Postgraduate: Course rule and topic information

Graduate Certificate in
Disability Studies

(GradCertDisSt)

INTRODUCTION

The Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences on a Commonwealth Supported basis.

COURSE AIMS

The course provides further study opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability Studies), the Bachelor of Disability and Community Rehabilitation and other relevant awards, including the former Diploma of Applied Science (Developmental Disabilities), and for teachers and allied professionals seeking to upgrade their specialised education.

The course is intended to provide professional knowledge and the development of expertise in many areas of disability. Depending on the individual interests of students, any three topics from the Master of Disability Studies course can be selected, in consultation with the course coordinator.

COURSE RULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree, diploma or equivalent qualification. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

PROGRAM OF STUDY [April, 2008]

Potential students must consult with the Department of Disability Studies regarding any compulsory topics.

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the approved program.

Students can elect to undertake a specific stream of the GCDS and below is the list of the streams offered. It must be noted, however, that not all streams are available at all times.

It will be necessary to discuss the options with the course coordinator. If a student chooses not to undertake a specific stream, they will graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies, without mention of a specific stream.

STREAMS:

• Ageing and Disability
• Asperger Disorder
• Augmentative Communication Systems
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Behaviour Management
• Community Inclusion
• Down Syndrome
• Dual Disabilities
• Translation from School to Adult Life
• Leadership #
• Learning Difficulties
• Technology and Disability
• Vision Impairment

Below is the list of topics from which the three topics may be chosen:

DSRS8124	Life and Living with Down Syndrome *	6
DSRS9012	Developmental Disabilities *	6
DSRS9016	Transition from School to Adult Life for Students with Disabilities	6
DSRS9019	Communication Difficulties *	6
DSRS9028	Rehabilitation and Learning Following Acquired Brain Injury	6
DSRS9030	Dissertation in Disability Studies	18
DSRS9031	Design and Evaluation of Disability Programs	6
DSRS9032	Current Issues in Disability Studies *	6
DSRS9034	Advanced Practicum in Disability Studies *	6
DSRS9035	Directed Study in Disabilities *	6
DSRS9045	Coursework Project in Disability/Rehabilitation Studies *	12
DSRS9046	Legal, Ethical and Administrative Dimensions of Disability Studies	6
DSRS9047	Disability: Individual, Family and Societial Perspectives	6
DSRS9048	Leadership in Disability Studies	6
DSRS9803	Professional Practicum	18
EDSP9006	Intellectual Disability*	6
EDSP9008	Management of Physical and Multiple Disabilities *	6
EDSP9021	Autism Spectrum Disorder: Theory and Practice *	6
EDSP9044	Technology and Disability *	6

Students can also select relevant topics offered by the School of Education, for example:

* Topics available through distance education.

Not all topics may be available in a given year.

The area of specialty is noted on a student's official transcript and testamur. Specialty areas and topics offered in a given year will depend on student demand.

Except with permission of the Board, the program must be completed within four consecutive semesters.