Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CRICOS Code | 120882G |
| Full Time | 6 months |
| Part Time | 1 year (Domestic only) |
| Units | 4 |
| Campus | Parramatta, Melbourne |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 overall with no band less than 7.0 |
| Delivery mode | Blended, Face to Face |
| Outcome | Graduate Certificate in Behavioural and Social Science (GCBSS) |
Course Description
Graduates with a Graduate Certificate in Behaviour and Social Science complete a early foundational work in these disciplines. The qualification is a foundation for further progression to a Graduate Diploma of Behavioural and Social Science which is a gateway to the professional degree of Master of Social Work (Qualifying). This provides the base for a rewarding career in social work or related areas.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Code | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | Evaluate foundational concepts, theories and methodological approaches used in the Behavioural and Social Sciences. |
| CLO2 | Reflect on cultural norms in Australia to evaluate approaches to address contemporary social, political and economic problems. |
| CLO3 | Consider the key foundational theoretical constructs and vocabulary used in the Behavioural and Social Sciences to interpret contemporary issues in Australian society. |
| CLO4 | Link information, beliefs and social attitudes to enhance self understanding in Behavioural and Social Science methodology |
| CLO5 | Communicate ethically and effectively to a diverse audience. |
Graduate Attributes
| Code | Attribute |
|---|---|
| GA1 | Communicate effectively in a diverse range of professional or community context |
| GA2 | Complete work tasks and assignments independently or as an effective member of multidisciplinary teams |
| GA3 | Engage in and value life-long learning leading to the enhancement of professional knowledge and skills |
| GA4 | Are information and technology literate |
| GA5 | Respond appropriately to a changing workforces, cultures and values reflecting a global work environment |
| GA6 | Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making abilities essential to contributing soundly to the resolution of issues confronting organisations |
| GA7 | Facilitate intellectual curiosity |
| GA8 | Act in an ethical manner in all aspects of professional life |
International Student Duration
The CRICOS-registered duration is 26 weeks or 6 months of full-time study (1 semester). Please note the part time mode is not available to a holder of a student visa, who is not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, or who is not an Australian permanent resident, or who is a temporary resident of Australia.
Domestic Student Duration
For domestic students the course is 6 months full-time or 1 year part-time.
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC501 | Writing for the Social Sciences | 6 | Nil |
| SOC502 | Australian Society | 6 | Nil |
| SOC503 | Foundations of Psychology for Human Services | 6 | Nil |
| SOC504 | Communication Skills | 6 | Nil |
| TOTAL CREDIT POINTS | 24 |
Device Specifications
| Windows | macOS | |||
| Minimum | Recommended / Better | Minimum | Recommended / Better | |
| Version | Windows 11 (latest version) | Windows 11 (latest version) | macOS (latest supported release, or one previous) | macOS (most current major release) |
| Processor | Intel i5 (≥2.0 GHz) / AMD Ryzen 5 | Intel i7 (≥2.0 GHz) / AMD Ryzen 7 | Apple M1 chip (or later) | Apple M2 or M3 chip |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | 4 hrs (under normal use) | 6–8 hrs (under normal use) | 4 hrs (under normal use) | 8–10 hrs (under normal use) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) with 2×2 MIMO | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E) with 2×2 MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO | Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 with 2×2 MIMO |
| Webcam & Audio | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers | Built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers |
Delivery Method
| Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Blended | Delivered partially on campus and partially online |
| Face to Face | Delivered at: • 107 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia • 363 King St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia |
Assessment Methods
PIA uses authentic assessment principles that may include practical exercises, case studies, presentations, reports, online simulations, essays, and examinations. These may include being done under invigilation.
Exit and Career Outcomes
Exit Outcomes
To obtain a Graduate Certificate in Behavioural and Social Science, candidates are required to successfully complete all 4 units. Not all units are offered each semester. A minimum of 2 units need to be completed with PIA in order to be eligible to obtain a Graduate Certificate in Behavioural and Social Science.
Career Outcomes
Further studies and experience in social work and related areas may provide the opportunity to progress to higher positions in organisations.
The Graduate Certificate in Behaviour and Social Science is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree (AQF 7) or higher, awarded by a recognised university or higher education institution, in any discipline or equivalent.
- Applicants from a non-English speaking background must satisfy English language requirements set by the Institute. Details are published on the PIA website.
Language proficiency
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 with no band less than 7.0; or
- TOEFL: 94; or
- TOEFL IBT (International Benchmark Test): 91; or
- Academic PTE (Pearson Test of English): 66; or
- Cambridge English: CAE and CPE (from 2015): 185; or
- General Certificate of Education (GCE): A Levels with a C or better in English; or
- KITE: all bands B2 with a result greater than 510 in each band.
English Language Test results are valid for two years from the date of the results up to the date of commencement at the Institute. The most recent test supersedes ALL previous tests.
Fees
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 be a full Fee-paying place. This is noted in the Letter of Offer. You can also find the annual course cost on our Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees are based on a standard full-time study load and duration. Your course fees and duration may vary if you have applied for and been granted Advanced Standing. Tuition fees may increase during your studies. Students are advised in advance of any increase in tuition fees being implemented.
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.
International Students:
If you’re an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees are based on a standard full-time study load and duration. Your course fees and duration may vary if you have applied for and been granted Advanced Standing. Tuition fees may increase during your studies. Students are advised in advance of any increase in tuition fees being implemented.
How to Apply
Further Information
For further information please contact:
Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd
CRICOS: 03535M
TEQSA provider number: PRV14049
ABN: 34 145 333 795
Head office and postal address:
Level G, 98–104 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000
107 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150
363 King Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003
Level 1, West, 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: +61 (2) 8319 8202
Email: info@pia.edu.au
