Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs

Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs is designed for those passionate about fostering robust communication support systems. This course addresses the nuances of creating person-centred systems that enhance communication for both children and adults who benefit from additional communication supports.

Admission Criteria

• Degree pathway: Applicants need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related discipline, such as social sciences, health science or education. This degree must be from a recognised tertiary institution.
• Non-degree pathway: Applicants without an undergraduate degree will hold a minimum of a certificate III or IV qualification in a relevant area plus 5 years of previous experience working in providing disability services, in a job role involving the self-directed application of knowledge planning and implementation, with substantial depth in the specialised area of practice.
• English requirements: Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English - IELTS Academic (international English Language Testing System). Specific English requirements for this post-graduate course are:
  • Writing: 6.0
  • Speaking: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Listening: 6.0
  • Overall band score: 6.5

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic fee paying postgraduate: $12,772* (2025 Fee year)
• *Fees are indicative only. Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e., units selected and time taken to complete).

Location

• Curtin Perth
• Online

How to Apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
• Curtin Perth: Apply now
• Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Course Structure

• The course is only available part-time. You may study either 1 or 2 units per semester.
• Example study plans, with recommended sequences of units are available in this document.
• The course is only available online. Some content will be online/self-guided, with embedded recorded lectures. There will also be online ‘live’ teaching sessions, delivered via our learning system, Blackboard. Each unit will have a slightly different balance of online and live content.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Practice Expert
• Disability Support Leader
• Communication Policy Advisor
• Industries:
  • Disability organisations
  • Healthcare institutions
  • Education services
  • Government departments

What You'll Learn

• Critically analyse and evaluate contemporary understanding of the concepts and principles supporting quality of life utilising human rights frameworks and a biopsychosocial model, with a focus on enhanced wellbeing, co-regulation and proactive supports that meet underlying needs.
• Identify, analyse and discriminate the range of individual, social and environmental factors that contribute to the experiences and underlying needs of people with communication support needs or behaviour that can be seen to be of concern.
• Understand and apply skills in a practice leadership role, coaching the support networks of people who have communication support needs, to develop multimodal communication strategies that are meaningful and accessible.
• Assess and facilitate implementation of evidenced based supports that are person centred and build the capability of support networks and environments.
• Understand and develop practical skills in addressing the complexity of accessing language and autonomous communication via AAC for children and adults who experience multiple barriers to typical language and communication development.
• Recognise potential or current aversive, abusive or restrictive practices within the field of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and communication support.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical appreciation of the impact of values, system culture, beliefs, attitudes and ethical principles on the understanding of people’s underlying needs, neurodiversity, human rights, behaviour and communication support needs.
• Apply skills in developing the capability of support networks to build and implement communication and literacy accessible environments to enhance quality of life through informed decision making, consent, self-advocacy and relationships.

Why Study Complex Communication Needs at Curtin?

• Complementary learning opportunity: Graduates can expand their credentials by undertaking an additional two units to earn a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support. These synergistic courses share foundational units, while offering specialisations relevant to each certificate.
• Industry experts: Led by academics with industry experience, including from people with disabilities, means you’ll learn from people with a deep understand of how optimal communication can be supported.
• Co-design excellence: This course is uniquely co-designed with industry experts (Microboards Australia) and individuals with lived experience of disability, ensuring relevance and deep insight.