The Graduate Diploma in Human and Community Services (GDHCS) is an AQF Level 8 qualification. It provides a pathway for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in human and community services, community engagement and support. This course emphasises the principles of social justice, human rights, and inclusive practice to address the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations. This course provides theoretical and practical insights into the human and community services field, enabling graduates to make meaningful contributions to service delivery, advocacy, and community development. Students will learn about issues and opportunities for working in human services in the Australian community. Students will be exposed to various areas to sociology, policy making, indigenous studies and inter-cultural communication. At the end of this course graduate will be able to apply knowledge and skills across a wide range of human and community services issues. Note that this course is an exit-only qualification.
Graduate Diploma in Human and Community Services (48 credits): successful completion of 8 Core Units, enabling students to attain the specified Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) below:
CLO 1 – Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge in core areas of Social Work, including social justice, social development, psychosocial health and wellbeing, and counselling.
CLO 2 – Analyse complex problems using critical thinking and inter-cultural skills and evaluate social work practice solutions 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 Indigenous Peoples.
CLO 4 – Research, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge and values and apply reflective thinking skills to inform professional judgement and practice.
117059J
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
1 year full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
117059J
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
1 year full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
SWK501
SWK502
SWK503
SWK504
SWK604
SWK505
So You Want to Be a Social Worker
Being a Critical Social Work Practitioner
First Nations Peoples and Decolonising Social Work
Professional Practice Skills for working with Individuals, Families and Communities
Social Work Practice for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Social Work Theories and Frameworks across the life cycle for Individuals, Families and Groups
Policy, Law and Organisational Contexts of Social Work Practice
Social Research and Communication for Social Work
Structural, Child and Family Violence
Academic requirements
The Graduate Diploma in Human and Community Services is retained as a nested exit qualification only and is not an entry pathway into the MSW(Q). Its entry requirements are aligned with those of the MSW(Q).
English Requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate courses in the field 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.
117059J
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
1 year full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
As a graduate from the Graduate Diploma in 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 Sydney Met’s GDHCS is offered with competitive fees.
AUD 28,800
We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making study accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a new or continuing student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Applying to the GDHCS course is simple and easy. Begin your application now.
The Graduate Diploma in Human and Community Services (GDHCS) is an AQF Level 8 qualification. It provides a pathway for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in human and community services, community engagement and support. This course emphasises the principles of social justice, human rights, and inclusive practice to address the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations. This course provides theoretical and practical insights into the human and community services field, enabling graduates to make meaningful contributions to service delivery, advocacy, and community development. Students will learn about issues and opportunities for working in human services in the Australian community. Students will be exposed to various areas to sociology, policy making, indigenous studies and inter-cultural communication. At the end of this course graduate will be able to apply knowledge and skills across a wide range of human and community services issues. Note that this course is an exit-only qualification.
Graduate Diploma in Human and Community Services (48 credits): successful completion of 8 Core Units, enabling students to attain the specified Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) below:
CLO 1 – Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge in core areas of Social Work, including social justice, social development, psychosocial health and wellbeing, and counselling.
CLO 2 – Analyse complex problems using critical thinking and inter-cultural skills and evaluate social work practice solutions 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 Indigenous Peoples.
CLO 4 – Research, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge and values and apply reflective thinking skills to inform professional judgement and practice.
117059J
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
1 year full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
SWK501
SWK502
SWK503
SWK604
SWK504
SWK505
So You Want to Be a Social Worker
Being a Critical Social Work Practitioner
First Nations Peoples and Decolonising Social Work
Social Work Practice for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Professional Practice Skills for Working with Individuals, Families and Communities
Social Work Theories and Frameworks Across the Life Cycle for Individuals, Families and Groups
SWK602
SWK603
SWK601
Social Research and Communication for Social Work
Structural, Child and Family Violence
Policy, Law and Organisational Contexts of Social Work Practice
Academic requirements
The Graduate Diploma in Human and Community Services is retained as a nested exit qualification only and is not an entry pathway into the MSW(Q). Its entry requirements are aligned with those of the MSW(Q).
English Requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate courses in the field 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 Diploma in 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 Sydney Met’s GDHCS is offered with competitive fees.
AUD 28,800
We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making study accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a new or continuing student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Applying to the GDHCS 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.
