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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 as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless 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: SWK552 Investigative Interviewing SWK553 Collaborative Child Protection Practice (no longer offered) SWK554 Child Safe Community Project (no longer offered) SWK555 Responding to Child Sexual Abuse (no longer offered) SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice SWK557 Complex Case Management (no longer offered) SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection Practice |
| 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.
Study plan
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time 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 these 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 | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time 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 these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE= Specialist Elective |
| 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
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 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | 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. |
| 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.
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.
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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