Graduate Diploma of Social Work – Southern Cross Institute

Overview

The SCI Graduate Diploma of Social Work course is a qualification that allows entry to the social work profession and into more advanced formal qualifications. This course aims to prepare students, who do not have a prior degree in social work but wish to enter into the field and/or have prior experience in the field and would like to build their foundational understanding in social work and enabling continued study towards a Master degree in Social Work. The course provides students with theoretical and preparatory knowledge in social and behavioral sciences, essential for understanding social work. This foundational education prepares students for advanced study and specialisation within the field. However, it is important to note that the course alone does not qualify students to practice as an accredited social worker. The course has been prepared in alignment with the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) as a pathway towards a Master of Social Work degree

Industry Needs

While the Graduate Diploma of Social Work at SCI is not a qualifying degree for accredited practice (ASWEAAS) as a social worker in Australia, it is designed to meet the entry-level industry needs of the social work profession and enable further study in the field of social work. In today’s complex and diverse society, there is a growing demand for highly skilled and competent social work professionals who can address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities. The industry requires social workers who possess advanced knowledge of social work theories, research methodologies, cultural competency, and ethical practices. This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive, foundational understanding of social work principles, theories, and practices. The Graduate Diploma of Social Work course offers a great starting point for further qualification and a career in the field of Social Work.

STRUCTURE

The Graduate Diploma of Social Work will have the following delivery structure:

• 1 year full-time teaching over 2 semesters;

• 6 units;

• Simulation in social work setting;

• Each semester will run over 12 weeks;

• Each unit has 4 contact hours per week broken down into lecture and tutorial components (2 hours lecture + 2 hours tutorial);

• The course is equivalent to 120 credit points comprising 6 units of 20 credit points each.

Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for credit of all their units towards Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Unit Sequence

Year 1
Semester 1	SWQ801 History and Foundation of Social Work	SWQ802 Critical Approaches to Social Work Theory and Practice	SWQ803 Human Behavior and Human Development in Social Work
Semester 2	SWQ804 Diversity, Power, and Identity in Social Work	SWQ805 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Social Work	SWQ806 Ethical and Legal Issues in Social Work

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Social Work, the student would need to complete all 6 units listed below to fulfil the requirements of Graduate Diploma of Social Work.

Unit Name	Prerequisites Unit
SWQ801 History and Foundation of Social Work	N/A
SWQ802 Critical Approaches to Social Work Theory and Practice	N/A
SWQ803 Human Behavior and Human Development in Social Work	N/A
SWQ804 Diversity, Power, and Identity in Social Work	N/A
SWQ805 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Social Work	N/A
SWQ806 Ethical and Legal Issues in Social Work	N/A

Course learning Outcomes

The Graduate Diploma of Social Work has the following learning outcomes that are consistent with the AQF Level 8 qualification:

Understand the fundamental concepts underlying social work practice, enabling a solid foundation for analysing social issues and designing effective interventions.
Assess the impact of social work practices on individuals, families, and communities, considering ethical principles and societal implications.
Develop interventions that are culturally sensitive and appropriate for diverse individuals and groups within various social contexts.
Synthesise theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence to develop evidence-based strategies for promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion in social work practice.
Demonstrate cognitive, interpersonal, and creative skills to investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories.
Communicate and collaborate effectively in teams and individually, and when working in diverse cultures.

Graduate Attributes

The graduates of Southern Cross Institute will have the following attributes at AQF Level 8.

Apply ethical principles to professional decision-making to protect individual rights and human dignity and promote sustainable communities.
Apply advanced disciplinary knowledge to address complex social, intellectual and technical problems.
Critically analyse and evaluate professional practices, principles, strategies and impacts to enable continuous improvements in service.
Generate, adapt and communicate information appropriately to meet the needs of people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
Work autonomously, reflectively and collaboratively in professional contexts to advance the needs and interests of stakeholders and community.
Use relevant technologies and tools within the structure of the coursework through course teaching modalities and field placements, to conduct quantitative and qualitative research and enhance professional practice.