James Cook University Online

Graduate Certificate of Human Services

The Graduate Certificate of Human Services is designed to enable students to meet the entry requirements of JCU’s Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying). Whether you have no formal experience in social work or are looking to upskill for a career switch, this graduate certificate will give you the key knowledge and skills you need to succeed as you pursue further study to become a professional social worker.

JCU’s Graduate Certificate of Human Services consists of four core subjects: Social Welfare Practice with Children and Families; Social Work and Mental Health; Organisational Practice; and Professional Values and Ethics. These subjects cover key aspects of the ethos, methodologies and professional standards of social work practice in Australia, preparing you to study the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) with the necessary background knowledge.

Throughout your studies, you will learn from expert academics who are committed to your success. The cohort you study alongside will likely progress with you into further studies, meaning that you’ll have the chance to both benefit from, and contribute to, a valuable support network of peers.

Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Human Services, you will have an in-depth understanding of the underlying values, ethics, theories, principles, professional practice and workplace contexts in the social work discipline. You will be able to critically review, evaluate and apply evidence-based practice to solve issues in contemporary social work practice in Australia and have greater capacity for communicating your knowledge and insights as a learner and emerging professional to specialist and non-specialist audiences.