Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work

What you will study

To gain the Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work award, students must complete four units or 48 credit points. Each unit is worth 12 credit points.

Core units

• Human Behaviour and Development
• Australian Society and Disadvantage
• Political Systems and Social Policy
• Australian Social Welfare in a Global Context

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must have completed a bachelor's level degree (AQF 7) in any field of study.

English 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:

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Reading: Minimum 6.0
• Writing: Minimum 6.0
• Listening: Minimum 6.0
• Speaking: Minimum 6.0

Recognition of Prior Learning

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.

For more information, contact the university or visit their website.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• 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.
• Critically analyse and apply knowledge of social and behavioural sciences to Australian social work practice in diverse communities and contexts.
• Demonstrate autonomy, integrity and proficiency in academic work.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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) 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.

Fees and CSP

Estimated fee for 48 credit points in 2026: From $8,696 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
• Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.