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Preparation for Social Care

22582VIC – Cert IV in Tertiary Preparation

Social Care

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Want to make a real difference in people’s lives? Our social work preparation course – the Certificate IV in Social Care Tertiary Preparation – prepares you for university success through comprehensive online learning. This community services tertiary prep program is ideal for those planning university studies in social work, community services, child protection, or aged care.
 
Learn to support people across their entire lifespan. This social care foundation course explores services for older people, teaches you to support children and young people’s rights and safety, and shows you how to promote self-advocacy and equity in service access. You’ll develop skills in assessing co-existing needs while building critical research and communication abilities – all while studying flexibly online.
 
Our university-style learning approach helps you build the social care foundation universities expect, with expert support just a click away. From understanding vulnerable populations to promoting equity and facilitating self-advocacy, you’ll develop the knowledge base that opens doors to meaningful social work careers where you can truly help others.
 
Key Focus Areas:
  • Assessing complex and co-existing client needs
  • Supporting older people with dignity and respect
  • Child protection and youth safety principles
  • Promoting self-advocacy and empowerment
  • Equity and access in service delivery
  • Professional communication and research skills
 
Understanding Social Care vs. Social Work
Wondering about the difference between social care and social work? Social care is the broader field that includes community services, aged care, disability support, youth work, and family services – focused on providing direct support and care to people in need. Social work is a specific professional qualification within social care that requires a Bachelor of Social Work degree and professional registration for roles involving clinical assessments and case management.
 
Our Social Care Tertiary Preparation opens doors to both pathways – whether you want to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree for professional social work roles, or explore other social care qualifications in community services, aged care, or youth work. You’ll build the foundation skills needed for any career focused on helping and supporting others in your community.
 
 

 Study Options

Time Allocated: This enrolment gives you 12 months from commencement.

Option 1: Self-Paced Learning
  • “Complete Freedom, Complete Control”
  • Study entirely at your own pace and schedule
  • Access all materials immediately
  • No scheduled check-ins or deadlines
  • Perfect for self-motivated learners who need maximum flexibility
  • Ideal for shift workers, parents, or busy professionals
  • Price: $2200
 
Option 2: Guided Learning Journey
  • “Structured Support Every Step of the Way”
  • Personalised study schedule created together
  • Regular check-ins with your learning mentor
  • Milestone deadlines to keep you on track
  • Priority access to support team
  • Perfect for learners who thrive with accountability and guidance
  • Includes career pathway planning sessions
  • Price: $2500

Study Program

22582VIC – Cert IV in Tertiary Preparation

This program will take you on a learning journey through two key areas:
 
1. Academic Communications & Study Skills
Master the essential skills every university student needs. You’ll develop academic writing, research techniques, verbal communication, and collaborative learning abilities. These foundational skills ensure you’re ready to tackle any university programme with confidence.
 
Units Covered:
  • VU23094 Research study options and plan education pathway
  • VU23095 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing
  • VU23096 Communicate verbally in a further study context
  • VU23097 Participate in collaborative learning
  • VU23098 Conduct online research for further study

 

2. Social Care & Community Support

Develop the heart of social care practice through real-world skills that make a difference. You’ll learn to assess complex client needs, support older people with dignity and respect, and empower individuals through self-advocacy. These units teach you to promote equity in service delivery and protect the rights and safety of children and young people – essential skills for anyone wanting to work in community services, aged care, child protection, or family support roles.

 

Why These Units Matter:

This specialisation gives you hands-on experience in the core areas of social care work. Whether you’re planning to study social work, community services, or aged care at university, these practical skills will set you apart. You’ll understand how to work with vulnerable populations across all age groups, from children and families to older adults, while always promoting dignity, safety, and empowerment.

Specialisation Units:

  • CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
  • CHCAGE009 Provide services for older people
  • CHCMHS008 Promote and facilitate self advocacy
  • CHCECE051 Promote equity in access to the service
  • CHCPRT026 Support the rights and safety of children and young people

 Recommended Pathways

Perfect preparation for university pathways in:
  • Social work degrees
  • Community services and development
  • Child protection and family services
  • Aged care and gerontology
  • Disability support and advocacy
  • Human services management
 

After the Cert IV Completion, we recommend applying for university. A completed Cert IV will provide you with the equivalent of a 70ATAR in WA, which will satisfy the entry requirements to many university courses. Other states allocate different ATAR equivalents – please check with your favourite university to check.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Bachelor of Health Promotion
  • Bachelor of Counselling
  • Bachelor of Behavioural Science
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Bachelor of Health Science
 

Ask us anything

No formal qualifications required, however if you do have other qualifications – these could help! Our tertiary prep courses are designed for everyone – whether you finished Year 12, left school early, or have been out of school for years. All you need is the motivation to take your next step toward your future.

Most students complete their Certificate IV in 12 months, but this depends on your chosen learning option. With self-paced learning, you can go faster or slower as needed. With guided learning, we’ll create a realistic timeline that works with your life commitments.

Absolutely! Our courses are designed for real life. Study online whenever it suits you – early mornings, lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends. Many of our students are working parents, shift workers, or carers who successfully balance study with their responsibilities.

You’re never alone in your learning journey. Our support includes EQ Education for learning challenges, flexible learning accommodations, student wellbeing support, and career pathway guidance. Plus, our guided learning option includes regular check-ins with your personal mentor.
While we can’t guarantee university admission (that’s up to each university), our Certificate IV provides you with an equivalent ATAR and the academic skills universities expect. Most of our graduates successfully transition to their chosen university programs. 
 
For example: 
WA = 70 ATAR equivalent
QLD = 74 ATAR equivalent
Check with your favourite university for their entry points.
Self-paced gives you complete freedom to study when and how you want. Guided learning includes personalised scheduling, regular mentor check-ins, milestone deadlines, and priority support access. Both options cover the same content – it’s about what support level works best for you.

We offer competitive pricing with flexible payment options to make education accessible. All costs are available on the website. But you are welcome to contact us to discuss payment plans that work with your budget. We believe financial barriers shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your goals. Our only request is that we must have the whole course paid off at least 30 days before you finish the qualification and that payments are consistent (eg, weekly or monthly)

This is exactly why tertiary prep exists! Many of our students haven’t studied for 10, 20, or even 30 years. Our courses start with building fundamental study skills and academic confidence. You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes back – and our support team is there every step of the way.

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