Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBSS

SATAC Code
444599 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 67.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Study with the No.1 University in South Australia for graduate careers in Social Sciences1.
  • Join the No.1 University in SA for student satisfaction in Social Sciences2.
  • Get hands-on experience and build pivotal networks with 560 hours of supervised field education placements.
  • Benefit from flexible study options, with internal (in-person) and external (online) learning available.
  • Work alongside practitioners and highly skilled academic staff in simulated real-world scenarios.
  • Learn from world-class research in Sociology and Social Work3.
  • Use this degree as a pathway to further learning, including the Master of Social Work.
  • This degree is nationally recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities.2ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA Public universities.32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 

Snapshot

Snapshot

This degree provides a framework for understanding the notions of critical disability studies, ableism, ageism and as well as capacities to support individuals living with disability and utilising support networks to live their optimum life.

You will develop a broad and coherent body of knowledge of human service practice, with in-depth understanding in the underlying principles and concepts of:

  • ethical practice
  • social and emotional development and wellbeing, community engagement and promoting independence
  • policy, legislation and programs to support social value and optimal wellbeing.

In addition to this you will also get practical experience as part of the degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance your practical skills. 

What you'll need

Students studying this degree will be required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS), a National Police Record Check, and complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to being accepted for work placements. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence and or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider

What you'll learn

What you Learn

You will 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.

You will develop in-depth knowledge of policy and apply it by:

  • navigating major systems such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care policies
  • informing social policy development
  • enhancing service provisions
  • promoting social inclusion within the ageing and disability sectors.

You will explore diverse scenarios and learn how to effectively manage challenging situations during on-campus sessions in our state-of-the-art Social Work and Human Services Studios. You will then get the opportunity to practice these skills when you complete 560 hours of work placements during your final year of study.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Provision WELF 1014 4.5
Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services WELF 1019 4.5
The Social World SOCU 1003 4.5
Language and Communication in Applied Linguistics LANG 1062 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Governance and Citizenship in Australia POLI 1008 4.5
Group Work BEHL 2009 4.5
Applied Psychology BEHL 1005 4.5
Lifespan Development and Diversity WELF 1021 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Intervention WELF 2012 4.5
Australian Social Policy POLI 1012 4.5
Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services WELF 2020 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing WELF 2019 4.5
The Social Construction of Ageing and Disability WELF 2024 4.5
Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services WELF 2015 4.5
Human Service Workers and the Law JUST 2005 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Social Research Methods HUMS 2047 4.5
Human Service Field Placement A WELF 3022 9 Rule(s): 1,2
Ageing and Disability: Diversity and Discrimination WELF 3029 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Service Field Placement B WELF 3014 9 Rule(s): 1,2
Human Service Project Management WELF 2014 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 3

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • case studies
  • projects
  • an e-portfolio
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • journals.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability)

Why this Degree

Your knowledge of policy will help you navigate major systems such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care policies. Your skills will also inform social policy and promote social inclusion within the ageing and disability sectors. 

Third year work placements will also provide valuable practical experience during which you will learn first-hand what it’s like to work in local and rural settings.
As part of your placement, you may have the opportunity to take part in UniSA’s South Australian Parliamentary Internship program. Students undertaking their second field placement in their final year of study in an undergraduate Social Science or Social Work degree, including double degrees, are eligible to apply for this opportunity. To find out more about further eligibility, contact Dr Cenz Lancione.

Career outcomes

Your career

Health care and Social Assistance, which includes aged and residential care services, is the largest employing industry in Australia, with a predicted 25.8% growth by 20261. With the need for skilled workers in this area, graduating students can find employment in a wide range of fields.

Career opportunities are available in:

  • disability support
  • child and youth health
  • multicultural services
  • healthcare
  • community development
  • legal and court services
  • child and family wellbeing
  • schools/youth work
  • mental health
  • homelessness services
  • Aboriginal health and wellbeing
  • correctional services
  • drug and alcohol addiction services
  • aged care
  • domestic violence services
  • social planning and administration
  • research and private industry
  • employment sector
  • education department
  • child protection.
     

This degree is also a pathway to Masters programs in areas such as Human Services and Allied Health.

1Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.

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.

Industry facts

line-graph-growth

Employment for Aged and Disabled Carers is expected to increase by 28 per cent by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021.

chart-people

Employment for Welfare Support Workers is expected to increase by 25.2 per cent by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

As a developmental educator I am committed to walking alongside people living with disabilities and their networks to achieve their aspirations, life goals and take their place as full citizens. I have had a diverse range of roles in disability services in direct service provision, management, governance and research. As a result, I am passionate about educating future professionals to practice with high levels of integrity in a diverse range of settings, ensuring that social justice is accessible to all members of society. This program offers you insights into the range of employment options in the ageing and disability sectors, as well as a balance of theory and technical practice skills that are highly valued and sought after by employers. There is high demand for graduates who can work in direct service, service development, quality assurance and management.

AsPr Caroline Ellison

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for AsPr Caroline Ellison
Portrait image for AsPr Caroline Ellison

AsPr Caroline Ellison

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

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