International students only — Australian and New Zealand students should refer to Bachelor of Human Services or Bachelor of Social Work.

Program summary

QTAC code: 011011
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BSocSc(CommWk)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1
USC program code: AR371
CRICOS code: 026645D

Program overview

The rapid pace of social change nationally, and the uncertainties created by economic restructuring, has increased the demand for well-educated community workers who have a broad range of adaptable skills.

At a regional level, this demand is reinforced by rapid population growth. Drawing from a number of disciplines including sociology, social welfare, management and psychology, the Community Work program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet this demand.

The degree focuses on providing a structured theoretical and practical approach to social issues and the development of specific community work skills. An industry placement is a required component of this program.

Career opportunities

Knowledge and skills acquired through the Bachelor of Social Science (Community Work) are transferable across many sectors such as government, education, the arts, commerce, and industry. Opportunities may include:

• community education and training
• community development
• human service delivery
• international community aid and development
• social planning and administration
• police and correctional services
• policy development and analysis
• social policy
• social research
• welfare work (eg youth, disability, aged care and counselling)

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Introductory Calculus
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Introductory courses

4 required courses:
INT140 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCS110 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
SCS130 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS180 Introduction to Indigenous Australia

Advanced courses

9 required courses:
SCS225 Counselling for the Human Services Professional
SCS230 Social Research
SCS235 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
SCS267 Social Justice, Welfare and the State(24cp)
SCS268 Community Work Placement 1(24cp)
SCS295 Community Work Placement 2
SCS210 Gender and Culture
SWK302 Indigenous Australia and the State
Plus choose 1 advanced course with an SCS prefix. The following courses may also be counted as advanced SCS courses:
PUB252 Community Development and Social Action
PUB351 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
HRM210 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
MGT320 Managing Human Resources

Note: SCS267 Management Strategy and SCS268 Community Work Placement 1 are 24 unit courses equivalent to two standard 12 unit courses.

Elective courses

Select 7 elective courses from any faculty (Arts and Social Sciences, Business or Science, Health and Education)

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of their USC program, students may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes

1. No more than 10 introductory courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Social Science (Community Work).
2. No courses may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
3. A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (72 units) can be included in the Bachelor of Social Science (Community Work).
4. Required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors.
5. HRM210 , MGT320 , PUB252 and PUB351 have prerequisites, and the electives must be used to complete the relevant prerequisites.
6. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
7. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
8. Refer to explanation of terms.
9. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
10. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods, for example, essays, seminar presentations, practicum reports, in-class tests, simulations, debates, forums and examinations.
11. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Requirements for field education

In order to complete this program, students need to successfully complete field education (ie SCS267 Community Work Placement 2 and SCS268 Community Work Placement 1) for which they are required to obtain a Blue Card (issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian).

Blue Cards and how to apply

A student’s enrolment in field education will be conditional upon the following:

• the student’s eligibility for a Blue Card at the time of the first enrolment in the program
• maintenance of that eligibility throughout the entire of the program
• acquisition of a Blue Card prior to commencement of field education.

In the event that a student becomes ineligible for a Blue Card, at any time between the date of first enrolment and the date of completion of the program, the student will not be able to complete the degree.

Field education includes professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake these placements away from the campus at their own expense.

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Dr Jan Foster
Tel: +61 7 5459 4661
Email: jfoster@usc.edu.au

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