Graduate Certificate in Human Services

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Human Services will have specialised, integrated theoretical and practical knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of Human Services knowledge. 

Within a flexible online learning environment you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective human services professional. Human service professionals are concerned with improving the social, economic, personal and communal well-being of people. They seek to promote social inclusion and achieve equity, social justice, interdependence and human rights of people who are adversely affected by social and economic factors.

You will explore contemporary issues and learn about the latest theory and practice that can be applied to a broad range of human service settings, including government and non-government welfare organisations and community groups. You will build upon your existing knowledge base for working with children, families, young people, older people, communities and human service organisations.

This program is informed by the latest research and will suit you if you are looking for specialist human services training or wish to expand your current scope of practice. You will study alongside people from a range of disciplines, which will help you to learn and understand how different professions can contribute to improving the quality of people's lives. It is anticipated that successful completion of the program will give you an edge in a competitive job market.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• First Peoples and Social Justice (Advanced)
• Human Service : Knowledge and Practice

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Human Services (GCertHumServ), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 20 credit points for core courses and
• gain 20 credit points from the listed elective courses.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $8,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Consideration for admission will be given to those candidates who have:

• completed a Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline

• OR completed a Certificate IV or Diploma VET/TAFE qualification in a related discipline AND a minimum of one year full-time professional experience in the disability, rehabilitation or related human services fields.

• OR completed a minimum of three years full-time professional experience in the disability, rehabilitation or related human services fields and can demonstrate the ability to undertake graduate study through a discussion with the Program Director and provision of curriculum vitae and an employers reference.

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 program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.