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Bachelor of Social Welfare

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Online students attend one three-day residential school on campus.

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BSocWelf

  • Course code

    3007268

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The desire to help the needy and vulnerable in our society is more than just a job. Our Bachelor of Social Welfare is focused on achieving positive social change and community wellbeing. It is also the pathway to a deeply satisfying career in the human services sector.

We'll help harness your empathy and enhance your communication skills with a view to delivering great outcomes across social welfare practice. You can choose to specialise through a major focusing on children and young people, the health and disability sector, mental health or Indigenous knowledge.

You will gain on-the-job experience through extensive placements, working with individuals and organisations that share your commitment and are working to improve people's lives.

Graduates will emerge with transferrable skills for a variety of career options in human services – from working directly with people in their homes or facilities, to creating policy. You can also continue your studies in a linked Masters program that offers a pathway to professional accreditation as a social worker.

Please note: As of 2021, this course will be renamed the Bachelor of Community Welfare. If you enrol in the Bachelor of Social Welfare in 2020, unless you advise otherwise, you will automatically transition to the Bachelor of Community Welfare course after your first year. The name change signals a move to a broader core curriculum, away from major areas of study. Graduates of the Bachelor of Community Welfare degree will be equipped with knowledge and skills across a range of fields of practice including youth work, mental health, disability and child protection. For more details about these course changes, please contact the future students team.

 

Course Learning Outcome

Understand the social, cultural, economic and political contexts of social welfare practice and the implications of these for working with clients, workers and community services.

Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programs, projects and other activities with clients, which may include individuals, families, groups or communities.

Practise social welfare in an ethical manner, in accordance with the values and ethics of the profession.

Use one's own skills and knowledge appropriately and reflectively with clients, colleagues, employers and the wider community.

Become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners.

Communicate with a broad spectrum of people and organisations using appropriate techniques and media organisations.

Plan, organise and carry out work autonomously and as part of a team.

Communicate constructively in a manner that is respectful of the diverse cultures in which we work and live.

In line with ACWA requirements, you complete 400 hours of supervised on-the-job training. This is completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that you gain a diversity of experience.

Placements may include working across a variety of client groups, such as older people, or young people and families at the individual, group, organisational or community level of practice. You may undertake placements in social welfare settings such as child protection, drugs and alcohol, criminal justice, community education, housing, emergency relief, family interventions and domestic violence.

All students must obtain a National Police Check and Working with Children Check and most agencies require students to have a driver's licence.

Particular emphasis is placed on social justice and human rights as the basis for social welfare practice.

In addition to core units that cover counselling, welfare law, social research and community development, students choose a major area of study from the following options:

  • Working with children and youth 
  • Health and disability
  • Indigenous knowledge
  • Mental health
  • No major option - students choose three core units from other majors plus four elective units from any undergraduate degree offered by the University.

Please note that some units in this course are offered exclusively online.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A
Gold Coast Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A
Online Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The course is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Graduates are eligible to join ACWA.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds who have less than 2 years of high school education in Australia or other English speaking country must be able to demonstrate proficiency of English with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 across each of the bands of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who have completed the requirements for the Associate Degree of Social Welfare may be granted advanced standing of up to sixteen (16) units in the Bachelor of Social Welfare.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Social Welfare, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • All 15 Core units (192 credit points), and
  • One Major (96 credit points), or
  • No Major Option (96 credit points).

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Social Welfare after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) from the Bachelor of Social Welfare.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Social Welfare after completing the equivalent of 8 Core units (96 credit points).

