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Undergraduate

Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Social and Mental Health Care

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

Not available full-time
1 year/s part-time

Intake

Semester 1

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

40

Course code

NSMHC1
SATAC/UAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Social and Mental Health Care is a one-year, part-time course that offers you the opportunity to upskill, reskill and retrain in social and mental health care.

Available 100% online or on campus, this course will equip you with core skills and is a direct pathway into higher education courses in social work and psychology.

During this course you will acquire basic communication skills required for individual, family, and couples' therapy. You'll also learn about mental health and behavioural issues. This course is designed to support your learning needs and develop your study skills.

On completing the Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Social and Mental Health Care, you'll be eligible to use the credits you've gained towards further study of a:

  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Bachelor of Psychology
  • Diploma of Social Care
  • Diploma of Counselling.

You may also use the Undergraduate Certificate as a pathway for entry into a variety of other higher education courses.

Advanced standing may be granted for some or all of the subjects you successfully complete. If further study is your intention, be sure to check the requirements of your preferred undergraduate degree to determine how many credits you can transfer.

Note: On current advice the Undergraduate Certificate must be completed by the end of 2025.

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.

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?

This 40-credit point course consist of two (2) core and two (2) specialist elective units. This course consists of a combination of introductory and first-year degree subjects, designed to help you develop core knowledge in social and mental health care and the necessary skills for successful university studies.

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 indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core
(2 units)
20cpCompulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.

SWK102 Communication Skills
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140 from 2022)

Specialist Elective
(2 units)

 

20cp

Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from one of the following specialisations below:

Psychology
PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B (replaces PSY141 from 2022)
PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication (replaces PSY115 from 2022)

Social Work
SWK101 Introduction to Human Services
SWK103 Social Work Skills A
HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion

Counselling
HSC119 Counselling Theory and Micro Skills (replaces PSY390 from 2022)
HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing (replaces PSY143/144 from 2022)

Alcohol and Other Drugs 
AOD202 Alcohol and Other Drugs Studies (replaces AOD201 from 2022)
AOD311 Counselling/ Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs Field (replaces AOD301 from 2022)

 40cpTotal Credit Points

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
Students that have completed the previous unit prior to 2022 should not complete the new replacement unit.

Previous Unit CodeNew Unit CodeNew Unit Title
AOD201AOD202Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
AOD301AOD311Counselling/ Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs Field
PSY115PSY116Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication
PSY140PSY150Introduction to Psychology A
PSY141PSY151Introduction to Psychology B
PSY143/144HSC211Mental Health and Wellbeing
PSY390HSC119Counselling Theory and Micro Skills

 

Study plan


Students Commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a part time load.

Part-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140)COSWK102 Communication SkillsCO
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 2SE

 

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).
  • 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 125 or higher.
  • Successful completion of a 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:
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
    • Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
    • Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman

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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

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.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
No
Award
Undergraduate Certificate (Social and Mental Health Care)
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Community Services and Social Work, Psychology, Allied Health Sciences, Health

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 or TAS.

UAC

UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.

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.

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

SATAC/UAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
UAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
108071
593040
Online (CSP)
108071
593040
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

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