Give others the tools to make positive change in their lives.
This program is politically progressive, grounded in critical, anti-racist and pro-feminist theoretical approaches. Using innovative teaching to build your capacity and commitment to anti-oppressive practice, you’ll be well-prepared for work in social justice and community welfare upon completion.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year courses at Gympie. Only first-year courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the program is completed at Sippy Downs.
^ Semester 2 commencement not available at Gympie
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year courses at Gympie. Only first-year courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the program is completed at Sippy Downs.
^ Semester 2 commencement not available at Gympie
This program is politically progressive, grounded in critical, anti-racist and pro-feminist theoretical approaches. Using innovative teaching to build your capacity and commitment to anti-oppressive practice, you’ll be well-prepared for work in social justice and community welfare upon completion.
Gain exposure to the theory and values base of human services practice, and develop practical skills to ensure your success. You’ll extend your understanding of the nature of contemporary society, individual, family and community behaviour; critically analyse social problems, and learn about social welfare arrangements in Australia.
Focus your studies in a specialist area through your chosen electives and be offered work integrated learning opportunities, to gain real world experience. Two separate field education placements in human services agencies are arranged for students, providing a total of 500 hours placement experience. These placements are designed to meet the requirements of the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety Services.
At the end of your degree, choose from careers in community agencies, government organisations and the private sector and apply for membership with the Australian Community Workers Association.
Post-admission requirements
Students are required to complete two field education placements at approved agencies. A Blue Card (CCYPCG) and criminal history check is required — refer to Requirements for field education.
Career opportunities
Child safety officer, case manager, disability services worker, youth worker, families support worker, community development worker, community corrections officer.
Membership
This program is accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), with which students and graduates are entitled to apply for membership.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
COR109 Foundations of Australian Law B
COU176 Criminal Law and Procedure B
COU180 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCS101 Science Research Methods
SCS110 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
SCS130 Animal Habitats
SWK172 Torts A
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 156 units
SCS201 Cell Biology
SCS235 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
SCS251 Torts B
SCS273 Environment, Technology and Sustainability(24 units)
SCS274 Numerical Techniques in Ecology(24 units)
SWK277 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
SWK278 Contracts A
SWK302 Introduction to Mathematics
SWK303 Mathematics Foundations
Select 2 required courses (24 units) from:
INT140 Coastal and Marine Ecology
SCS210 Coastal Conservation Planning
SCS225 Contracts B
SCS230 Property A
SCS290 Constitutional Law
SCS295 Corporations Law
SWK285 Property B
SWK286 Equity & Trusts
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 elective courses (48 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
The School of Social Sciences recommends students use these electives towards a minor from those listed below:
- Australian Studies
- Comparative Studies
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Geography
- Indigenous Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- Public Policy
- Sociology
- Sustainability
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
- Travel to attend field education placements
- Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)