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Discipline info for International 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 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 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, inform social policy development, enhance service provisions, explore ethical practice and promote social inclusion within the sector.
Regional delivery
To meet the needs of regional communities, we’ll be offering our social science degrees at the Whyalla and Mount Gambier campuses from Semester 1, 2023.
Key features
- Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for learner engagement in the Humanities1.
- Learn a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Sociology2.
- Get practical experience and build pivotal networks with supervised local, rural and international industry placements totalling 500 hours.
- Work alongside practitioners and highly skilled academic staff in simulated real-world scenarios in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio.
- Benefit from flexible study options, including online and intensive courses.
- Explore pathways using prior study credit into the Master of Social Work.
12021 Good Universities Guide – Humanities, Cultural and Social Sciences (Undergraduate). 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
- Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for learner engagement 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.
- We’re rated five stars for excellence in research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation3. Our people are inspired by challenges and opportunities. We partner with local icons and international industry professionals to focus on real-world projects.
- Access hands-on learning opportunities and connect with industry professionals right from day one.
- 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.
12021 Good Universities Guide – Humanities, Cultural and Social Sciences (Undergraduate). 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 32022 QS Stars Ratings.
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 organisations like:
- Department of Child Protection – SA Government
- SA Health
- Centacare
Industry facts
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How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies? ?
You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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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.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
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*
*2022 QS Stars Ratings
