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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
October
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Duration
0.5 years full-time; 1 year part-time
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Location
Gold Coast
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Placement
No
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ATAR
Not applicable
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
GradCertSocScSW
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Course code
1008520
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Credit points
48
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Equivalent units
4
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
October
-
Duration
0.5 years full-time
-
Location
Gold Coast
-
Placement
No
-
ATAR
Not applicable
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
GradCertSocScSW
-
Course code
1008520
-
Credit points
48
-
Equivalent units
4
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
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.
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“I liked the location, the flexibility of studying online and meeting face-to-face for residentials. The learning content had a great mix between direct practice and critical reflection which was really valuable.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 5 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 5 | $12,500 ($3,125 per unit) | 117391H |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
This course is an ideal academic preparation for graduates of disciplines other than social or behavioural sciences for the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying).
Graduates of the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) qualify as social workers in Australia and are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). They may also be eligible to apply to work as social workers overseas.
Graduates of the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) will be suited to employment in a wide range of jobs in the health and community services sectors. Social workers are employed in organisations such as Centrelink, public and private hospitals, child protection agencies, Australian Defence Force, domestic violence services, housing and homelessness agencies, aged care and disability services, mental health agencies, family counselling agencies and rehabilitation services.
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Listening | minimum 6.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.0 |
| Writing | minimum 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)
Other things to consider
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
Course structure
Why Social Work and Community Welfare at SCU
No.1 in QLD for Skills Development
We're ranked No.1 in QLD for skills development in Humanities and Social Sciences
(GUG 2023)Global top 5% in Social Sciences
We're in the global top 5% in Social Sciences
(THE World University Rankings 2020)Student Support
We're also ranked No.1 in Australia for student support and learning resources in Social Work
(GUG 2020)Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway