Study Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 67.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 67.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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 12-month 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

Brochure Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply

Please note: Mid-year entry will only be available to domestic students.

Degree overview

Study with the No.1 University in SA 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.
Build your practical skills in our innovative Social Work and Human Services Studio.
Learn from world-class research in Sociology and Social Work³.
This degree is nationally recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
Use this degree as a pathway to further learning, including the Master of Social Work.

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). 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

This degree provides you with a sound knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equips you with the skills needed for professional practice in the human services field as an accredited community worker, policy advocate or manager of human services.

This degree has been developed around the following four major areas of study:

behavioural and social sciences
human service practice
human service management
social policy.

You will also gain 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.

Increase your emloyability by combining your Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) degree with another degree. With just one year of extra study you can graduate with an additional Bachelor of Psychology or Bachelor of Arts qualification. You can discuss the possibilities with Campus Central.

What you'll need

All students studying this degree will be required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS), a SAPOL 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 a current driver's licence and/or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.

What you'll learn

Graduates will be well equipped to deal with the contemporary issues facing human service professionals in their work with individuals, families and communities. You will explore diverse scenarios and learn how to effectively manage challenging situations in our state-of-the-art Social Work and Human Services Studio. You will then get the opportunity to practice these skills when you complete 560 hours of work placements during your final year of study. This degree focuses on four major areas of study:

Behavioural and social sciences: the study of human behaviour and how it is affected by cultural, environmental, psychological and political aspects
Human service practice: the political influences on human services, as well as the various ethical and cultural considerations; you will also gain the necessary communication skills needed to practice successfully in the field
Human service management: gain skills that are important in the planning, provision and evaluation of a variety of human services
Social policy: learn how to identify the social policies that affect people’s lives, and the strategic ways that human service workers may be able to influence these policies.

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
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
Child Development	WELF 1020	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
Working with Community	WELF 2010	4.5
Applied Psychology	BEHL 1005	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
Social Research Methods	HUMS 2047	4.5
Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services	WELF 2020	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing	WELF 2019	4.5
Human Service Workers and the Law	JUST 2005	4.5
Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	WELF 2015	4.5
Policy Practice	POLI 2027	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Field Placement A	WELF 3022	9	Rule(s): 1,2
Social Analysis and the Human Services	WELF 3018	4.5
Case Management	WELF 3015	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

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; completed 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, a recognised First Aid Certificate or other 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. The first and second years of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are in common with the Bachelor of Social Work. Transfer between awards is possible. Transfer before the end of second year ensures smooth transition to the third year program and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.

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

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

5. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) program at UniSA will receive 18 units of credit on admission into the Master of Social Work (MMSK).

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 (Human Services)

Learn from industry experts and award-winning researchers, gain practical experience in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio, and build workplace networks when you complete field education placements during your final year.

In our custom-built studios you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations. Using state-of-the-art recording equipment and cameras, you can review your work and learn from your experiences. Third year work placements will also provide valuable experience, during which you will experience 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

You will complete 560 hours of work experience during two field placements in your third year. This real-world experience is a major focus 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.

Career outcomes

Your career

A career in the human services sector requires a strong interest in human behaviour; you also need to be able to think clearly and logically, to be compassionate, understanding and patient. There are a number of employment opportunities in a wide range of fields available to you upon graduation. Careers to consider include:

Community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to support the growth, health and vitality of a region.
Community services worker: work with individuals and groups in the areas of psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
Counsellor (with further study): work with individuals and groups to help people overcome problems.
Project manager: use your managerial expertise to manage individual projects; work to meet deadlines and budget requirements.
Policy advisor: review, develop and implement policies and strategies.
Policy development officer: this is an advisory role where you will be responsible for analysing data and advising policymakers.
Social researcher: plan, design, conduct, manage and report on a range of social topics, including crime, healthcare, social services and unemployment.
Youth worker: provide practical and emotional support to children and young people.
Family support worker: provide assistance and guidance to children and families in need; family support workers are often employed by adoption agencies, protective service agencies, or family services organisations.
Case worker: responsible for assisting adults, children and families with the coordination of accessing government services and support.
Child protection practitioner: develop plans to bring about changes required to support the safety, stability and development of children and young people.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Community Workers Association.

Industry facts

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.

By 2024, employment for counsellors in Australia is projected to increase by 24.8 per cent.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment 2019

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:

UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences)
SAIBT Diploma of Arts

International

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

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

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 study spaces

As a social science student you will have access to our state-of-the art Social Work and Human Services Studio, which is equipped with recording equipment and cameras so you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.

Your program director

The program provides diverse career opportunities by connecting you to the real world through teaching and research partnerships with leading and emerging government and non-government human services organisations. The industry connections of academic staff provide immediate context in the teaching of the degree, and you can actively implement your learnings through the opportunity of field placements or internships, leading to employment across a number of sectors.

Mrs Paula McCubbin

Program Director

Enquire

Mrs Paula McCubbin

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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

"As part of this degree’s placement course, I had the opportunity to work as a drug and alcohol counsellor for Drug Arm in Hillbank. This amazing experience allowed me to put to practice counselling capabilities learnt throughout the course as well as case management skills."

Guy Yardley

Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
Case Manager, Department of Child Protection, South Australia

Guy Yardley

Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
Case Manager, Department of Child Protection, South Australia

I chose UniSA as the flexibility of the degree meant I was able to balance study, family and work commitments effectively. The teaching staff have been supportive, accessible and willing to help throughout my studies. It was a highlight working with the academic staff on a research project for my final placement which bought both challenges and rewards. These practical placements provided the professional environment to apply the theories learnt in the classroom and add further dimension to the theoretical base.

Lachlan McConnichie

Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)

Lachlan McConnichie

Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)

Without my degree, I would not have had the courage to come this far. Passion and experience is one thing, but this degree gives you the credibility and confidence you need to take your career to the next level.

Lisa Wheeler

Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
Senior Coordinator | New ROADS, Uniting Communities