Course Structure

The course structure is based on two semesters (each of 12 weeks duration, plus a study week), with four subjects taught in each semester. It comprises:

• 4 compulsory core subjects  (40 credit points)
• 4 elective subjects (40 credit points)              

To qualify for award of the degree of Graduate Diploma of Applied Social Science a candidate shall complete at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.

For more information see the Student Handbook.

Students who cannot demonstrate equivalency may be directed to complete an 8-subject AQF Level 7 bridging pathway and an additional 8 compulsory core subjects. 

Subjects

Core / 4 Subjects (40 credit points)

• SSC400 Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods
• ACA401 Faith and Purpose
• SSC410 Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing
• SSC413 Interpersonal Communication Skills (former SSC412 Counselling Practice I)

Elective / 4 Subjects (40 Credit Points)

• SSC410 Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing
• SSC411 Case Management
• SSC510 Human Lifespan Development
• SSC511 Principles of Psychology
• SSC512 Grief and Loss
• SSC513 Social Identity in Australia
• SSC521 Foundations of Professional Practice (former SSC514 Counselling Practice II)
• SSC516 Mental Health
• SSC517 Applied Counselling Theories
• SSC518 Working with Trauma
• SSC536 Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Therapies
• SSC531 Solution Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology
• SSC537 Working with Addictions
• SSC538 Working with Relationships
• SSC534 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
• SSC539 Working with Children and Young People
• SSC540 Engaging Families
• SSC560 Supervision of People Helpers

For more details on which subjects you can choose, see the current enrolment guide for this course.

Admission Criteria

Academic

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)
This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Recent high school leavers are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification are not eligible for this course.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion of a Bachelor degree or higher (or equivalent) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who have not completed any previous tertiary academic study are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Language

Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5. IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

Essential Requirements for Admission

Working with Children Check

All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects. Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’.

Pre-admission Interview and Statement of Intention

Students may be requested to submit a Statement of Intention as part of their application for admission into this course. In addition, a pre-admission interview may also be conducted.

Study Modes

Delivery Mode*: Face-to-Face (Campus class), Online Live (Zoom class), Online Recorded

Locations**: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Online

Duration: 1-2 years full-time/Up to 8 years part-time

Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2

* Our study modes are flexible so you can mix-and-match different modes throughout your course to fit your needs. For example, a face-to-face student can choose to attend some classes online or an online student may choose to take some subjects face-to-face.

** Some subjects may only be available in certain study modes each semester. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information. Face-to-face classes can be delivered weekly or via intensives, where the subject is delivered in a block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends. Some subjects must be completed face-to-face to meet professional accreditation requirements.

Fees & Timetables

A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.

For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page. For students who cannot access government loans, an alternative option is Study Loans, a private student loan provider. To learn more about loans provided by Study Loans, click here.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Deepen their knowledge of counselling theory and practice in order to operate as an independent professional within their chosen profession.
• Demonstrate the capacity to manage the self-care, professional conduct and currency of both themselves and those under their leadership

Skills:

• Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge pertaining to the social sciences and counselling and their integration.
• Be responsible and accountable for their own learning and practice
• Think more critically, generate and creatively evaluate complex ideas.
• Operate professionally at a more highly skilled level
• Effectively communicate understanding and complex knowledge to a variety of audiences.
• Plan, supervise and evaluate the work of others.

Application of Knowledge and Skills:

• Self-awareness and the ability to be self-evaluative
• Self-care, professional conduct and the need to keep current in their field
• Self organisation and well-developed judgement and adaptability
• Those attributes that prepare them for membership advancement in their chosen professional association
• Interpersonal relationships with superiors and subordinates