Study Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability (Mount Gambier)) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Mt Gambier

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
MBSS

SATAC Code
474093 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
View full entry requirements

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.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Please note that this specialisation is only available to domestic students.

Degree overview

Study with the No.1 University in SA for developing student skills in humanities¹.
Tailor your studies to suit your needs with flexible options including face-to-face, online or mixed mode study, as well as full-time or part-time.
Get hands-on experience and build pivotal networks with 560 hours of supervised field education placements.
Work alongside practitioners and highly skilled academic staff in simulated real-world scenarios.
Learn from award-winning researchers in their field - the University’s research in Social Work has been recognised as world class².
Ranked No.1 in South Australia for Teaching Quality, Student Support and Learning Resources in Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences³.
Use this degree as a pathway to further learning, including the Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts (Honours).
This degree is nationally recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

¹2020 Good Universities Guide –Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences. ²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ³ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20. SA public universities.

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 their support networks to live a good and ordinary 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
Small business entrepreneurship.

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

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 have 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

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Social Science Electives
Human Service Workers and the Law	JUST 2005	4.5
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5
Language in Society	LANG 1056	4.5
Language and Identity	LANG 2022	4.5
Human Rights Law	LAWS 3076	4.5
Oral History Workshop: People and Place	HUMS 3044	4.5
UO Counselling Concepts	BEHL 1026	4.5
UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments	WELF 2021	4.5
UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care	WELF 3024	4.5
UO Working with Community	WELF 2023	4.5
Global Politics and Development	POLI 1020	4.5
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact	BUSS 2085	4.5
Ageing and the Law: Elder Law and Policy	LAWS 2039	4.5
UO Connecting and Working with Nature	BEHL 1028	4.5
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	HLTH 1063	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Field Education consists of a total of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the third year and after completion of all second year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 2 and 5 days per week.

2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for Working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence and/or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.

Notes

1. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.

2. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.

3. Students are required to complete two elective courses as part of the degree, chosen from the list of recommended electives or in consultation with the Program Director. Elective courses are subject to availability. Students should be mindful that if selecting from those offered by UniSA Online (UO), the online study options are available in Study Periods 1, 3, 4, and 6 only. In addition, it is assumed that students have read and accepted that minimum IT requirements for Online study apply. Read about these requirements at online.unisa.edu.au/student-support/tech-support.

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

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.

Why Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability (Mount Gambier))

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.

Real-world connections

As part of your studies you will complete a total of 560 hours of work placements during two work placements in your third year, in a range of local, rural and international settings.

This real-world experience is a major focus of your studies and provides valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity for you to build important industry relationships.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use discussion forums for team work and communication

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Career outcomes

Your career

There is a need for high calibre, experienced workers in the ageing and disability sector. The employment opportunities are excellent, with graduating students quickly finding work 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 services
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.

Industry facts

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.

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

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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

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

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.

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.

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

AsPr Caroline Ellison

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.