Recommended Study Sequence

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Admission

Applications for the course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Further information on postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website.

The admission criteria are an undergraduate degree, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate from an accredited tertiary institution or equivalent life experience plus at least five years experience in a professional or voluntary capacity in a Social Ecology related area in accordance with UWS Policies and Procedures.You must also provide details of relevant work experience with supporting documentation from your employer in your UAC application under the "Work Experience" section. The Graduate Certificate in Social Ecology is also available as an exit award from the Master of Arts (Social Ecology).

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 40 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Students must complete the two Level 7 core units ('Ecolgoy of Learning' and 'Leadership and Change') and two Level 7 units drawn from the pool listed under the Master of Arts (Social Ecology) or other units, as approved by the Program Advisor.

Recommended Sequence

Part-time

Year 1

1H session

Ecology of Learning

Ecology of Learning is an applied experiential inquiry that engages with personal, social and environmental dimensions of change. This unit works with the notion that learning is a creative process that draws reflection and invites comment; such learning 'feeds back' into experience. The unit focuses on the conditions, relationships and environments within which learning occurs. These can best be appreciated through considerations upon the complex, interconnected webs of being and knowing that underpin individual and social life.

One unit from the pool listed under the Master of Arts (Social Ecology) or another unit, as approved by the Program Advisor.

2H session

Leadership and Change

This unit explores the rich theoretical and practical dimensions of leadership under today's accelerated dynamic changes. The unit inquires into the context of leadership while asking what kinds of leaders global society needs, what metaphors from the new paradigm of complexity, organisational management, social ecology and lifelong learning inform the science and art of leadership, and what historical or contemporary individuals embody leadership practice. Ethical and philosophical aspects of leadership are also in the focus of the unit.

One unit from the pool listed under the Master of Arts (Social Ecology) or another unit as approved by the Program Advisor.

Graduate Certificate in Social Ecology

The Graduate Certificate in Social Ecology explores the dynamic interrelationships between the personal, social, environmental and ‘spiritual’. We acknowledge that everything we do as individuals affects others and our shared communities and environments. We regard ourselves as parts of the systems (local and global) in which we live, and that we need to take responsibility for our roles within them. Key theme areas include cultural action, sustainability education, ethical leadership, organisational development, transformative learning and applied spirituality.

This course is for those who think that achieving ecological, social and personal sustainability will require a shift in values and attitudes, rather than just more scientific knowledge and technology. It is for social change activists who want to be more effective in working with transformation within organisations and communities. It is for those seeking to influence our shared future – imaginatively, collaboratively, ethically and effectively.

Social Sciences and Education at UWS

This course is unique to UWS. There is no direct comparison in Australia. It is an adult learning program that works on a self-directed learning model. We have been offering this program in various forms for nearly 20 years and have graduated hundreds of students. All staff are experienced in the field and are strong researchers and community educators. The Graduate Certificate in Social Ecology is designed to allow students to build their personal and community effectiveness and, as such, values students’ prior accomplishments in a way few programs do.

It’s all about Career Opportunities

This program works with people who work with people. These range from educators of various sorts – environmental educators, corporate

trainers and facilitators, counsellors and psychotherapists – to community workers and independent consultants. Graduates work in local government, the community sector, NGOs and independent environmental organisations. They work in Indigenous community settings, in human resources and in counselling and welfare services. Some are full-time environmental activists. Others are drawn to the course to ground their particular yearnings for community and relevance. For some, the motivation to enrol is personal fulfilment rather than the desire for a professional qualification.

Duration

One year part time.

Location

On-campus intensive workshop blocks; distance mode via Web CT.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 40 credit points.

Admission Requirements

Applications for the course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Further information on postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Step by step instructions are available on on How to Apply pages.

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

Alternatively you are welcome to contact us.