Up to 52 weeks
On Campus
Domestic Students
International Students
Yes
8
Current
Yes
Jan/May/Sept
The Diploma in Human Services is a professional human services course that ensures you are challenged by comprehensive up to date knowledge and experience discipline-specific, practical and applied training. In this course you will develop critical thinking skills, knowledge of theoretical frameworks and practical skills that will provide a basis for employment opportunities in the community services sector.
You will practice applying your knowledge through case studies, group work, essays, the completion of practical exercises, professional placements and research activities.
It is an eight unit course that transforms students into ‘work-ready’ graduates over a two trimester, full time load.
Human services play a critical role in society. It is an expanding field that serves people of all cultures and contexts and so it looks to employ qualified staff from all cultures and contexts.
The Diploma in Human Services provides you with entry level knowledge of core theories, principles, and practice for application in a range of paraprofessional contexts in the human services and allied health fields.
The human services sector is a vital part of any vibrant community and offers a wide variety of opportunity and career pathways both in Australia and internationally. People seeking a career in the human services sector seek to create positive change through better access to health and wellbeing services. They have a curiosity to learn and to adapt to our changing world. Most importantly, they demonstrate a commitment to serve others.
A number of factors in Australia are contributing to a need for more Diploma in Human Services graduates:
Employment opportunities are strong with growing demand for human service graduates in a range of areas. Human Service graduates can consider careers such as:
Types of career advancement jobs when you have 3 or more years of work experience after you graduate:
Types of employers and services where you may work include:
Applicant background
Please read the following to find admission information most useful to your individual circumstances.
Recent secondary education
School leavers and applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
Successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent)
or
Higher education study
Complete or partly completed a recognised higher education course at a recognised higher education institution
or
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
or
Work and life experience (includes less recent secondary results)
Qualify for Special Entry
Applicants in any category whose study, work or life experiences have been impacted by disability, illness or family disruption will be given special consideration for admission. Each application will be considered on its merit, based on the evidence supplied by the applicant attesting to the circumstances of the applicant.
Applicants for special entry may need to complete written or numerical tasks to assist with assessing eligibility for admission.
Interview
Applicants participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web-based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.
Applicants participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web-based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.
Regardless of your nominated entry pathway, you are required to support your application by demonstrating your capacity to meet the academic, ethical and participation demands of your program of choice at interview or, where requested by Admissions staff, through a written statement of purpose (SoP).
English Language proficiency requirements are applicable to international students and in addition to academic or special entry requirements noted in the Admission Pathway section.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic | Overall 6.0 (with no skills band <5.5) |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | 60 (with min 18 in writing) |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (PTE-A) | 50 (with not less than 50 in subsets reading and writing) |
Cambridge English Scale Score (from 2015) | 169 (with no sub-score <162) |
Kenyan KCSE English | NA |
Malaysian SPM 1119 English | NA |
OET | Pass C, D |
High School | Successful completion of the last 4 years of high/ secondary school in Australia, where the language of instruction was English. |
Work Experience | Four or more years in fulltime employment (in an allied health, human services or social work context) where the language of employment is English (evidence from the employer is required). |
English Language College | Successful completion of an English course at EQUALS, AIBT, South Australian College of English or another approved English Language College. |
On Campus
Graduates of the Diploma in Human Services course will be entry level professionals who:
EQUALS is a registered Higher Education Provider under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011 and the Diploma in Human Services is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
Provider registration number: PRV14279
Course ID: CRS1400642
The Diploma in Human Services is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Each trimester study period has 12 weeks of class time, with 5 weeks between the last class date and the start date of the next trimester. For units with exams, these are held in the week after the study week after classes end.
Intake trimester start and end dates are as per the three year published academic calendar for that year and study period. Classes may be subject to change, subject to student numbers.
Please find the current Academic Calendar here.
Please refer to the Extended Course Information for details on Entry Requirements.
EQUALS adopts a simple approach to tuition fees. This means that most additional incidental costs (other than those specified in the annual Fee Schedule) are covered in the tuition fee. This makes budgeting and paying for your studies simpler. For example, the following fees are included in the one fee and not levied separately.
The 2023 tuition fee for each unit in this course is:
The full time indicative 2023 annual course fee for domestic students is:
The full time indicative 2023 annual course fee for international students is:
GST is not applicable for accredited higher education courses.
