Graduate Diploma of Applied Social Science
This dynamic course develops your communication skills and equips you to help others in a professional and ethical manner. This course is overseen by Program Director Dr Rebecca Loundar.
Course Description
Do you desire to help communities and impact individuals? Or maybe you gain a sense of fulfillment when you comfort a loved one in need? The Graduate Diploma of Applied Social Science is made for you.
Our two-year course (Course Structure 1, below) is for people interested in a career change to Counselling. The course is designed to equip students in their development as a Counsellor.
Our one-year course (Course Structure 2, below) is designed to provide Bachelor of Social Science graduates with the opportunity to continue the development of their knowledge and skills, based on their professional needs within the field of applied social science.
Students will be trained by exceptional academics and leaders from the industry who will support and encourage them in their studies. At the completion of this study, graduates are able to apply for membership with relevant accreditation bodies.

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
Note: Students are
encouraged to contact the Program Director, Associate Professor Rebecca Loundar, for recommended enrolment.
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)
Recent high school leavers are not eligible for direct entry into this course.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
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 an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher)
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, online**
Locations: Sydney, Brisbane*, Perth*, Hobart
Duration: 1-2 years full-time/Up to 8 years part-time
Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2
*Limited subjects offered
** 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.
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
Student Story
“I was studying the same degree at another university when the lecturer said that our worldview affects everything we do, especially in this job. At that moment, I realised I needed to find a new place to learn that aligns with my worldview. After asking around, I found Alphacrucis and I have never looked back.”
Abigail Comafay,
Social Science student

Work-Integrated Learning
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma of Applied Social Science, a candidate will complete at least 2 subjects (20 credit points) of Professional Practice. Students are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.
Professional Accreditation
At the completion of this study, graduates are able to apply for membership with relevant accreditation bodies. Students must have the appropriate police checks and/or approvals for working with children before they may undertake EXP subjects.
Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.
Course Codes
CRICOS Course Code: 093684G