The Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

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. 

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.

For a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies without specialisation, four topics from the Master of Disability Studies course can be selected in consultation with the course coordinator.

There are Specialised Graduate Certificates available for students seeking to develop in-depth skills within a specific disability group or leadership stream. The course is intended to provide professional knowledge and the development of expertise in many areas of disability. 

In general the course aims to:

  • broaden the professional opportunities for graduates and to assist them in becoming knowledgeable, effective and respected professionals in their chosen field
  • prepare graduates with specialised knowledge that can be applied to support the participation and contribution of people with diverse needs within their local communities
  • provide an effective pathway for students who wish to specialise in a specific of area of disability.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to:

  • demonstrate professional knowledge around a conceptual disability perspective
  • promote the physical and emotional well-being of people living with disability around a specific issue or within a specific area of disability
  • apply positive disability perspectives to professional practice in an area of specialised knowledge
  • utilise specialised knowledge to facilitate community participation of people with living disability
  • apply research, problem solving and/or evaluation skills to professional practices.

Streams

Not all topics may be available in a given year. Enquiries should be made to the course coordinator.

## Students enrolling in the Leadership stream must consult with the course coordinator prior to selection of topics.

Program of study

To qualify for a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies a student must complete 18 units (4 x 4.5 unit topics) with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purpose of the University''s Policy on Student Progress.

18 units comprising:

 DSRS9057  Disability: Individual, Family and Society  (4.5 units)

Plus 13.5 units of option topics chosen from the topics listed below:

 DSRS9050  Communication Difficulties  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9051  Rehabilitation and Learning Following Acquired Brain Injury  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9052  Design and Evaluation of Disability Programs  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9053  Advanced Practicum in Disability Studies  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9054  Directed Study in Disability Studies  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9056  Legal, Ethical and Administrative Dimensions of Disability Services  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9058  Positive Leadership for Positive Lives  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9059  Professional Practicum  (9 units)
 DSRS9060  Intellectual Disability  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9061  Management of Physical and Multiple Disabilities  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9062  Transition from School to Adult Life for Students with Disabilities  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9063  Autism Spectrum Disorder: Theory and Practice  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9064  Technology and Disability  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9065  Perspectives on Ageing and Disability  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9067  Leisure, Disability and The Arts  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9068  Counselling - Practical Applications  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9069  Mental Health, Disability and Rehabilitation  (4.5 units)
 DSRS9070  Early Intervention for Children with Development Delays  (4.5 units)
 REMH8025  Recognising and Responding to Dementia in Indigenous Communities  (4.5 units)
 REMH8026  Working with People with Disabilities in Remote and Indigenous Contexts  (4.5 units)

Not all topics may be available in a given year. Enquiries should be made to the course coordinator.

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