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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Human Services?
Graduate with knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, as well as the skills needed to work across a diverse range of fields in human services and social policy.
Study a specialised social science degree in human services or ageing and disability that is recognised by industry, and graduate with more than 500 hours of placement experience to develop your practical skills, build industry networks and be part of the next generation of social change.
Human Services
Delve into the world of human services and understand how behaviour is affected by cultural, environmental, psychological and political factors – and what you can do to create meaningful impact. Gain the expertise to shape social policy, work with communities, support those who have experienced personal or social difficulties and build your practical experience. You will also take part in simulated, real-life scenarios in our state-of-the-art Social Work and Human Services Studio on campus.
Ageing and Disability
Develop the skills to support and advocate for individuals, families and carers involved with the elderly and people living with disabilities. Learn to navigate major systems such as the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care policies. Work with government and communities to inform social policy development, enhance service provisions, explore ethical practice and promote social inclusion within the sector.
Regional delivery
You can study our social science degrees at UniSA's Whyalla and Mount Gambier campuses.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Key features
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Study at a university ranked in the Top 10 for graduate careers in Humanities1.
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Learn a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Sociology2.
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Get practical experience and build pivotal networks with supervised local, rural and international industry placements totalling 500 hours.
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Work alongside practitioners and highly skilled academic staff in simulated real-world scenarios in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio.
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Benefit from flexible study options, including online and intensive courses.
- Explore pathways using prior study credit into the Master of Social Work.
1Ranked equal #6 ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
- Study at a university ranked No.1 for student satisfaction in the Humanities1, and a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Sociology2.
- Learn from industry professionals – our academics have a very practical approach to learning, and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience. You’ll also use the latest technologies and learn in state-of-the-art teaching spaces such as our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio.
- Access hands-on learning opportunities and connect with industry professionals right from day one.
- Choose from flexible learning options to suit your needs and lifestyle including online, on-campus, full-time and part-time study.
- Explore our wide range of grants and scholarships to support your studies.
- We are consistently recognised and awarded for our excellence in teaching, the quality of our degrees and satisfaction of our students – there's never been a better time to study at the University of South Australia.
1ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA Public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
UniSA offers the following Human Services degrees
Choose your level of study
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
As the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.
Careers to consider include:
- Community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure 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 adviser: 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
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Global networks
We are a globally connected university, and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Our students have had placements and internships with a broad range of organisations including:
- Department of Child Protection – SA Government
- SA Health
- Centacare.
Industry facts
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
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?
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.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
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.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
Study at UniSA
The University of South Australia is a leading provider in Psychology, Social Work and Human Services qualifications. Our graduates are equipped with an in-depth knowledge of human behaviour that prepares them to make a real impact on 21st-century people and communities.
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
"After working in the human services sector, I knew I wanted to become a social worker. The highlights of my time at UniSA include the flexible learning options, interactive workshops and my overseas study in Canada."
Christina Handley
Bachelor of Social Work
Family Practitioner, Department of Human Services SA
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
