Graduate Certificate in Social Justice and Community Practice

The Graduate Certificate in Social Justice and Community Practice provides integrated theoretical and practical knowledge which provides graduates with the foundation for ethical, anti-colonial and collaborative practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, communities and community-run organisations.

Make a meaningful difference in your community with the Graduate Certificate in Social Justice and Community Practice. This postgraduate program equips you with the knowledge, skills and ethical frameworks to support diverse populations, promote equity and address systemic social and economic disadvantage. 

Through flexible online study, you’ll develop advanced practice skills, including effective and respectful engagement with communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Social Justice and Community Practice

• Build skills in human service practice, client advocacy and organisational leadership with a focus on ethics, integrity and cultural sensitivity. 
• Learn evidence-based strategies for anti-colonial engagement and child protection practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, preparing you for roles in community-controlled organisations. 
• Explore disability theory and inclusive practice to support accessible and equitable services. 

Study with experts in social justice and community practice 

Griffith is recognised for our commitment to social equity, inclusion and research-informed practice. Learn from leading academics and practitioners who draw on their expertise and professional experience to guide your learning, providing practical insights and mentorship that connects theory with real-world social justice practice. 

The Trimester 3 intake is restricted to students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent working in community-controlled organisations.

Recommended study pattern

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

• First Peoples and Social Justice (Advanced)
• Human Service : Knowledge and Practice
• Working with First Peoples Communities
• Disability Theories and Approaches
• Qld Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Child Protection Practice Standards 

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 Social Justice and Community Practice (GCertSocJusticeCPrac), you must successfully Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module

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

Indicative total fee $8,600

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 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 a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• 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 C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

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.

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.

The Trimester 3 intake is available only for students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent working in community-controlled organisations who are sponsored to enrol in 7050HSV Qld Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Child Protection Practice Standards.