Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work is designed to graduate advanced practitioners in the professional social work field.

The subjects in this course adopt an interdisciplinary, international and evidence-based approach to respond to the complex and growing challenges faced by social workers working in a range of health, mental health and human services fields.Subjects are taught by leading academics in the fields of evidence-based research, health, mental health, child and family welfare, ageing, social policy, program evaluation and leadership.

Students from around the globe will be provided with opportunities to work together to address the increasing challenges and opportunities in the health and human services fields with a key focus on linking social work to practice.The course requires completion of 50 credit points of study, including a compulsory subject focusing on social work practice-based research.

The course is provided entirely on-line providing flexibility to design study times around other work and family commitments and study preferences.This course is designed to be available to professional social workers at different stages in their careers, including recent graduates, established practitioners and those seeking to move in new directions.

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work is comprised of 50 credit points, typically taken as four subjects.

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (typically a BSW or MSW), which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (or equivalent); and
• at least two years of documented, relevant work experience; and
• a personal statement outlining why they wish to be considered for the course; and
• nomination of a professional referee.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and
• work experience; and
• the personal statement;
• the referee report.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: https://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity

Intended learning outcomes

This course prepares qualified social workers for specialist roles in the health, mental health and human services sector. The course:

• provides graduates with the theoretical and advanced skill base for working with individuals, families, communities and organisations;
• prepares graduates for leadership and practice-based research roles in their field of social work practice; and
• engages students in critical reflection of their own practice development.