Tuition fees are subject to annual review and adjustment. Actual tuition fees payable are the fees published prior to the commencement of each academic year for that year.
Access the Fee Schedule (Tuition and Non-Tuition) on the provided link or on the Forms and Downloads page.
Please feel free to ask us a question to find out more, or if you’re ready, please submit an online Application for enrolment by clicking here.
If you have any questions about this course please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.
If you have any questions about this course please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.
Applications are typically assessed within a 5 day period however delays may apply in peak periods.
Your application for admission is assessed by an Admissions Advisor.
Applicants who apply to undertake a course of study must submit certified documentary evidence to demonstrate that they meet the published entry requirements of their chosen course. An original or certified copy of documentation must be provided and sighted by the Admissions Advisor.
Qualifications submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified official translation.
Where there is any doubt about the authenticity of any documentation provided, the Admissions Advisor may correspond with the issuer of the document and make relevant enquiries.
All non-standard (non-typical) applications and their assessment are validated by the Academic Director.
Students may apply to take a leave of absence from a course (defer) for up to 12 months in duration. International students can only access a leave of absence during a course in limited circumstances (compassionate and compelling circumstances) including:
For more details please refer to Enrolment Variation Policy and Procedure.
If you have completed formal studies in a similar area or have work experience you may be eligible for credit through a recognition for prior learning pathway.
The Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedure can be found on our Policies and Procedures page along with an application form.
If you wish to be granted credit for prior study or learning, please apply for credit for recognition of prior learning on the associated form with your application for enrolment.
On completion of this course, you will receive a 12 month credit to the EQUALS Bachelor of Human Services course.
If you are made an offer to study at EQUALS, you will receive a Letter of Offer which will include step-by-step details on how to accept your offer. This Letter of Offer is based on the documented evidence provided and subject to the application meeting the published entry criteria. It is important that you carefully read and understand the Letter of Offer. Any conditions of the offer are clearly specified in the Letter of Offer.
If you have any questions, please contact an Admissions Advisor at +61 8 8110 1200 or by email at admissions@equals.edu.au.
Applications are assessed in accordance with the Student Selection and Admissions Policy and Procedure.
Your enrolment may be cancelled if statements made by you in your application for enrolment are proven to be false.
You will be deemed to be no longer enrolled in a course if you have been excluded on academic or disciplinary grounds.
EQUALS has established an appeal process to ensure that academic/non-academic student concerns (or matters) are treated in a transparent, timely and just manner. EQUALS ensures that you have access to a fair and equitable process for dealing with grievances and provides an avenue for you to appeal against decisions that might affect your progress.
An applicant may appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course. The grounds for appeal are that the decision is inconsistent with EQUALS’ policy. Appeals must be made in writing and lodged with the Academic Director within twenty working days of the applicant receiving written notification of the decision to refuse their application.
The Academic Director responds in writing to the appeal within twenty working days and may confirm or vary the decision. All decisions made by the Academic Director regarding appeals are reviewed by the Board of Directors (Non-Academic grievances) or the Academic Board (Academic grievances).
If an applicant remains dissatisfied with the outcome of their appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course they may utilise EQUALS’ Student Grievance Handling Policy and Procedure (Academic and Non-Academic).
Following enrolment and prior to commencing the course, you’ll be invited to attend a compulsory, comprehensive Student Orientation program.
The Orientation program of two days will introduce you to EQUALS and orient you to various aspects of life and study with EQUALS, including:
EQUALS staff are available to support you, both before you enrol and following your enrolment. You can contact us on +61 (0) 8 8110 1200 or alternatively contact a Student Services Advisor by submitting a Student Services Support Ticket.
Our support services include:
Additional external information can be found at the following websites:
EQUALS makes no claim to ownership of intellectual property created by students in the course of their studies.
The student representative feedback important actions and news monthly to the class managers and the students via the student newsletter and social media.
Student Representation on the Academic Board
Students are represented on EQUALS’ Academic Board and on the Learning and Teaching Committee to provide input about the learning and teaching environment and any other matters that directly, or indirectly, affect students. This provides a mechanism for students to participate in the academic decision-making processes at EQUALS.
Students are advised of how they can nominate to become a member of the Academic Board as part of their Induction and Orientation program.
