Graduate Certificate in Human and Social Services

A pathway to our Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

This program is designed for students interested in becoming qualified social workers with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.

You can complete this intensive Graduate Certificate in six months, to become eligible to enrol in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) in the following semester.

what you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Human and Social Services is an intensive, 6-month full-time program that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for effective practice in the field of human and social services.

Find out when applications close for available intakes

Review the information below and submit your application now.

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

To ensure a smooth application process, please complete the following steps before applying:

Note: Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University of Newcastle’s English Language Proficiency requirements.

Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.

In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.

Social work offers many fields of practice that lead to diverse career pathways.

Upon completion of the Master in Social Work (Qualifying), possible careers include:

• Social Worker
• Case manager (Child Protection, Out of Home Care, Housing, Addiction, Disability)
• Community Development Officer
• Policy Adviser
• Counsellor
• Mental Health Clinician.