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
 

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
It is possible to accelerate your studies if you intend to complete the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) after successful completion of the Bachelor of Social Welfare.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 -  Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 -  Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 -  Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00408 -  Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
Year 1, Session 2
SOY10105 -  Introduction to Social Welfare Introductory
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
BHS00130 -  Community Development Introductory
SOC00112 -  Social Policy Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 -  Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
CSL10558 -  Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
CSL00113 -  Field Education I Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
CSL10242 -  Trauma Informed Practice Intermediate
LAW00059 -  Welfare Law Intermediate
1st Major unit OR University Wide Elective
2nd Major unit OR University Wide Elective
Year 3, Session 1
WEL73001 -  Issues of Protection Advanced
SOC20001 -  Doing Social Research Intermediate
WEL73002 -  Disability and Community Practice Advanced
3rd Major OR University Wide Elective
Year 3, Session 2
WEL73004 -  Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
CSL00114 -  Field Education II Advanced
4th Major unit OR University Wide Elective
Year 3, Session 3
WEL91003 -  Social Work Foundations for Practice Introductory
WEL91004 -  Social Work Direct Practice I Introductory
WEL91002 -  Social Policy and Law for Social Work Introductory
Year 4, Session 1
WEL92001 -  Social Work across the Lifespan Intermediate
WEL92002 -  Social Work in Groups and Communities Advanced
IHE03386 -  Health and Indigenous Peoples Intermediate
WEL92003 -  Research for Social Work Advanced
Year 4, Session 2
WEL91005 -  Social Work Direct Practice II Intermediate
WEL92004 -  Social Work Organisations, Leadership and Management Advanced
WEL92005 -  Social Work Field Placement IIa Advanced
Year 4, Session 3
WEL92006 -  Social Work Field Placement IIb Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 2
SOY10105 -  Introduction to Social Welfare Introductory
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
BHS00130 -  Community Development Introductory
SOC00112 -  Social Policy Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
POL10244 -  Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 -  Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 -  Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00408 -  Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
CSL10242 -  Trauma Informed Practice Intermediate
1st Major unit OR University Wide Elective
CSL00113 -  Field Education I Intermediate Note 1
Year 3, Session 1
CSL10558 -  Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
BHS30003 -  Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
SOC20001 -  Doing Social Research Intermediate
WEL73001 -  Issues of Protection Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
WEL73004 -  Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
LAW00059 -  Welfare Law Intermediate
2nd Major unit OR University Wide Elective
3rd Major unit OR University Wide Elective
Year 4, Session 1
WEL73002 -  Disability and Community Practice Advanced
4th Major unit OR University Wide Elective
CSL00114 -  Field Education II Advanced Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 -  Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 -  Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 -  Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00408 -  Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
Year 1, Session 2
SOY10105 -  Introduction to Social Welfare Introductory
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
BHS00130 -  Community Development Introductory
SOC00112 -  Social Policy Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 -  Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
CSL10558 -  Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
CSL00113 -  Field Education I Intermediate Note 1
Year 2, Session 2
CSL10242 -  Trauma Informed Practice Intermediate
LAW00059 -  Welfare Law Intermediate
1st Major unit
2nd Major unit
Year 3, Session 1
WEL73001 -  Issues of Protection Advanced
SOC20001 -  Doing Social Research Intermediate
3rd Major unit WEL73002 -  Disability and Community Practice Advanced
4th Major unit
Year 3, Session 2
5th Major unit WEL73004 -  Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
6th Major unit
7th & 8th Major unit CSL00114 -  Field Education II Advanced Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 -  Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 -  Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 -  Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00408 -  Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
Year 1, Session 2
SOY10105 -  Introduction to Social Welfare Introductory
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
BHS00130 -  Community Development Introductory
SOC00112 -  Social Policy Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 -  Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
CSL10558 -  Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
CSL00113 -  Field Education I Intermediate Note 1
Year 2, Session 2
CSL10242 -  Trauma Informed Practice Intermediate
LAW00059 -  Welfare Law Intermediate
1st University Wide Elective
2nd University Wide Elective
Year 3, Session 1
WEL73001 -  Issues of Protection Advanced
SOC20001 -  Doing Social Research Intermediate
WEL73002 -  Disability and Community Practice Advanced
3rd University Wide Elective
Year 3, Session 2
WEL73004 -  Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
CSL00114 -  Field Education II Advanced Note 1
4th University Wide Elective

Note 1:

#double weighted unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Core Units
POL10244 Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 Effective Communication Introductory
BHS30003 Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
CUL00408 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
SOY10105 Introduction to Social Welfare Introductory
BHS00130 Community Development Introductory
CSL00231 Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
CSL00113 Field Education I Intermediate Note 1
SOC20001 Doing Social Research Intermediate
CSL10558 Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
SOC00112 Social Policy Introductory
CSL10242 Trauma Informed Practice Intermediate
LAW00059 Welfare Law Intermediate
WEL73001 Issues of Protection Advanced

Majors

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Compulsory:
WEL73002 Disability and Community Practice Advanced
WEL73004 Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
CSL00114 Field Education II Advanced Note 1
WEL30001 Youth Work Intermediate
Choice of three (3) units from the following:
TCH20002 Children, Families and Communities Intermediate
CYS03345 Strengthening Young People's Social and Emotional Wellbeing Intermediate
CYS03342 Children's Rights: Policy into Practice Intermediate
EDU81001 Understanding Children and Adolescents Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Compulsory:
WEL73002 Disability and Community Practice Advanced
WEL73004 Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
CSL00114 Field Education II Advanced Note 1
Choice of four (4) equivalent units from the following:
SOC71005 Colonising Histories Introductory
HUM71005 Aboriginal Cultural Strengths Introductory
SOC72001 Aboriginal Social Realities Intermediate
HUM73001 Aboriginal Community Organisations: Ethics and Sustainability Advanced
HUM73006 Learning On Country Advanced Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Compulsory:
WEL73002 Disability and Community Practice Advanced
WEL73004 Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
CSL00114 Field Education II Advanced Note 1
AAD72208 Art and Health Intermediate
Plus Option 1, the following three (3) units:
CMM10580 The Australian Health Care System Introductory
SOC20003 Society, Health and Illness Intermediate
IHE72010 Social Determinants of Health Intermediate
OR Option 2, the following two units:
CMM71001 Health Promotion and Wellness Introductory
HLT83007 Health Promotion and Primary Health Care Advanced Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
WEL73002 Disability and Community Practice Advanced
WEL73004 Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
CSL00114 Field Education II Advanced Note 1
CUL00409 The Mental Health of Australian Indigenous Peoples Introductory
AAD72208 Art and Health Intermediate
SOC20003 Society, Health and Illness Intermediate
WEL73003 Mental Health Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Compulsory:
WEL73002 Disability and Community Practice Advanced
WEL73004 Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
CSL00114 Field Education II Advanced Note 1
Plus four (4) elective units from any University Wide Electives.