Diploma in Social and Human Services
Want to make a difference in people’s lives? Begin your career with the knowledge needed for future studies in counselling, psychology, social work, human services or community health.
In this program you will:
- Learn how people think and behave and how to relate to different communities, including children, families, Indigenous Australians and older people
- Learn about the importance of ethics and social justice, and start to build skills to interact with clients
- On successful completion, receive direct entry and up to 96 units of credit towards a Bachelor of Counselling, Bachelor of Human Services, Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology), or Bachelor of Social Work
Location
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSPQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Administration of counselling services
- Aged services
- Child protection
- Community development
- Community health
- Corrections
- Disability support
- Education
- Families and groups
- Government departments
- Mental health
- Non-government organisations
- Research
- Telephone counselling
- Welfare work
- Working with individuals
- Youth work
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 8
- Total units
- 96
- Duration
- 1 year 1 year
- UniSC program code
- UC104
- Program coordinator
College Courses (3)
UCC101 Academic and Professional Skills: Planning for Success
UCC102 ICT for Academic and Professional Applications
UCC106 Professional People Skills for Study, Community and Society
Discipline Courses (5)
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
Plus choose 4 introductory discipline courses from the following:
COU101 Theories of Counselling: From Freud to Integrative Practice
COU176 Group Processes and Practice
COU180 Therapeutic Communication Skills
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SWK100 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
SWK172 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
Additional entry information
Applicants who have already completed a higher education qualification (AQF Level 5 and above, or equivalent), excluding VET sector diplomas, are not eligible for entry into this program.
Proficiency in the English language is required for entry to all programs and courses and any international or domestic applicant from a non-English speaking background must satisfy the University's standard and program specific English language requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$16,032 - 2025 Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 015181 |
| Moreton Bay | 014181 |
| Fraser Coast | 019181 |
| Gympie | 016181 |
| Caboolture | 018683 |
Student story
“I hadn’t studied before – I had just worked. University was a big switch, however it’s great. I really love it actually, and you get out of it what you put in.”
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.