Student Representatives
Student Representatives are elected by students, for students. They are also an important communication link between student and the management at EQUALS. Student Representatives should be:
Student Representatives participate in regular meetings with key leadership staff and contribute to the overall operations and direction of EQUALS.
Can be accessed at here.
We also recommend that you familiarise yourself with the documents on the Policies and Procedures so that you understand your obligations and rights and our obligations to you.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements are a vital and exciting part of your Diploma in Human Services course. This section contains comprehensive information about your placement.
Please be aware that WIL placements as timetabled every second trimester are a compulsory component of your course.
Your timetable preserves Thursdays and Fridays for the insertion of your practice placement (Prac) study load.
Each Prac A and B are equivalent to a full time unit of study of 10 credit points across 12 weeks and are timetabled together making them a double unit together in one study period or 20 credit points.
Work Integrated Learning Experience Requirements
Academic
Students must pass the prerequisite units before beginning placement.
Three Professional Practice Placement Units
In order to receive the award of a Diploma in Human Services degree, students must complete the following units and are directed to the respective Study Guides for unit specific information:
PRAC 100: Professional Practice Placement Introductory
Other Requirements
Students wishing to enrol in PRAC 100 must attend the pre-placement workshop held the study period before placement begins. This will be the only compulsory pre-placement workshop as this workshop will function as orientation to EQUALS placement requirements overall.
Placement Duration
In fulfilment of placement engagement, students complete up to 120 hours which consists of the following:
PRAC 100 120 hours 16 hours per week
Placement Timing
Placements are offered in trimester 2. Placements have to be completed within one teaching period. Small variations including extensions may be approved by the Professional Practice Placement Coordinator.
Placement Setting
The following are essential requirements:
As a general rule, WIL Partners do not accept students who have been former service users and do not accept students who have relatives or partners working in the same office or in senior positions in the WIL Partner.
WIL Partners
EQUALS maintains a range of professional relationships with WIL Partners across the sectors including disability, health, ageing, early childhood education and youth.
Screening Checks
EQUALS requires higher education students to undergo a screening check for five types of screening prior to commencement of the placement. These types of screening are: child-related employment, disability services employment, aged care sector employment, vulnerable person employment and general employment probity.
Students are required to have a current Screening Check clearance letter prior to the commencement of the Professional Practice Placement. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the clearance letter remains current for the duration of the placement. The Placement Coordinator can assist the student with this application process.
Further information can be obtained from the DCSI website at:
http://screening.dcsi.sa.gov.au/screening-process/how-to-apply
Please visit the WIL Hub on EQOnline for further placement related questions and documentation requirements.
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Reach us and let's start talking.
EXTENDED COURSE INFORMATION
On Campus
The Diploma in Human Services is a professional human services course that ensures you are challenged by comprehensive up to date knowledge and experience discipline-specific, practical and applied training. In this course you will develop critical thinking skills, knowledge of theoretical frameworks and practical skills that will provide a basis for employment opportunities in the community services sector.
You will practice applying your knowledge through case studies, group work, essays, the completion of practical exercises, professional placements and research activities.
It is an eight unit course that transforms students into ‘work-ready’ graduates over a two trimester, full time load.
Human services play a critical role in society. It is an expanding field that serves people of all cultures and contexts and so it looks to employ qualified staff from all cultures and contexts.
The Diploma in Human Services provides you with entry level knowledge of core theories, principles, and practice for application in a range of paraprofessional contexts in the human services and allied health fields.
Intakes occur in Jan/May/Sept
Important: To be considered for an intake, completed applications should be received no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled course commencement date. Applications that are incomplete or incorrect may not be considered. Course offers for applications received by the due date are not guaranteed and intake capacity may vary. EQUALS reserves the right to accept or decline applications at its total discretion.
Applicant background
Please read the following to find admission information most useful to your individual circumstances.
Recent secondary education
School leavers and applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
Successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent)
or
Higher education study
Complete or partly completed a recognised higher education course at a recognised higher education institution
or
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
or
Work and life experience (includes less recent secondary results)
Qualify for Special Entry
Applicants in any category whose study, work or life experiences have been impacted by disability, illness or family disruption will be given special consideration for admission. Each application will be considered on its merit, based on the evidence supplied by the applicant attesting to the circumstances of the applicant.
