Diploma of Arts (Social Welfare)

• General information
• Aims
• Professional recognition
• Entry requirements
• Special requirements
  • Attendance
  • PC requirement
• Course structure
  • Unit sequence
• Initial enrolment
  • First semester
  • Second semester
• Credits/exemptions
• Further information
• Completed applications

General information

Course code: 1826 Gippsland campus HECS fees applicable Attendance compulsory

Aims

This diploma is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and value base for competent welfare practice in a wide range of settings. The diploma emphasises the practical and vocational elements of professional welfare practice. On completion of the diploma, students may apply to upgrade to the Bachelor of Social Welfare or the double degrees.

Professional recognition

The course is recognised by the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers.

Entry requirements

All applicants should satisfy the university's minimum entry requirements as outlined in the section on entry requirements in this book.
In addition to meeting standard entry requirements, all applicants are required to complete a social welfare course administration form. If you did not receive this form with the distance education handbook, then it can be obtained from the Course Inquiries Centre, telephone 1800 671845 or from the School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences on (03) 9902 6339 or (03) 5122 6339. Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of information contained in this form, for a more detailed selection process. Applicants are strongly advised that academic criteria are not the only ones for entry into the course. Other factors such as work experience and life experience, personal qualities and maturity are taken into account.

Special requirements

Attendance

Students must be aware of the attendance requirements for certain social welfare units, and should take the cost of this into account before applying for entry to the course.
Students in the Diploma of Arts (Social Welfare) must attend the Gippsland campus for two residential workshops during the course, involving one two-day workshop and one three-day workshop. Students will also be required to undertake a 16-day placement in the second year and a 60-day field education placement during the fourth year.
Classes will be held in most units at weekend schools. Attendance is recommended but not compulsory.

PC requirement

It is strongly recommended that students have access to a computer to successfully complete this course.

Course structure

The course of study is normally four years part-time by distance education. In order to meet the requirements for the Diploma of Arts (Social Welfare), students must complete:
(a) three core units (18 points) - GSC1201 (Sociological reflections on everyday life), GSC1202 (Sociological issues), and AIS1010 (Introduction to Australian Indigenous societies) or GSC1611 (Understanding university learning)
(b) a prescribed sequence in social welfare (72 points)
(c) a total of 96 points (15 units).

Unit sequence

The sequence of units for distance education students in the Diploma of Arts (Social Welfare) is set out below:

* GSC1306 AND GSC1307 ARE PROVIDED TO GIVE AN INTRODUCTION TO UNDERSTANDING OUR BEHAVIOUR AND ARE PARTICULARLY TAILORED TO THOSE STUDENTS INTENDING TO PROCEED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD. STUDENTS WHO WISH TO UNDERTAKE FIRST-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY UNITS MAY REPLACE GSC1306 AND GSC1307 WITH PSY1011 AND PSY1022.
# THIS UNIT MAY BE REPLACED WITH GSC1611 (UNDERSTANDING UNIVERSITY LEARNING). STUDENTS WISHING TO UNDERTAKE THIS OPTION WILL NEED TO REVISE THEIR FIRST-YEAR STUDY PROGRAM, AS GSC1611 MUST BE UNDERTAKEN IN YOUR FIRST YEAR OF STUDY. PLEASE CONTACT A COURSE ADVISER FOR ASSISTANCE.

Initial enrolment

Students entering the diploma will enrol in the following program:

First semester

• GSC1201 Sociological reflections on everyday life
• GSC1303 Foundations of interpersonal practice: casework and groupwork

Second semester

• GSC1202 Sociological issues
• GSC1304 Communication and counselling skills

Credits/exemptions

Candidates who have successfully completed approved tertiary studies (either at Monash or elsewhere) may receive credit in respect of equivalent studies at the university. It is the responsibility of the applicant to supply full details of the content of units for which credit is sought, plus official verification that these units have been successfully completed. As a general rule, credits will not be granted for studies completed more than 10 years prior to the date of enrolment in the current course. Relevant vocational experience may also be credited. Students are advised to seek information from the administrative officer.

Further information

For more detailed information, contact the administrative officers, School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences, telephone (03) 5122 6339 or (03) 9902 6339, or email humass.info@arts.monash.edu.au

Completed applications

Completed applications are to be forwarded to the Admissions Officer, School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences, Monash University Gippsland Campus, Churchill, Victoria 3842, by 22 September 2000 to be considered for a first-round offer.

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