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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
If you're experienced in working with people and communities, the Graduate Certificate of Safe Communities (Child Protection) can give you an entry point to specialist postgraduate qualifications.
Gain specialist knowledge and skills to assess, manage, respond to, and support the reduction of child abuse. The course is designed for people who are working, or seeking to work, in statutory child protection, including social workers, psychologists, police, teachers, youth workers, allied health workers and community workers.
The course aims to enhance your capacity if you're responsible for supporting vulnerable children and families within their communities. With an emphasis on prevention, innovation and collaboration you will be part of a learning community, drawing from research, knowledge and the expertise within community-led approaches to keeping children culturally, psychologically and physically safe.
Career opportunities
Child protection staff in local government take this course for professional development and skills acquisition.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
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
Both Commonwealth supported places (CSP) and fee paying places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CSP use the SATAC code 1GC044. If you would like to apply for a fee paying place you will need to use the SATAC code 1GC544.
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.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
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 theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
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 theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)
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 theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
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 theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
This course consists of four units (one core, three specialist elective) aiming to advance the knowledge and skills of people working in the area of child protection.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (1 units) | 10cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 10 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: SWK551 Engaging Vulnerable Families |
| Specialist Electives (3 units) | 30cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 30 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: The following units are no longer offered: |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
SWK552 Investigative Interviewing has been replaced by SWK559 Preventing and Responding to Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence from 2026.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-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 Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SWK551 Engaging Vulnerable Families | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-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 Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| SWK551 Engaging Vulnerable Families | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
- Successful completion of a bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification in a relevant field such as social work, human welfare studies and services, or psychology; or
- Successful completion of a diploma level qualification and two years of experience working in the fields of community work, child protection or family violence; or
- Consideration will also be given to you if you have at least five years of appropriate experience working with children, families and communities. To apply under this admission criteria, you must provide a curriculum vitae and two written referee reports in your application.
Essential requirements
You must clear a National Police Check and/or a working with children clearance.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU Student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU Student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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.
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