Applicants for special entry may need to complete written or numerical tasks to assist with assessing eligibility for admission.
Interview
Applicants participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web-based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.
Applicants participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web-based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.
Regardless of your nominated entry pathway, you are required to support your application by demonstrating your capacity to meet the academic, ethical and participation demands of your program of choice at interview or, where requested by Admissions staff, through a written statement of purpose (SoP).
English Language proficiency requirements are applicable to international students and in addition to academic or special entry requirements noted in the Admission Pathway section.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic | Overall 6.0 (with no skills band <5.5) |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | 60 (with min 18 in writing) |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (PTE-A) | 50 (with not less than 50 in subsets reading and writing) |
Cambridge English Scale Score (from 2015) | 169 (with no sub-score <162) |
Kenyan KCSE English | NA |
Malaysian SPM 1119 English | NA |
OET | Pass C, D |
High School | Successful completion of the last 4 years of high/ secondary school in Australia, where the language of instruction was English. |
Work Experience | Four or more years in fulltime employment (in an allied health, human services or social work context) where the language of employment is English (evidence from the employer is required). |
English Language College | Successful completion of an English course at EQUALS, AIBT, South Australian College of English or another approved English Language College. |
Location:
This course is delivered at the Adelaide campus.
Full time study duration:
The course structure: 8 core units; including Professional practice placements equivalent to 2 units. The following diagram provides an overview of the Diploma in Human Services course structure, as well as possible pathway courses.
The course includes the following core, foundational units:
As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to engage with a broad range of Human Services organisations that are engaged in serving our local community.
Graduates of the Diploma in Human Services course will be entry level professionals who:
EQUALS is a registered Higher Education Provider under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011 and the Diploma in Human Services is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
Provider registration number: PRV14279
Course ID: CRS1400642
The Diploma in Human Services is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework.
The human services sector is a vital part of any vibrant community and offers a wide variety of opportunity and career pathways both in Australia and internationally. People seeking a career in the human services sector seek to create positive change through better access to health and wellbeing services. They have a curiosity to learn and to adapt to our changing world. Most importantly, they demonstrate a commitment to serve others.
A number of factors in Australia are contributing to a need for more Diploma in Human Services graduates:
Employment opportunities are strong with growing demand for human service graduates in a range of areas. Human Service graduates can consider careers such as:
Types of career advancement jobs when you have 3 or more years of work experience after you graduate:
Types of employers and services where you may work include:
Each trimester study period has 12 weeks of class time, with 5 weeks between the last class date and the start date of the next trimester. For units with exams, these are held in the week after the study week after classes end.
Intake trimester start and end dates are as per the three year published academic calendar for that year and study period. Classes may be subject to change, subject to student numbers.
Please find the current Academic Calendar here.
Please refer to the Extended Course Information for details on Entry Requirements.
EQUALS adopts a simple approach to tuition fees. This means that most additional incidental costs (other than those specified in the annual Fee Schedule) are covered in the tuition fee. This makes budgeting and paying for your studies simpler. For example, the following fees are included in the one fee and not levied separately.
The 2023 tuition fee for each unit in this course is:
The full time indicative 2023 annual course fee for domestic students is:
The full time indicative 2023 annual course fee for international students is:
GST is not applicable for accredited higher education courses.
Tuition fees are subject to annual review and adjustment. Actual tuition fees payable are the fees published prior to the commencement of each academic year for that year.
Access the Fee Schedule (Tuition and Non-Tuition) on the provided link or on the Forms and Downloads page.
Please feel free to ask us a question to find out more, or if you’re ready, please submit an online Application for enrolment by clicking here.
If you have any questions about this course please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.
If you have any questions about this course please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.
Applications are typically assessed within a 5 day period however delays may apply in peak periods.
Your application for admission is assessed by an Admissions Advisor.
Applicants who apply to undertake a course of study must submit certified documentary evidence to demonstrate that they meet the published entry requirements of their chosen course. An original or certified copy of documentation must be provided and sighted by the Admissions Advisor.
Qualifications submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified official translation.
Where there is any doubt about the authenticity of any documentation provided, the Admissions Advisor may correspond with the issuer of the document and make relevant enquiries.
All non-standard (non-typical) applications and their assessment are validated by the Academic Director.
