Undergraduate Certificate in Social Care

A career in the social care sector is rewarding and challenging. Your job opportunities range from aged care and disability support to education and community development. Our graduates are equipped to shape and respond to social care opportunities and challenges through their understanding of professional practice in the community care sector, and by being culturally competent citizens in a local, national, and global society.

This is an excellent opportunity to further your career in aged care and disability support roles. You could be the support someone needs to change their path and give them the strength to address life-changing concerns.

In addition to developing job-ready skills, you'll also have the option to pursue further study in the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours, receiving full credit towards Year 1 of the bachelors course for the four subjects of study completed towards the certificate.

Higher education

Domestic Applicants with higher education study:

• Complete at least two undergraduate subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If you have failed any subjects your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made ; or
• Completed the UTAS Diploma of University Studies; or
• Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program, or an equivalent enabling program offered by another Australian university.

Secondary education

Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education:

• This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process.
• Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission.

VET studies

A completed VET Certificate III or higher

Work and Life

If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

Special consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.

https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning

Social care workers play a vital role in supporting people through issues of discrimination, inequality, violence, and other forms of oppression.

Recent systemic failures of care, particularly in aged care and disability support, have come to the forefront in Australia. The Undergraduate Certificate in Social Care will provide you with a critical perspective of responsible care: you’ll develop a greater understanding of the vulnerability of people who access support services and how you can help them to overcome social and personal issues.

Your studies will focus on practical skills that can improve the quality of care provided to people by emphasising their strengths, promoting their sense of dignity and self-worth, and enabling their autonomy. This course is relevant for anyone working with people in sensitive situations as well as those wanting to progress their studies to obtain a professional qualification in Social Work.

Please visit our Certificates page (https://www.utas.edu.au/study/certificates#faqs) for answers to frequently asked questions about the Job Ready Certificates.

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended.

Year 1. 4 subjects in first year including:

• 2 core subjects
  • TAS-HGA138 Society, Culture and Health
  • TAS-HGW101 Introduction to Social Work and Human Service Practice

Complete 1 subject from each pair of subjects

• Core Option Subjects Pair A
  • TAS-FXA100 The Arts and Dementia Care
  • TAS-FXA101 Creativity for Life
• Core Option Subjects Pair B
  • TAS-ZAC103 Principles of Individualised Support
  • TAS-ZAC208 Contemporary Disability Practice

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 4 subjects, as required in the schedule to be eligible for this award at a minimum of 6 months from commencement, up to 1 year.