Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual

The Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual requires one semester full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work. 

The course can be used as a pathway to the Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry) to equip students without sufficient prior studies in the social sciences with the necessary skills and knowledge. It also offers an employment pathway in the aged and disability sectors for students not continuing with the Masters level qualification. 

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study 
  

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Course aims

The Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual aims to:

• Equip students with a comprehensive body of theory and knowledge in the social sciences to form a foundation for gaining a professional qualification in social work at Masters Level.
• Equip students with a range of professional attributes, academic and practice skills which are sought by employers in health and human services
• Satisfy accreditation requirements for prior studies in social sciences as a condition of entry to MSW(GE)
• Provide an employment related qualification in aged and disability care.

Learning outcomes 

Upon completion of the course, students can expect to be able to:

• Recognise and apply a range of social theories to the analysis of social problems in Australia
• Recognise and apply psychological and sociological understandings of human development and the challenges faced by individuals throughout their lives.
• Consider the rights and assess the gaols and needs of vulnerable populations and individuals, especially for design of a service level response
• Successfully apply academic skills to a range of assessment tasks and to enter MSW(GE) with confidence.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.

Not all topics may be available in a given year.

Core - Year 1 topics

18 units comprising:

SOAD8013 Understanding Lifespan Development  (4.5 units)
SOAD8014 Understanding Australian Health and Human Services (4.5 units)
SOAD8015 Understanding Australian Society (4.5 units)
SOAD8016 Understanding Disability and Ageing (4.5 units)