Students may apply to take a leave of absence from a course (defer) for up to 12 months in duration. International students can only access a leave of absence during a course in limited circumstances (compassionate and compelling circumstances) including:
For more details please refer to Enrolment Variation Policy and Procedure.
If you have completed formal studies in a similar area or have work experience you may be eligible for credit through a recognition for prior learning pathway.
The Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedure can be found on our Policies and Procedures page along with an application form.
If you wish to be granted credit for prior study or learning, please apply for credit for recognition of prior learning on the associated form with your application for enrolment.
On completion of this course, you will receive a 12 month credit to the EQUALS Bachelor of Human Services course.
If you are made an offer to study at EQUALS, you will receive a Letter of Offer which will include step-by-step details on how to accept your offer. This Letter of Offer is based on the documented evidence provided and subject to the application meeting the published entry criteria. It is important that you carefully read and understand the Letter of Offer. Any conditions of the offer are clearly specified in the Letter of Offer.
If you have any questions, please contact an Admissions Advisor at +61 8 8110 1200 or by email at admissions@equals.edu.au.
Applications are assessed in accordance with the Student Selection and Admissions Policy and Procedure.
Your enrolment may be cancelled if statements made by you in your application for enrolment are proven to be false.
You will be deemed to be no longer enrolled in a course if you have been excluded on academic or disciplinary grounds.
EQUALS has established an appeal process to ensure that academic/non-academic student concerns (or matters) are treated in a transparent, timely and just manner. EQUALS ensures that you have access to a fair and equitable process for dealing with grievances and provides an avenue for you to appeal against decisions that might affect your progress.
An applicant may appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course. The grounds for appeal are that the decision is inconsistent with EQUALS’ policy. Appeals must be made in writing and lodged with the Academic Director within twenty working days of the applicant receiving written notification of the decision to refuse their application.
The Academic Director responds in writing to the appeal within twenty working days and may confirm or vary the decision. All decisions made by the Academic Director regarding appeals are reviewed by the Board of Directors (Non-Academic grievances) or the Academic Board (Academic grievances).
If an applicant remains dissatisfied with the outcome of their appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course they may utilise EQUALS’ Student Grievance Handling Policy and Procedure (Academic and Non-Academic).
Following enrolment and prior to commencing the course, you’ll be invited to attend a compulsory, comprehensive Student Orientation program.
The Orientation program of two days will introduce you to EQUALS and orient you to various aspects of life and study with EQUALS, including:
EQUALS staff are available to support you, both before you enrol and following your enrolment. You can contact us on +61 (0) 8 8110 1200 or alternatively contact a Student Services Advisor by submitting a Student Services Support Ticket.
Our support services include:
Additional external information can be found at the following websites:
EQUALS makes no claim to ownership of intellectual property created by students in the course of their studies.
The student representative feedback important actions and news monthly to the class managers and the students via the student newsletter and social media.
Student Representation on the Academic Board
Students are represented on EQUALS’ Academic Board and on the Learning and Teaching Committee to provide input about the learning and teaching environment and any other matters that directly, or indirectly, affect students. This provides a mechanism for students to participate in the academic decision-making processes at EQUALS.
Students are advised of how they can nominate to become a member of the Academic Board as part of their Induction and Orientation program.
Student Representatives
Student Representatives are elected by students, for students. They are also an important communication link between student and the management at EQUALS. Student Representatives should be:
Student Representatives participate in regular meetings with key leadership staff and contribute to the overall operations and direction of EQUALS.
Can be accessed at here.
We also recommend that you familiarise yourself with the documents on the Policies and Procedures so that you understand your obligations and rights and our obligations to you.
On Campus
EXTENDED COURSE INFORMATION
On Campus
The Diploma in Human Services is a professional human services course that ensures you are challenged by comprehensive up to date knowledge and experience discipline-specific, practical and applied training. In this course you will develop critical thinking skills, knowledge of theoretical frameworks and practical skills that will provide a basis for employment opportunities in the community services sector.
You will practice applying your knowledge through case studies, group work, essays, the completion of practical exercises, professional placements and research activities.
It is an eight unit course that transforms students into ‘work-ready’ graduates over a two trimester, full time load.
Human services play a critical role in society. It is an expanding field that serves people of all cultures and contexts and so it looks to employ qualified staff from all cultures and contexts.
