Diploma in Community Welfare and Development (DCWD) - DipCWD

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Distance education: 909215; Fraser Coast campus: 919211

CRICOS code (International applicants): 065020C

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Program focus

This diploma program involves the cross-faculty study of courses at the undergraduate level to provide enhanced understanding of basic issues and principles in the community development environment. Students will also develop knowledge of indigenous issues, human rights, interpersonal communication and sustainability.

Career opportunities

Graduates find employment in community organisations, local councils or in community development with marginalised groups in Australian society or overseas.

Program aims

This program involves the cross-faculty study of eight units of course work at the undergraduate level to provide enhanced understanding of basic issues and principles in the community welfare environment and, through elective studies, the acquisition of associated skills and conceptual frameworks. In vocational terms it would provide a foundation program for people wishing to work in community organizations or community development with marginalised groups in Australian society. Completion of this program does not provide students with a professional qualification in either social work or psychology.

Program objectives

On successful completion of the program students should be able to demonstrate:

• the ability to communicate effectively in welfare and development relationships and respond to the needs of diverse groups

• understanding of fundamental challenges faced by marginalised social groups

• knowledge and understanding of the principles and issues of community welfare and development

• awareness of the legal, ethical and social responsibilities that are integral to work in community organisations

• knowledge of the key principles and indicators of sustainability and an awareness of the economic, social and environmental contexts of current sustainability issues

• ability to initiate critical analyses of their social, economic, cultural, and political context, as these pertain to the community sector in order to make informed decisions

• qualities of collaboration, resourcefulness, sensitivity to diverse needs and a commitment to equity and social justice

• professional skills in planning, implementing and evaluating a range of community development strategies appropriate to the community welfare and development context

• ability to utilise resources available to community organisations effectively

• a critical, reflective and ethical professional approach

• basic communication skills applicable to community workplaces.

Admission requirements

Students will have completed either (a) year 12 or (b) its equivalent with a satisfactory achievement in English (the overall position or its equivalent will be used as a general basis for selection).

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP program.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for undergraduate programs may be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The same procedure applies whether you plan to study on-campus or by distance education.

If you completed Year 12 at a Queensland secondary school you will be assessed for entry on the basis of your Overall Position (OP) or equivalent score. Year 12 students from other states or territories are considered for entry on the basis of their UAI, ENTER or TER and the subject prerequisites indicated. Other applicants will be based on their overall Rank. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and you as a student pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The program will comprise eight units of study as follows:

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 3 years to complete this program.

Elective courses

The Diploma requires one elective chosen from the University's offerings. Students may wish to consider studying CSC1402 Foundation Computing as an elective. This course provides student with effective practical skills in using a range of computing applications. Alternatively, students may wish to consider studying PSY1030 Cross-Cultural and Indigenous Psychology . The aim of PSY1030 is to provide an increased understanding and awareness of cultural effects upon psychology which will hopefully lead to increased tolerance and respect for people of diverse cultures.

Recommended enrolment pattern