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.

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.

This one-year course 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.

We also have a one-year bridging pathway for people interested in a career change into Counselling. Contact the Program Director for more information.

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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. 

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. This should include the email and phone contact details for at least two professional referees .In addition, a pre-admission interview may also be conducted.

Study Modes

Locations: Online, Sydney
Full-time Duration: 1 year
Part-time Duration: Up to 8 years
2023 Intakes: Oct Intake, Nov Intake
2024 Intakes: Sem 1, Sem 2, Nov Intake

See the timetable to confirm individual subject location and mode availability.

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

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Social Science will prepare you for working with several types of individuals, groups, and communities in various environments to aid in improving their quality of life.  Students must have the appropriate police checks and/or approvals for working with children before they may undertake EXP subjects.

Your graduate employment opportunities from further study in this field can include:

  • Community worker
  • Policy/Project Officer
  • Family Support Officer
  • Services in areas like health, women, disability, children, migration, and refugees

Alumni Story

“I came to AC to study Social Science. God placed this on my heart during a missions trip to help people in need. My time at AC has really grounded me in having a biblical approach and worldview and I really appreciate how my lecturers share from a place of genuine experience. After graduating, I hope to work in youth or community development where I can bring people together and share Christ's love with them practically."

Naomi Jale,

Social Science Graduate

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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.

CRICOS Course Code: 093684G