Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work

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.

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.

Award 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).

Choose your subjects

Majors

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.

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

Indicative total fee $8,496

The amounts shown here are 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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

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

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.

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.