The Diploma in Human Services provides you with entry level knowledge of core theories, principles, and practice for application in a range of paraprofessional contexts in the human services and allied health fields.
Intakes occur in Jan/May/Sept
Important: To be considered for an intake, completed applications should be received no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled course commencement date. Applications that are incomplete or incorrect may not be considered. Course offers for applications received by the due date are not guaranteed and intake capacity may vary. EQUALS reserves the right to accept or decline applications at its total discretion.
Applicant background
Please read the following to find admission information most useful to your individual circumstances.
Recent secondary education
School leavers and applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
Successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent)
or
Higher education study
Complete or partly completed a recognised higher education course at a recognised higher education institution
or
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
or
Work and life experience (includes less recent secondary results)
Qualify for Special Entry
Applicants in any category whose study, work or life experiences have been impacted by disability, illness or family disruption will be given special consideration for admission. Each application will be considered on its merit, based on the evidence supplied by the applicant attesting to the circumstances of the applicant.
Applicants for special entry may need to complete written or numerical tasks to assist with assessing eligibility for admission.
Interview
Applicants participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web-based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.
Applicants participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web-based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.
Regardless of your nominated entry pathway, you are required to support your application by demonstrating your capacity to meet the academic, ethical and participation demands of your program of choice at interview or, where requested by Admissions staff, through a written statement of purpose (SoP).
English Language proficiency requirements are applicable to international students and in addition to academic or special entry requirements noted in the Admission Pathway section.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic | Overall 6.0 (with no skills band <5.5) |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | 60 (with min 18 in writing) |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (PTE-A) | 50 (with not less than 50 in subsets reading and writing) |
Cambridge English Scale Score (from 2015) | 169 (with no sub-score <162) |
Kenyan KCSE English | NA |
Malaysian SPM 1119 English | NA |
OET | Pass C, D |
High School | Successful completion of the last 4 years of high/ secondary school in Australia, where the language of instruction was English. |
Work Experience | Four or more years in fulltime employment (in an allied health, human services or social work context) where the language of employment is English (evidence from the employer is required). |
English Language College | Successful completion of an English course at EQUALS, AIBT, South Australian College of English or another approved English Language College. |
Location:
This course is delivered at the Adelaide campus.
Full time study duration:
The course structure: 8 core units; including Professional practice placements equivalent to 2 units. The following diagram provides an overview of the Diploma in Human Services course structure, as well as possible pathway courses.
The course includes the following core, foundational units:
As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to engage with a broad range of Human Services organisations that are engaged in serving our local community.
Graduates of the Diploma in Human Services course will be entry level professionals who:
The human services sector is a vital part of any vibrant community and offers a wide variety of opportunity and career pathways both in Australia and internationally. People seeking a career in the human services sector seek to create positive change through better access to health and wellbeing services. They have a curiosity to learn and to adapt to our changing world. Most importantly, they demonstrate a commitment to serve others.
A number of factors in Australia are contributing to a need for more Diploma in Human Services graduates:
Employment opportunities are strong with growing demand for human service graduates in a range of areas. Human Service graduates can consider careers such as:
Types of career advancement jobs when you have 3 or more years of work experience after you graduate:
Types of employers and services where you may work include:
Each trimester study period has 12 weeks of class time, with 5 weeks between the last class date and the start date of the next trimester. For units with exams, these are held in the week after the study week after classes end.
Intake trimester start and end dates are as per the three year published academic calendar for that year and study period. Classes may be subject to change, subject to student numbers.
Please find the current Academic Calendar here.
Please refer to the Extended Course Information for details on Entry Requirements.
EQUALS adopts a simple approach to tuition fees. This means that most additional incidental costs (other than those specified in the annual Fee Schedule) are covered in the tuition fee. This makes budgeting and paying for your studies simpler. For example, the following fees are included in the one fee and not levied separately.
The 2023 tuition fee for each unit in this course is:
The full time indicative 2023 annual course fee for domestic students is:
The full time indicative 2023 annual course fee for international students is:
GST is not applicable for accredited higher education courses.
Tuition fees are subject to annual review and adjustment. Actual tuition fees payable are the fees published prior to the commencement of each academic year for that year.
Access the Fee Schedule (Tuition and Non-Tuition) on the provided link or on the Forms and Downloads page.
