Graduate Diploma of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Southern Cross University

About

Developing your ability to help people who are most in need, the Graduate Diploma of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a stepping stone to a career that can truly transform lives.Aligned with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – offering targeted support to people with disability and their carers – this program responds to the increasing demand for professionals with specialist knowledge in disability services.

An elective professional portfolio unit allows you to develop your ideas for service delivery in a project format.With career potential across disability service delivery, management and policy, this course is ideal for graduates keen to broaden their professional scope via greater knowledge and expertise in disability services.The Graduate Certificate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a pathway to this course.

Structure

Core Units

Title Level of learning Note
PBHL5003 - Creating Person Centred Organisational Change Intermediate
PBHL5005 - Supported Decision Making for Choice and Control Intermediate
PBHL5007 - Positive Behaviour Support Intermediate
PBHL5013 - Supporting People with Disabilities Going to Work Advanced

Elective Units

Title Level of learning Note
PBHL5009 - Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder Intermediate
PBHL6003 - Talking Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder Intermediate
PBHL5011 - Advocating for Fundamental Needs Intermediate
MHNS5004 - Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts Advanced
MHNS5001 - Contemporary Mental Health Advanced
PBHL5006 - Healthcare Professional Portfolio A Introductory
MHNS5002 - Mental Health Across the Lifespan Advanced

Entry requirements

All applicants must:

  1. have successfully completed a three year Bachelor degree from any Australian university, or equivalent, in a health, psychology or social science related discipline; OR
  2. provide evidence of minimum five years' full-time and current work experience in intellectual and developmental disability and related fields as acceptable to the Course Co-ordinator.

Applicants need to provide curriculum vitae and an employer’s reference and will be required to demonstrate the ability to undertake graduate study via an interview with the Course Co-ordinator.

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

  • 4 core units (48 credit points); and
  • 4 equivalent elective units (48 credit points).

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising all core units.

Learning outcomes

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 <a href="/staff/teaching-and-learning/graduate-attributes/">graduate attributes</a>.

Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour Exercise critical and analytical thinking and judgement in researching and addressing the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disability and relevant theories, models and frames of reference.
Creativity Apply knowledge and skills creatively in addressing social, institutional and relationship barriers to the full inclusion and participation of people with intellectual and developmental disability.
Ethical practice Demonstrate well developed judgement and use of ethical framework(s) in scholarly and professional contexts in order to protect and defend the dignity, respect and regard of people with intellectual and developmental disability.
Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate an advanced understanding of theoretical and technical knowledge in one or more disciplines or areas of practice in order to provide person centred leadership.
Lifelong learning Critically reflect on, assess and regulate one’s own learning and research capabilities and performance in order to ensure accountability in all decision making processes.
Communication and social skills Effectively communicate understanding of theoretical concepts complex knowledge and ideas in order to inform and enhance supports and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disability.
Cultural competence Demonstrate an understanding of diverse cultural and Indigenous Australian contemporary realities and values impacting on the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disability.

Institution