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CDU student Yulia
Undergraduate

Diploma of Social Care

Key details

Duration

1 year/s full-time
2 year/s part-time
1 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

80

Course code

YSCCR1
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

Whether you are seeking a new career, or looking to build on your existing experience, the Diploma of Social Care provides you with knowledge and skills for a range of community and human service roles. The social care and community sector is a rapidly growing field offering a wide variety of employment options.

You will learn about working with individuals, groups and communities to help people access the care, support and services they need. You will also learn to locate and analyse key information to help you make practice decisions.

As a graduate you will have the skills for employment in community work, residential care, support services, youth work and aged care. This course can provide a direct pathway into the Bachelor of Social Work degree at Charles Darwin University, with up to a full year of credit (80cp).



Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $27,640.00. This equates to $ $3,455.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

CDU College of Health & Human Sciences student

Why study social work at CDU?

Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #4 Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
  • Flexibility and support to study full-time or part-time, on campus or online
Social Work CDU Event

Why study social work at CDU?

Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
CDU College of Health & Human Sciences student

Why study social work at CDU?

Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #4 Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
  • Flexibility and support to study full-time or part-time, on campus or online
Social Work CDU Event

Why study social work at CDU?

Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)

What will I study?

The Diploma of Social Care comprises three core units and five specialist electives. Core units include communication skills, dynamics of group work and introduction of human services. This diploma is offered on campus as well as externally.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units 
(3 units)
30cp

Compulsory Core units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below. 

SWK101 Introduction to Human Services 
SWK102 Communication Skills 
SWK202 Dynamics of Group Work

Specialist Electives 
(5 units)
50cp

Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points from the units below.

LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024) 
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024) 
HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion 
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140 from 2022) 
SWK103 Social Work Skills A 
AOD202 Alcohol and Other Drugs Studies (replaces AOD201 from 2022) 
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) 
IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary Perspectives 
PSY203 Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan (replaces PSY202 from 2022) 
SWK201 Human Service Organisations 
 

 80cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2023

Core units have decreased from 60 credit points to 30 credit points.

  • HSC132, HSC220 and IAS245 have moved from core units to specialist elective units

Specialist Elective unit requirements have increased from 20 credit points to 50 credit points.

  • HSC132, HSC220 and IAS245 have moved from core to specialist elective units
  • CUC100 and CUC107 have been added as specialist elective units

 

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
SWK101 Introduction to Human ServicesCOSWK102 Communication SkillsCO
Specialist elective 1SESWK202 Dynamics of Group WorkCO
Specialist elective 2SESpecialist elective 4SE
Specialist elective 3SESpecialist elective 5SE

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_____________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  SWK101 Introduction to Human ServicesCO
  SWK102 Communication SkillsCO
  Specialist elective 1CO
  Specialist elective 2SE
Year 2
SWK202 Dynamics of Group WorkCO  
Specialist elective 3CO  
Specialist elective 4CO  
Specialist elective 5SE  

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
 

ATAR profile

The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024

ATAR based offers onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Median rank to receive an offer<5<5
Highest rank to receive an offer<5<5

Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU Student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU Student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU student

Chigozie on campus

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
16 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study 10 .0
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
<5N/P
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 26 .0

Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Diploma of Social Care
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Community Services and Social Work, Health, Allied Health Sciences

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about social work at CDU

Sam is from China studying a Bachelor of Social Work at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about social work at CDU

Sam is from China studying a Bachelor of Social Work at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
116261
Online (CSP)
116261
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
0101030

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