Please feel free to ask us a question to find out more, or if you’re ready, please submit an online Application for enrolment by clicking here.
If you have any questions about this course please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.
If you have any questions about this course please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.
Applications are typically assessed within a 5 day period however delays may apply in peak periods.
Your application for admission is assessed by an Admissions Advisor.
Applicants who apply to undertake a course of study must submit certified documentary evidence to demonstrate that they meet the published entry requirements of their chosen course. An original or certified copy of documentation must be provided and sighted by the Admissions Advisor.
Qualifications submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified official translation.
Where there is any doubt about the authenticity of any documentation provided, the Admissions Advisor may correspond with the issuer of the document and make relevant enquiries.
All non-standard (non-typical) applications and their assessment are validated by the Academic Director.
Students may apply to take a leave of absence from a course (defer) for up to 12 months in duration. International students can only access a leave of absence during a course in limited circumstances (compassionate and compelling circumstances) including:
For more details please refer to Enrolment Variation Policy and Procedure.
If you have completed formal studies in a similar area or have work experience you may be eligible for credit through a recognition for prior learning pathway.
The Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedure can be found on our Policies and Procedures page along with an application form.
If you wish to be granted credit for prior study or learning, please apply for credit for recognition of prior learning on the associated form with your application for enrolment.
On completion of this course, you will receive a 12 month credit to the EQUALS Bachelor of Human Services course.
If you are made an offer to study at EQUALS, you will receive a Letter of Offer which will include step-by-step details on how to accept your offer. This Letter of Offer is based on the documented evidence provided and subject to the application meeting the published entry criteria. It is important that you carefully read and understand the Letter of Offer. Any conditions of the offer are clearly specified in the Letter of Offer.
If you have any questions, please contact an Admissions Advisor at +61 8 8110 1200 or by email at admissions@equals.edu.au.
Applications are assessed in accordance with the Student Selection and Admissions Policy and Procedure.
Your enrolment may be cancelled if statements made by you in your application for enrolment are proven to be false.
You will be deemed to be no longer enrolled in a course if you have been excluded on academic or disciplinary grounds.
EQUALS has established an appeal process to ensure that academic/non-academic student concerns (or matters) are treated in a transparent, timely and just manner. EQUALS ensures that you have access to a fair and equitable process for dealing with grievances and provides an avenue for you to appeal against decisions that might affect your progress.
An applicant may appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course. The grounds for appeal are that the decision is inconsistent with EQUALS’ policy. Appeals must be made in writing and lodged with the Academic Director within twenty working days of the applicant receiving written notification of the decision to refuse their application.
The Academic Director responds in writing to the appeal within twenty working days and may confirm or vary the decision. All decisions made by the Academic Director regarding appeals are reviewed by the Board of Directors (Non-Academic grievances) or the Academic Board (Academic grievances).
If an applicant remains dissatisfied with the outcome of their appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course they may utilise EQUALS’ Student Grievance Handling Policy and Procedure (Academic and Non-Academic).
Following enrolment and prior to commencing the course, you’ll be invited to attend a compulsory, comprehensive Student Orientation program.
The Orientation program of two days will introduce you to EQUALS and orient you to various aspects of life and study with EQUALS, including:
EQUALS staff are available to support you, both before you enrol and following your enrolment. You can contact us on +61 (0) 8 8110 1200 or alternatively contact a Student Services Advisor by submitting a Student Services Support Ticket.
Our support services include:
Additional external information can be found at the following websites:
EQUALS makes no claim to ownership of intellectual property created by students in the course of their studies.
The student representative feedback important actions and news monthly to the class managers and the students via the student newsletter and social media.
Student Representation on the Academic Board
Students are represented on EQUALS’ Academic Board and on the Learning and Teaching Committee to provide input about the learning and teaching environment and any other matters that directly, or indirectly, affect students. This provides a mechanism for students to participate in the academic decision-making processes at EQUALS.
Students are advised of how they can nominate to become a member of the Academic Board as part of their Induction and Orientation program.
Student Representatives
Student Representatives are elected by students, for students. They are also an important communication link between student and the management at EQUALS. Student Representatives should be:
Student Representatives participate in regular meetings with key leadership staff and contribute to the overall operations and direction of EQUALS.
Can be accessed at here.
