH82102 Supported Decision Making for Choice and Control Intermediate
PBH82103 Positive Behaviour Support Intermediate
PBH83104 Supporting People with Disabilities Going to Work Advanced
Elective Units
PBH82105 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder Intermediate
PBH82106 Talking Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder Intermediate
PBH82107 Advocating for Fundamental Needs Intermediate
NRS93004 Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts Advanced
NRS83001 Contemporary Mental Health Advanced
CMM91010 Healthcare Professional Portfolio A Introductory
NRS83002 Mental Health Across the Lifespan Advanced