Graduate Diploma of Health and Social Wellbeing

The Graduate Diploma of Health and Social Wellbeing is a one-year qualification for people who want to work at the intersection of health and community support. You will study how health and social systems in Australia fit together, how to work with people across the lifespan, and how to respond well when someone's health, housing, income or social connections are under pressure. Expect units on health and social policy, community development, wellbeing across the lifespan, and the ethical and legal sides of practice. Assessment is usually a mix of essays, case studies, group projects and a supervised workplace component, so you finish with evidence of what you can actually do, not just what you know.

As a graduate diploma, this sits at AQF level 8, above a bachelor degree, below a master's. It is normally one year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent, and is made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to pass the required credit points to graduate. Some students use a graduate diploma as a standalone qualification; others use it as a pathway into a master's, sometimes with credit for the units already completed. Check the official course page for the exact unit list, credit point values and any capstone or research component, because these details vary between intakes.

The skills you build are practical. You learn to assess a person's situation rather than just their diagnosis, to write case notes and reports that other professionals can act on, to refer people to the right services, and to work in teams where a nurse, a social worker, a counsellor and a community worker all have a say. You also learn the boundaries of your role, when to escalate, when to advocate, and how to keep records that stand up to scrutiny. Work-integrated learning is common in this field, so expect a placement or supervised practice unit where you apply these skills under supervision in a community health service, aged care setting, disability service or similar organisation.

This course suits people who already have a bachelor degree in something else and want to move into health and social wellbeing work, as well as people already working in the sector who want a formal qualification behind them. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after you finish. The course is listed on CRICOS (code 082516D), so it is available to international students. English requirements are set out on the official page, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common coursework-postgraduate standard, though some fields require higher. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Confirm unit details, placement arrangements and current entry requirements with Nan Tien Institute before you apply.

• Community health worker, community health centres, Aboriginal community controlled health organisations, local councils.
• Support coordinator or case manager, aged care providers, disability services under the NDIS, mental health organisations.
• Health promotion officer, public health units, non-government organisations, population health programmes.
• Social welfare worker, family support services, homelessness services, youth services, women's refuges.
• Programme officer, not-for-profits and community organisations running health and wellbeing programmes.
• Pathway to further study, graduates may use the qualification to enter a master's degree in health, social work or public health, sometimes with credit.

Hiring in this sector happens across health, community services, government and not-for-profit organisations. Some roles need additional registration or accreditation, check the requirements for the specific job and state or territory before you rely on this qualification alone.