Student sitting across from someone and smiling

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time; 1 year part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • ATAR

    40

  • Inherent Requirements

  • Language Requirements

    IELTS Overall Score 6.5 (Social Work); 5.5 (Community Welfare)

  • Entry Requirements

  • Course abbreviation

    CertCommWelf

  • Course code

    2004650

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    No  

  • ATAR

    40

  • Inherent Requirements

  • Language Requirements

    IELTS Overall Score 6.5 (Social Work); 5.5 (Community Welfare)

  • Entry Requirements

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

Are you interested in a career where you can make a difference every day? The Undergraduate Certificate in Community Welfare is an excellent place to start.
 
This is a pathway to further study at Southern Cross University in Community Welfare or Social Work.
 
It aims to prepare you for Diploma or Bachelor-level studies, combining academic skills units with introductory units to develop your foundational knowledge in community welfare and social work.
 
Graduates of this course are eligible for entry and up to four units of credit towards the Diploma of Health, the Bachelor of Community Welfare or the Bachelor of Social Work.
Student at table with laptop

This course is available at the Gold Coast campus or online. Online study provides a flexible option for students juggling work/family commitments with university, or who wish to study a Southern Cross University course without needing to relocate.

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

-

GA2: Creativity

-

GA3: Ethical practice

-

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate an understanding of foundational concepts that are essential for successful tertiary study in community welfare.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Apply independent learning and self-management strategies to university studies.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Identify and use different forms of communication relevant to defined community settings.

GA7: Cultural competence

-

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

Career Outcomes

This course is a pathway to further study at Southern Cross University in Community Welfare or Social Work.
 
Graduates of this course are eligible for entry and up to four units of credit towards the Diploma of Health, the Bachelor of Community Welfare or the Bachelor of Social Work for work in the community or human services fields.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Applicants who are not Australian-born, Australian citizens or whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English who intend to seek direct entry from the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Welfare to the following bachelor awards, must have achieved an IELTS Academic test score equal to or above:
  • the Bachelor of Community Welfare – IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 (or equivalent).
  • the Bachelor of Social Work – IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.5.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.5 (Social Work); 5.5 (Community Welfare)
Reading6.5 (Social Work); 5.5 (Community Welfare)
Writing6.5 (Social Work); 5.5 (Community Welfare)
Listening6.5 (Social Work); 6 (Community Welfare)
Speaking6.5 (Social Work); 5.5 (Community Welfare)

Course requirements

Entry Award

To be eligible to receive the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Welfare (2004650) students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising:

  • 1 core units (12 credit points)
  • 3 option units (36 credit points)


Exit Pathway

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Community Welfare may be eligible to exit with the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Welfare after completing 4 approved units (48 credit points), as listed in the Schedule of Units, from the Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Community Welfare.


Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term5
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1002Community Development
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
SOCI1005Social Policy
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1002Community Development
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
SOCI1005Social Policy
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1002Community Development
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
SOCI1005Social Policy


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core

EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline

Option Units

Choose three units (36 credit points) from the following options:

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1002Community Development
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
SOCI1005Social Policy
To be eligible to exit from the Bachelor of Community Welfare or the Bachelor of Social Work with the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Welfare, complete 4 (48 credit points) of the below listed units:

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1002Community Development
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
SOCI1005Social Policy
POLT1001Australian Politics
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change

Why Social Work and Community Welfare at SCU

No.1 in QLD for Skills Development

We're ranked No.1 in QLD for skills development in Humanities and Social Sciences

(GUG 2023)

Global top 5% in Social Sciences

We're in the global top 5% in Social Sciences

(THE World University Rankings 2020)

Student Support

We're also ranked No.1 in Australia for student support and learning resources in Social Work

(GUG 2020)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Online

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway