Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse 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.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H508
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
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.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
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.
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.
Work experience
Not applicable
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a Certificate IV in Disability with at least three years' work experience (or part-time equivalent) in the disability sector
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Working in disability or diversity, equity and inclusion policy, working for an organisation writing their disability action plan, management roles.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$13,600 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Career outcomes
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.
Professional recognition
Not applicable
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| 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.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
