Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

This enables practising social workers to build on their knowledge of advanced social work theory and practice, and research methods.

The course is open to social work graduates with a minimum of two years' experience as a professional social worker.

Areas available for study include family-based practice, community and statutory practice, gender and cultural issues, issues of disability, as well as management.

The graduate diploma is intended for people who already hold a degree but who wish to undertake further study so that they can obtain advanced qualifications in a specific area of expertise, or possibly also proceed to a master's degree.

It will also facilitate the development of a variety of generic skills which will complement specialised or professional degrees.

Course outline

The course involves full-time study for one year, or equivalent part-time (up to a maximum four years). International students may only study on a full-time basis.

The program involves two compulsory units and a choice of a range of other advanced-level social work units, to a total value of 48 points.

Compulsory units (6 points each)

• SWSP8602 Research Methods (semester 1)
• SWSP8601 Theory for Practice (semester 2)

Elective units (6 points each)

• SWSP8607 Professional Supervision (semester 1)
• SWSP8605 Advanced Community Practice (semester 2)
• SWSP8616 Mental Health Policy and Practice (semester 1 or 2)
• SWSP8611 Indigenous Policy and Practice
• SWSP8608 Group Work
• SWSP8613 Health and Human Development

OR any other semester unit to the value of six points from another postgraduate program at this University approved by the Dean, as recommended by the Head of the School of Social and Cultural Studies.

Admission requirements

A Bachelor of Social Work of this University (or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty) and at least two years' experience as a professionally qualified social worker.

Domestic students

All UWA coursework programs: English Language Competence

International students

All UWA coursework programs: English Language Competence

Course enquiries

Faculty Student Office
Telephone: (+61 8) 6488 2091
Email: arts.faculty@uwa.edu.au