Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)

The Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) qualifies individuals who apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of political, behavioural and social sciences in a range of human service contexts to undertake professional work.

Aim

The degree also provides a foundational pathway to further learning, including Honours degree programs in related fields.

Content & Structure

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) degree will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge of human service practice, with in-depth understanding in the underlying principles and concepts of social policy and management of effective service delivery at both the individual and project level. The students will complete 108 units of study comprising 63 units of core studies, social policy and human services theory, 4.5 units of free elective, 22.5 units of practice skills, and 18 units of field placements.

What Courses You'll Study

The following courses are part of the program:

• Human Service Provision
• Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services
• The Social World
• Child Development
• Governance and Citizenship in Australia
• Group Work
• Working with Community
• Applied Psychology
• Human Service Intervention
• Australian Social Policy
• Social Research Methods
• Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services
• Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing
• Human Service Workers and the Law
• Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services
• Policy Practice
• Human Service Field Placement A
• Social Analysis and the Human Services
• Case Management
• Human Service Field Placement B
• Human Service Project Management
• Elective

Rules

1. Field Education consists of a total of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the third year and after completion of all second year courses.
2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement.

Notes

1. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments.
2. The first and second years of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are in common with the Bachelor of Social Work.
3. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.
4. The program is three years of full-time study but may also be studied part-time.
5. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) program at UniSA will receive 18 units of credit on admission into the Master of Social Work (MMSK).

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

Graduates will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Community Workers Association.

Program Director

Mrs Paula McCubbin

Related Degrees

• Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability)
• Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability (Mount Gambier))
• Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability (Whyalla))
• Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services (Mount Gambier))
• Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services (Whyalla))

Admission Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria. Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

• Recent secondary education
• Higher education study
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• Work and life experience

Recent Secondary Education

Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Higher Education Study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

Work and Life Experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential Requirements for Admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English Language Entry Requirements

In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:

• IELTS total [6.0]
• IELTS reading [6.0]
• IELTS writing [6.0]

Degree Information

• Degree Level: Undergraduate
• Years: 3 years full-time
• Campus: Magill
• Duration: 3 year(s) full-time
• Mode: On-campus
• Program Code: MBSS
• Prerequisites: None
• Assumed Knowledge: None
• Fees: AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
• English Language Requirements: IELTS total [6.0], IELTS reading [6.0], IELTS writing [6.0]
• CRICOS Code: J

International Admission by Country

Please refer to the full entry requirements for more information.

University of South Australia

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Overview:

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a public university located in Adelaide, South Australia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, creative arts, health, law, psychology, social work, and STEM fields. UniSA is known for its strong industry connections and focus on practical, real-world learning.

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Services Offered:

UniSA provides a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and online resources to help students succeed in their studies.

Career services:

Guidance on career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.

Student support services:

Counseling, health and wellbeing services, and disability support.

Library resources:

Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online databases.

Campus facilities:

Modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and student common areas.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UniSA offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with opportunities for students to:

Get involved in clubs and societies:

Join student groups based on interests, hobbies, and cultural backgrounds.

Participate in sporting activities:

Represent UniSA in various sports or join recreational leagues.

Attend events and social gatherings:

Enjoy a range of events, concerts, and social activities organized by the university and student groups.

Explore Adelaide:

Experience the city's cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife, and natural beauty.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry-focused learning:

UniSA emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience through internships, industry placements, and collaborations with businesses.

Strong research reputation:

UniSA is recognized for its research excellence in areas such as health, technology, and social sciences.

Supportive learning environment:

UniSA provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.

Affordable tuition fees:

UniSA offers competitive tuition fees compared to other Australian universities.

Location in Adelaide:

Adelaide is a safe, affordable, and culturally diverse city with a high quality of life.

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Academic Programs:

UniSA offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Law, and many more.

Postgraduate degrees:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science, Master of Arts, and PhD programs.

Short courses and professional development programs:

Upskill and enhance professional knowledge in various fields.

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Other:

UniSA has multiple campuses across Adelaide, including City West, City East, Magill, Mawson Lakes, Mount Gambier, and Whyalla. The university also has a strong commitment to Aboriginal engagement and provides dedicated support services for Indigenous students.