Visit Adelaide University to view this degree and apply Visit

eye-comparison-filled Compare

Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies), Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)

Degree Level Undergraduate

Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
City West

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DBAH

SATAC Code
424421 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported arrow-small-right

Entry Requirements
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

  • Entry requirements

    Admission criteria

    The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

    Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

    To be eligible for selection, applicants are required to have:

      Completed the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE); and

    • completed 200 credits of subjects;
    • achieved a grade of C* or better in the Personal Learning Plan, 20 credits of literacy, 10 credits of numeracy and the Research Project at Stage 2;
    • achieved a grade C- or better in an additional 60 credits at Stage 2;
    • obtained a competitive ATAR.

      * For Stage 2 subjects a grade of C- or better is required

    OR:

    • completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for University entry under SACE and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
    • completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, obtaining a minimum score of 24 points and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
    • completed or partly completed a recognised bachelor degree or postgraduate program at a recognised higher education institution and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
    • completed at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at the appropriate level and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
    • completed an award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Diploma level or above and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
    • qualified for Special Entry and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
      completed the University Foundation Studies program obtaining a competitive score.

    Essential requirements for admission

    Prerequisites

    None

    Assumed Knowledge

    None
    View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Continuing students only. This program is no longer offered. Please refer to 2012.

Quick links

direction-signage-arrows-signs

Aim

The aim of the Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies), Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) degree is to prepare students for the planning, implementation and management of human services for Indigenous peoples and their communities. The program aims to develop in students the ability to apply knowledge and skills which integrate social science theory and practice in the administration of Indigenous services that are culturally relevant in a variety of contexts.

Content & Structure

The program has a strong emphasis on human services management knowledge and skills. It highlights the management of effective service delivery at both individual and project level and policy and program analysis. It emphasises human services professional skills in initiating projects and taking responsibility for programs which aim to increase opportunities for Indigenous peoples. The program is designed to accommodate the need for workers who, with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, can adhere to human services practice principles and are particularly able to respond effectively and ethically in diverse settings for the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.

banner-homepage--AU-3.png

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

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
Aboriginal Cultures HUMS 1035 4.5
Psychology 1A BEHL 1003 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Psychology 1B BEHL 1004 4.5
Australian Politics and Power POLI 1013 4.5
Group Work BEHL 2009 4.5
Free Elective 4.5 Note(s): 4
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Australian Social Policy POLI 1012 4.5
Computers and Information Management COMP 1004 4.5
Human Service Intervention WELF 2012 4.5
Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services WELF 2020 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Policy Practice POLI 2027 4.5
Communication, Culture and Indigenous Australians COMM 2060 4.5
Aboriginal People, History and Colonialism HUMS 2010 4.5
Indigenous Philosophy: Contesting Knowledge in Social Science PHIL 1002 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Australian Society, Aboriginal Voices LANG 2007 4.5
Social Enquiry Methods HUMS 1004 4.5
Identity and Representation HUMS 3014 4.5
Aboriginal Studies Elective 4.5 Note(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Working with Community WELF 2010 4.5
Indigenous Australians and the Human Services WELF 2015 4.5
Human Service Workers and the Law JUST 2005 4.5
Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing WELF 2019 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Field Education A WELF 3013 4.5 Note(s): 2,3
Managing Professional Practice WELF 3016 4.5
Comparative Indigenous Studies HUMS 2017 4.5
Managing Individualised Service Delivery WELF 3015 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Service Field Placement B WELF 3014 9 Note(s): 2,3
Human Service Project Management WELF 2014 4.5
Cultural Perspectives on Health NURS 1036 4.5
  • Electives minus-thick plus-thick
    Course name Area and cat no. Units
    Aboriginal Studies
    Contemporary Aboriginal Issues HUMS 1034 4.5
    Rights and Racism HUMS 2008 4.5
    Education, Change and Society EDUC 4169 4.5
    Indigenous Art, Culture and Design VSAR 3017 4.5
  • Rules & notes minus-thick plus-thick

    Rules

    1. Students completing the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) and gaining acceptance into the Bachelor of Social Work are eligible for credit for the first three years of that program.

    2. Students who have successfully completed a TAFE Certificate IV in Community Services and Health or Justice Studies, a TAFE Diploma in Community Services or Justice Administration, a TAFE Advanced Diploma in Community Services or Policing or a TAFE Certificate IV in Aboriginal Community Management are eligible for selection and also receive credit towards the program.

    3. Students who have successfully completed a TAFE Certificate IV in Community Services and Health or a TAFE Certificate IV in Justice Studies or a TAFE Certificate IV in Aboriginal Community Management are eligible for 9 units of credit in the First Year. Students who have completed a TAFE Diploma in Community Services or a TAFE Diploma of Justice Administration or a TAFE Advanced Diploma of Policing are eligible for 18 units of credit. Students who have completed a TAFE Advanced Diploma in Community Services are eligible for 36 units credit.

    4. Students who have successfully completed a University of South Australia Associate Degree in Correctional Administration (MTCA) are eligible for 36 units of credit.

    Notes

    1. The program is four years of full-time study but may also be studied part- time.

    2. Field Education consists of 500 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken during the third and fourth years.

    3. Some Field Education placements may require students to hold a current and recognised First Aid Certificate. All students preparing for placement will require evidence of a current police check before commencing placement. Students will be required to attend work placements generally, but not exclusively, during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between three and five full days per week.

    4. All students complete at least one freely chosen Free Elective as part of their undergraduate program.

    5. The Aboriginal Studies Elective is selected from those listed.

Contact us

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

For further information please visit unisa.edu.au/study
Information correct at the time of publication. CRICOS provider number 00121B.
unisa logo