Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support embodies Curtin's commitment to enhancing the disability sector's capabilities. Recognising the multifaceted nature of well-being, the course addresses behaviours that may be viewed as challenging or concerning. From understanding the reasons behind these behaviours to establishing evidence-based environments that mitigate the risk of concerning behaviours, you’ll be equipped with the necessary tools to make a meaningful difference.

Designed for professionals from various backgrounds, such as behaviour support practitioners, allied health providers, educators, service or support coordinators and policy makers, this course focuses on the real-world application of positive behavioural practices. As the disability sector witnesses substantial growth, you’ll be poised to lead the way in developing systems that prioritise the well-being of all.

Admission Criteria

• Students require a bachelor of masters level degree in a related discipline across social or health sciences from a recognised tertiary institution.
• Alternatively, students can have 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

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) with the following scores:
  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6.5

Course Structure

• The course is only available part-time, with students able to study either 1 or 2 units per semester.
• Example study plans, with recommended sequences of units, are available in the course documentation.
• The course is only available online, with some content being online/self-guided and embedded recorded lectures, and online ‘live’ teaching sessions delivered via Blackboard.

Career Opportunities

• Positive Behaviour Support Specialist
• Clinical Practice Expert
• Disability Support Leader
• Policy and Strategy Advisor

Industries

• Disability Support Organisations
• Education services
• Health and Rehabilitation Centres
• Government departments

What You'll Learn

• Critically analyse and evaluate contemporary understanding of the concepts and principles of positive behaviour support utilising a biopsychosocial model, with a focus on enhanced quality of life, wellbeing, co-regulation and proactive supports that meet underlying needs.
• Demonstrate expert judgement via reflective practice and analytical reasoning when embedding contemporary behaviour support principles within documentation, planning and system-wide processes.
• Identify, analyse and discriminate the range of individual, social and environmental factors that contribute to the experiences and underlying needs of people with complex needs or behaviour that can be seen to be of concern.
• Assess and facilitate implementation of evidenced based and data driven supports across observed changes in people’s stress and capacity that are person centred and build the capability of support networks and environments.
• Apply skills in building the capability of support networks to embed everyday practices, including communication support, that meet underlying human rights and universal needs, and reduce the likelihood of stress and distress.
• Recognise potential or current aversive, abusive or restrictive practices.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical appreciation of the impact of values, system culture, beliefs, attitudes and ethical principles on the understanding of people’s needs, neurodiversity, human rights, behaviour support principles and practice.
• Appraise and apply skills in partnering with people with support needs, their support networks and stakeholders to develop and implement support plans that are co-designed, person-centred, meaningful and accessible.
• Analyse the context of safeguards and apply skills to guide and partner with support networks to plan for an improvement in wellbeing and quality of life and reduction in restrictive practices.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic fee paying postgraduate: $12,772 (2025 Fee year)
• FEE-HELP assistance may be available for domestic fee paying students.

Location

• Curtin Perth

How to Apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice.
• Each campus has different application deadlines.
• View our application deadlines page for further information.

Why Study Positive Behaviour Support at Curtin?

• Complementary Learning: Graduates can expand their credentials by undertaking two additional units, to earn a Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs.
• Experienced teachers: Benefit from the expertise of seasoned academics with strong industry experience and connections.
• Collaborative Design: Developed in partnership with industry specialists (Microboards Australia) and those with lived experiences of disability, this course champions best-practice and person-centredness.