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Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian Assistance

Postgraduate coursework

An introduction to the techniques and theories used to revolutionise the humanitarian aid sector. Gain the skills to make a difference on the frontline.

Key facts

English language requirements

All applicants must also meet the minimum English language requirements.

Duration

1 year part-time

Locations

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Addressing the complex humanitarian aid challenges of the 21st century demands a new type of thinking. Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian Assistance will introduce you to the tools, techniques and theories current workers are using to revolutionise the sector. Your knowledge will equip you with the skills to play a vital part, whether it be on the frontlines or in improving our systems of aid.

Ready to make a valuable difference to, and in, the humanitarian aid sector?

The Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian Assistance is delivered by Deakin from the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership, a collaborative venture between Deakin and Save the Children that combines good humanitarian practice with academic rigour and seeks to address the power balance that can be created and perpetuated by even well-meaning aid.

The course has a dual focus on equipping you with the skills to make a difference, and the critical knowledge to improve the sector.

In core units, you’ll explore the role and purpose of humanitarian aid and its current challenges.

Course elective units give you the opportunity to dive deeper into specialised functions, such as humanitarian aid financing and project management.

Deakin’s humanitarian assistance courses are among the first in the Asia-Pacific region – meaning when you study with us, you’ll benefit from our long history of sector engagement.

Through networking opportunities embedded in the course, you can also capitalise on Deakin’s strong partnerships with international non-government organisations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, other locally based NGOs, government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other relevant stakeholders.

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian Assistance
Year

2023 course information

Deakin code
A567
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian Assistance, a student must successfully complete 4 credit points of study comprising:

  • 2 credit points of core units
  • Any 2 credit points from Course Electives List
  • Academic Integrity AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

2

Core units

2

Elective units

4

Total units

Core Units plus Course Electives

  • The Humanitarian World
  •  OR

  • The Humanitarian World
  •  and

  • Humanitarian Settlement
  • Plus

    2 credit points of course electives from the following list:

  • Human Rights in World Politics
  • The United Nations and International Organisation
  • Gender and Development
  • Sustainability and Development
  • Cross Cultural Communication and Practice
  • The Development Project Cycle
  • AHA725 Project and Financial Management in Humanitarian Contexts [No longer available for enrolment]

    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.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Trimester 3 - November

    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Additional course information

    Course duration - additional information

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

    Participation requirements

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Work experience

    Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

    Entry requirements

    Entry information

    Admission is based on:

    • Bachelor degree or higher
    • Two years relevant work experience
    • Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

    Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.

    Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.

    For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library

    Recognition of prior learning

    If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

    You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year in which they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

    Learn more about tuition fees.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply through Deakin

    Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Deakin International office or Deakin representative

    Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage
    If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

    Entry pathways

    Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian Assistance will enable enrolment into the:

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Career opportunities for humanitarian assistance graduates exist in government and non-government agencies concerned with the provision of all aspects of emergency and humanitarian responses, including service provision, logistical support, communications, program management and support, community engagement and support, funding, coordination, monitoring and evaluation.

    Employment in the humanitarian field is also expanding, including in related areas, such as teaching, training, organisation and community capacity building, disaster risk reduction assessment and programming, consulting enterprises, journalism and communications, project management and community development.

    Some of the roles you might obtain as a graduate of this course include: project administration assistant, research officer, or logistical support officer.

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT

    Course learning outcomes

    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.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

    Course Learning Outcomes

    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Apply specialised knowledge of the historical development of humanitarianism and relate this knowledge to the humanitarian contexts, through analysing current and future sector-wide trends and applying learning, sector standards and strategies to a range of complex national and international situations.

    Communication

    Communicate the theories and practices of humanitarian action and influence and engage a diverse variety of stakeholders to effect change.

    Digital literacy

    Select and apply communication technologies to conduct and critically analyse research, communicate findings and other information and build relationships to engage a diverse group of stakeholders.

    Critical thinking

    Review and critically analyse current local and political aid environments, synthesise knowledge from a variety of stakeholders and critically reflect on current and future humanitarian trends to propose solutions and prioritise actions.

    Problem solving

    Use creative and critical thinking and high level professional judgement to identify resources, to engage stakeholders, and to plan and evaluate a range of solutions and responses to complex humanitarian problems.

    Self-management

    Engage in critical self-reflection through independent learning, commitment to continuing professional development and through receiving feedback.

    Teamwork

    Not explicitly assessed

    Global citizenship

    Apply humanitarian principles and values, and actively engage in humanitarian operations across a variety of contexts taking into consideration cultural, social, political, economic, environmental and ethical issues.

    Approved by Faculty Board October 2018