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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
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 mid-2025.
Career opportunities
The course provides you with the opportunity to upskill, retrain and reskill in mental health and social work whilst providing pathways to pursue further study.
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.
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
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)
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
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 type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (2 units) | 20cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. SWK102 Communication Skills |
Specialist Elective
| 20cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from one of the following specialisations below:
Social Work Counselling |
| 40cp | Total 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 Code | New Unit Code | New Unit Title |
| AOD201 | AOD202 | Alcohol and Other Drug Studies |
| AOD301 | AOD311 | Counselling/ Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs Field |
| PSY115 | PSY116 | Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication |
| PSY140 | PSY150 | Introduction to Psychology A |
| PSY141 | PSY151 | Introduction to Psychology B |
| PSY143/144 | HSC211 | Mental Health and Wellbeing |
| PSY390 | HSC119 | Counselling 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 Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
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:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
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, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
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.
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.
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.
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