Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability)

The Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability) qualifies individuals who apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of political, behavioural and social sciences in a range of ageing and disability focused 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 (Ageing and Disability) 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 and emotional development and wellbeing, small business entrepreneurship and ethical practice at the individual, community and policy level of ageing and disability service provision.

• Students will complete 108 units of study comprising:
  • 63 units of core studies in social policy, critical disability studies, critical aging studies, behavioral, social and human service theory
  • 9 units of recommended Social Science electives
  • 18 units of practice skills
  • 18 units of field placements

Courses

First Year

• Human Service Provision (WELF 1014) - 4.5 units
• Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services (WELF 1019) - 4.5 units
• The Social World (SOCU 1003) - 4.5 units
• Language and Communication in Applied Linguistics (LANG 1062) - 4.5 units
• Governance and Citizenship in Australia (POLI 1008) - 4.5 units
• Group Work (BEHL 2009) - 4.5 units
• Applied Psychology (BEHL 1005) - 4.5 units
• Lifespan Development and Diversity (WELF 1021) - 4.5 units

Second Year

• Human Service Intervention (WELF 2012) - 4.5 units
• Australian Social Policy (POLI 1012) - 4.5 units
• Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services (WELF 2020) - 4.5 units
• Elective - 4.5 units
• Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing (WELF 2019) - 4.5 units
• The Social Construction of Ageing and Disability (WELF 2024) - 4.5 units
• Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services (WELF 2015) - 4.5 units
• Human Service Workers and the Law (JUST 2005) - 4.5 units

Third Year

• Social Research Methods (HUMS 2047) - 4.5 units
• Human Service Field Placement A (WELF 3022) - 9 units
• Ageing and Disability: Diversity and Discrimination (WELF 3029) - 4.5 units
• Human Service Field Placement B (WELF 3014) - 9 units
• Human Service Project Management (WELF 2014) - 4.5 units
• Elective - 4.5 units

Electives

• Intercultural Communication (LANG 1054) - 4.5 units
• Language and Identity (LANG 2022) - 4.5 units
• Human Rights Law (LAWS 3076) - 4.5 units
• Recreation and Wellness Management (SPRC 2015) - 4.5 units
• UO Counselling Concepts (BEHL 1026) - 4.5 units
• UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments (WELF 2021) - 4.5 units
• UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care (WELF 3024) - 4.5 units
• UO Working with Community (WELF 2023) - 4.5 units
• Global Politics and Development (POLI 1020) - 4.5 units
• Ageing and the Law: Elder Law and Policy (LAWS 2039) - 4.5 units
• Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country (HLTH 1063) - 4.5 units

Rules and Notes

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; complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement.
3. Students are required to complete two elective courses as part of the degree, chosen from the list of recommended electives or in consultation with the Program Director.

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This program is recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association. Graduates will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Community Workers Association.

Program Director

AsPr Caroline Ellison

Related Degrees

• Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
• 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

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: 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

Admission Requirements by Country

• Norway GPA: 3
• Pakistan HSSC: 85
• Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3): 7
• Sweden GPA: 13
• UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board: 7
• Vietnam: 7.5
• Australia: 72
• IB (best 6): 26
• USA SAT (1600): 1110
• India (best 4) State Board: 75
• India (best 4) Central Board: 65
• HKDSE: 15
• Bangladesh HSC: 4
• Nepal NEB: 2.61
• Canada High School (OSSD): 65
• Eynesbury FSP: 330
• German Abitur: 3.5
• Kenya KCSE (average): B+
• Malaysia STPM (best 3): 6
• Malaysia UEC: 30

Degree Details

• Degree Level: Undergraduate
• Years: 3 years full-time
• Campus: Magill
• Duration: 3 years 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
• CRICOS Code: F

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.