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GC-POSBS

Positive Behaviour Support

Graduate certificate

Supporting well-being for people with disabilities.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year part-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    100
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Semester 1, 2024

1 May 2023

Applications now closed!

Semester 1, 2025

Applications now open!

6 February 2025

Course outline

Outline

Outline

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.

Boost your career

With the ongoing evolution in the disability sector, especially following the introduction and expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, this course prepares you to be at the forefront of change, championing evidence-based positive behaviour practices.

Transition to specialised roles

For those looking to refine their expertise in positive behaviour support within the disability sector, this course provides an opportunity to challenge yourself, to reflect on and strengthen your existing knowledge and practice.

What jobs can the Positive Behaviour Support course lead to?

Careers:

  • 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.

Why study Positive Behaviour Support

Complementary Learning

Graduates can expand their credentials by undertaking two additional units, to earn a Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs. These synergistic courses share foundational units, while offering specialisations relevant to each certificate.

Experienced teachers

Benefit from the expertise of seasoned academics with strong industry experience and connections. Students will also be taught about what best practice looks like, by individuals with disabilities.

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.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Specifically, students require a bachelor of masters level degree in a related discipline across social or health sciences from a recognised tertiary institution OR 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.

Application Requirements

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

2024 Fee year:

$12,400*

Domestic

Domestic

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).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • Online

2025

Semester 1
  • Online

2026

Semester 1
  • Online

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: GC-POSBS
  • Last updated on: 4 October 2024

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