ObjectivesThe course provides further study opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability Studies), the Bachelor of Disability and Community Rehabilitation and other relevant awards, including the former Diploma of Applied Science (Developmental Disabilities), and for teachers and allied professionals seeking to upgrade their specialised education. Depending on the individual interests of students, any three topics from the Master of Disability Studies course can be selected, in consultation with the course coordinator.
Entry requirementsApplicants must normally hold an approved degree, diploma or equivalent qualification. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Academic titleGraduate Certificate in Disability Studies
Course descriptionThe Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences on a Commonwealth Supported basis.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
Potential students must consult with the Department of Disability Studies regarding any compulsory topics.
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the approved program.
The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.
Students can elect to undertake a specific stream of the GCDS and below is the list of the streams offered. It must be noted, however, that not all streams are available at all times.
It will be necessary to discuss the options with the course coordinator. If a student chooses not to undertake a specific stream, they will graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies, without mention of a specific stream.
STREAMS:
* Ageing and Disability
* Asperger Disorder
* Augmentative Communication Systems
* Autism Spectrum Disorders
* Behaviour Management
* Community Inclusion
* Down Syndrome
* Dual Disabilities
* Transition from School to Adult Life
* Leadership #
* Learning Difficulties
* Technology and Disability
* Vision Impairment
* Disability Counselling
* Hearing Impairment
# The Leadership stream will be offered from Semester 1, 2009. This stream is a set program and students undertaking this stream must enrol in the topics in the following order: DSRS9047; DSRS9046; DSRS9048.
DSRS8124
Life and Living with Down Syndrome *
6
DSRS9016
Transition from School to Adult Life for Students with Disabilities
6
DSRS9019
Communication Difficulties *
6
DSRS9028
Rehabilitation and Learning Following Acquired Brain Injury
6
DSRS9030
Dissertation in Disability Studies
18
DSRS9031
Design and Evaluation of Disability Programs
6
DSRS9032
Current Issues in Disability Studies *
6
DSRS9034
Advanced Practicum in Disability Studies *
6
DSRS9035
Directed Study in Disabilities *
6
DSRS9045
Coursework Project in Disability/Rehabilitation Studies *
12
DSRS9046
Legal, Ethical and Administrative Dimensions of Disability Studies
6
DSRS9047
Disability: Individual, Family and Societial Perspectives
6
DSRS9048
Leadership in Disability Studies
6
DSRS9803
Professional Practicum
18
EDSP9006
Intellectual Disability*
6
EDSP9008
Management of Physical and Multiple Disabilities *
6
EDSP9021
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Theory and Practice *
6
EDSP9044
Technology and Disability *
6
Students can also select relevant topics offered by the School of Education, for example:
EDSP9007
Theories of Behaviour Management *
6
EDSP9010
Studies in Vision Impairment 1 *
6
EDSP9011
Studies in Vision Impairment 2 *
6
* Topics available through distance education.
Students enrolling in other streams in the Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies may enrol in the above topics.
Not all topics may be available in a given year. Enquiries should be made to the course coordinator.
The area of specialty is noted on a student's official transcript and testamur. Specialty areas and topics offered in a given year will depend on student demand.
Except with permission of the Board, the program must be completed within four consecutive semesters.