Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Diploma of Safe Communities (Child Protection)
2021
This course provides you with specialist knowledge and skills to assess, manage, respond to and support the reduction of child abuse. It is designed for people working (or seeking to work) in statutory child protection, including social workers, psychologists, police, teachers, youth workers, allied health workers and community workers. It aims to enhance the capacity of those with responsibility for supporting vulnerable children and family 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 that exists within community led approaches to keeping children culturally, psychologically and physically safe.
Credit transfers & 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
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification in a relevant field; or successful completion of a Graduate Certificate of Safe Communities (Child Protection) or CHC81215 Graduate Certificate in Statutory Child Protection.
Essential 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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 65% in Academic English 3 with a 65% pass in the research essay. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with 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.
You must clear a National Police Check and/or a working with children clearance.
Course structure
Students complete eight core units designed to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of those who work with vulnerable children.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (8 units) |
80cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below:
SWK551 Engaging Vulnerable Families |
| Course Total | 80cp |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Diploma AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
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 standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SWK551 Engaging Vulnerable Families | CO | SWK552 Investigative Interviewing | CO |
| SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection Practice | CO | SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SWK555 Responding to Child Sexual Abuse (available 2022) | CO | SWK553 Collaborative Child Protection Practice | CO |
| SWK557 Complex Case Management (available 2022) | CO | SWK554 Child Safe Community Project | CO |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SWK552 Investigative Interviewing | CO | ||
| SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SWK551 Engaging Vulnerable Families | CO | SWK553 Collaborative Child Protection Practice | CO |
| SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection Practice | CO | SWK554 Child Safe Community Project | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SWK555 Responding to Child Sexual Abuse (available 2022) | CO | ||
| SWK557 Complex Case Management (available 2022) | CO | ||
Course 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 1GD036. If you would like to apply for a fee paying place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM536.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: 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.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.