Graduate Certificate in Human Services

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Human Services will have specialised, integrated theoretical and practical knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of Human Services knowledge.

You will gain the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective human services professional. Human service professionals are concerned with improving the social, economic, personal and communal well-being of people.They seek to promote social inclusion and achieve equity, social justice, interdependence and human rights of people who are adversely affected by social and economic factors.

You will explore contemporary issues and learn about the latest theory and practice that can be applied to a broad range of human service settings, including government and non-government welfare organisations and community groups. You will build upon your existing knowledge base for working with children, families, young people, older people, communities and human service organisations.

This program is informed by the latest research and will suit you if you are looking for specialist human services training or wish to expand your current scope of practice. You will study alongside people from a range of disciplines, which will help you to learn and understand how different professions can contribute to improving the quality of people's lives. It is anticipated that successful completion of the program will give you an edge in a competitive job market.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• First Peoples and Social Justice (Advanced)
• Human Service : Knowledge and Practice

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Human Services (GCertHumServ), you must successfully Complete 40 credit points for either of the following:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module, or
• 40 credit points for all QATSICPP Sponsored Foundation Module

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $8,700

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University

Explore Griffith University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)
• a Certificate IV or Diploma - VET/TAFE qualification in a related discipline and one year relevant work experience
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above

Related discipline includes social or behavioural sciences, disability services/support, rehabilitation, family support, mental health support, community development/welfare, youth work, aged care or related human services fields, First Peoples welfare and support services, psychology, social work, nursing, education, criminology, arts, public health, health science

Relevant work experience includes community services, disability services/support, rehabilitation, family support, mental health support, community development/welfare, youth work, aged care or related human services fields, First Peoples welfare and support services, psychology, social work, nursing, education, criminology

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 program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.

QATSICPP sponsored students: you will be required to study 7050HSV Qld Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Child Protection Practice Standards in Trimester 3, in-person.