The Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services (GCHCS) is an AQF Level 8 qualification that operates as a pathway into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) for applicants who have completed an AQF Level 7 qualification with at least four units in social and behavioural sciences. The course provides a focused foundation in human and community services, with emphasis on social justice, human rights, diversity, ethics, and inclusive practice. Through the study of key human and community services issues and approaches, students develop the knowledge and academic preparation required for progression into the MSW(Q). This qualification is also available as a stand-alone postgraduate award in human and community services.
Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services (24 credits): successful completion of 4 Core Units, enabling students to attain the specified Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) below:
CLO 1: Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge in key areas of the social and behavioural sciences relevant to human and community services, including social justice, social development, psychosocial health and wellbeing, and counselling.
CLO 2: Analyse complex problems using critical thinking and intercultural skills and evaluate responses in human and community services to meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities in diverse settings.
CLO 3: Communicate effectively in oral and written form, work as a productive team member, and engage proactively with the broader society in culturally competent ways, with special concern for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledges and perspectives.
117049M
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
6 months full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
117049M
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
6 months full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
SCW505
SCW506
SCW507
SCW508
Environmental Justice and Resilience
Project Management for Community Organisations
Counselling Skills In Human and Community Services
Professional Ethics
Academic Requirements
For a Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:
Please note: no credit will be granted towards the MSW(Q) for study completed through the Graduate Certificate or the non-award pathway, as these studies are required to meet entry eligibility requirements.
English Requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate course in the fields of Human and Community Services must demonstrate proficiency as follows:
*Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place in the course for which you have applied.
117049M
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
6 months full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
As a graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Human and Community Services, this qualification will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities in a broad range of human and community service settings, including government, non-government welfare organisations, community groups, businesses and international organisations.
The total course fee for the GCHSC is $14,400.
Fees for future year(s) published in fees search are estimates only. In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay enrollment and material fees. The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional costs.
AUD 14,400
Sydney Met provides scholarships, prizes, and awards to recognise student excellence and encourage potential for both domestic and international students and current undergraduate and postgraduate students to make the courses more affordable. Please contact: [email protected] for information.
Applying to the GCHCS course is simple and easy. Begin your application now.
The Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services (GCHCS) is an AQF Level 8 qualification that operates as a pathway into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) for applicants who have completed an AQF Level 7 qualification with at least four units in social and behavioural sciences. The course provides a focused foundation in human and community services, with emphasis on social justice, human rights, diversity, ethics, and inclusive practice. Through the study of key human and community services issues and approaches, students develop the knowledge and academic preparation required for progression into the MSW(Q). This qualification is also available as a stand-alone postgraduate award in human and community services.
Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services (24 credits): successful completion of 4 Core Units, enabling students to attain the specified Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) below:
CLO 1: Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge in key areas of the social and behavioural sciences relevant to human and community services, including social justice, social development, psychosocial health and wellbeing, and counselling.
CLO 2: Analyse complex problems using critical thinking and intercultural skills and evaluate responses in human and community services to meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities in diverse settings.
CLO 3: Communicate effectively in oral and written form, work as a productive team member, and engage proactively with the broader society in culturally competent ways, with special concern for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledges and perspectives.
117049M
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
6 months full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
SCW505
SCW506
SCW507
SCW508
Environmental Justice and Resilience
Project Management for Community Organisations
Counselling Skills In Human and Community Services
Professional Ethics
Academic Requirements
For a Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:
Please note: no credit will be granted towards the MSW(Q) for study completed through the Graduate Certificate or the non-award pathway, as these studies are required to meet entry eligibility requirements.
English Requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate course in the fields of Human and Community Services must demonstrate proficiency as follows:
*Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place in the course for which you have applied.
As a graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Human and Community Services, this qualification will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities in a broad range of human and community service settings, including government, non-government welfare organisations, community groups, businesses and international organisations.
The total course fee for the GCHSC is $14,400.
Fees for future year(s) published in fees search are estimates only. In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay enrollment and material fees. The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional costs.
AUD 14,400
Sydney Met provides scholarships, prizes, and awards to recognise student excellence and encourage potential for both domestic and international students and current undergraduate and postgraduate students to make the courses more affordable. Please contact: [email protected] for information.
Applying to the GCHCS course is simple and easy. Begin your application now.
Sydney Met's campus is located on the unceded territory of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the traditional owners of the land where the campus is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and Indigenous peoples globally who are presently studying, working, or contributing to Sydney Met.
