Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion |
| Deakin course code | H508 |
| Course credit points | 4 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2016 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | 1 year part-time |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Build foundational knowledge in disability, inclusion and community practice with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion. Designed for busy professionals and students looking to start or progress a career in the disability sector, the course combines flexible online study with contemporary learning informed by disability research, policy and practice.
Deeply connected to people with disability, the disability sector and the communities they serve, the course is shaped by lived experience perspectives and contemporary developments in disability rights, legislation and inclusion. Through four core units, you will explore disability theory, community capacity building, inclusion across the life course, and the determinants of health and wellbeing for people with disability.
Assessment tasks can often be tailored to your professional, community or lived experience context, allowing you to apply your learning within community and professional settings.
Indicative student workload
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 8-10 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.
Professional recognition
Not applicable
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion are prepared to contribute to community-focused, advocacy and support roles across disability and inclusion sectors. With foundational knowledge in disability theory, inclusion practices and community capacity building, you will be equipped to support inclusive across government, education, health, community and human services settings. Potential career outcomes may include roles such as disability support coordinator, community development officer, inclusion support officer, advocacy officer, accessibility support officer and community engagement officer.
Participation requirements
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced knowledge and skills in the area of Disability and Inclusion that includes theories of disability and social inclusion, including barriers and enablers to inclusion and the key conceptual models and policy underpinning inclusion of people with disability. |
| Communicate on disability and inclusion issues (e.g. barriers, enablers, policies) in an effective and coherent manner being mindful of the target audience. |
| Apply current technologies and demonstrate digital literacies applicable to disability and inclusion; and utilise a range of digital technologies and sources to find, select, use and disseminate relevant information. |
| Critically analyse information drawn from a variety of sources about barriers and enablers to inclusion, disability and inclusion theory, policy and practice. |
| Analyse real-world issues relating to disability and inclusion to assess key barriers, and identify innovative and evidence based effective approaches to enabling inclusion for people with disability. |
| Work and learn through independent and self-directed initiatives, reflecting on learning and apply new knowledge and skills in Disability and Inclusion. |
| Demonstrate effective teamwork skills to enable inclusion for people with disability. |
| Recognise and apply ethical approaches to disability research and practice, and show awareness and respect for diversity in line with contemporary human rights obligations. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| HDS730 | Disability and Inclusion: Contemporary Theory and Lived Experience |
| HDS731 | Planning for Inclusion Across the Life Course |
Trimester 2
| HDS732 | Determinants of Health and Wellbeing in the Lives of People with Disability |
| HDS733 | Community Capacity Building - Theory and Practice for Inclusion |
Work experience
Not applicable
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.