Charles Darwin University
1 year part-time
This specialist postgraduate certificate equips professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in child protection, designed for social workers, psychologists, teachers, and community workers committed to supporting vulnerable children and families through evidence-based, culturally-sensitive approaches.
Applicants must have successfully completed a bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or master's degree in a relevant field such as social work, human welfare studies, psychology, or equivalent international qualification. Alternatively, applicants with a diploma-level qualification and two years of experience in community work, child protection or family violence, or at least five years of appropriate experience working with children, families and communities may be considered. A National Police Check and/or working with children clearance is mandatory. English language proficiency requirements must be met, with options including previous study in English, completion of Australian secondary schooling year 12, or approved English language test scores.
The course consists of four units totalling 40 credit points: one compulsory core unit and three specialist elective units. The core unit, SWK551 Engaging Vulnerable Families, provides foundational knowledge. Specialist electives include SWK559 Understanding and Responding to Domestic and Family Violence, SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice, and SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection Practice. These units are designed to advance knowledge and skills in assessing, managing, and responding to child abuse while emphasizing prevention, innovation, and collaboration in community-led approaches to child safety.
Charles Darwin University is ranked #1 in Australia for postgraduate social work employment outcomes and #3 for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024). CDU brings social work to life through expert lecturers from various sectors of social work practice. The university offers flexible study options including online, on-campus, part-time and full-time study to suit diverse student needs. CDU is committed to creating culturally competent specialists ready to create positive change in communities.
Graduates of this course are well-positioned for professional development and skills acquisition in child protection roles. Career opportunities include positions as child protection staff in local government, statutory child protection agencies, and community organizations. The qualification enhances capacity for those responsible for supporting vulnerable children and families, opening pathways to further postgraduate qualifications such as the Master of Social Work. Graduates can pursue roles in social work practice, policy development, and community-led child protection initiatives.