Bachelor of Community Welfare

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the social, cultural, economic and political contexts of social welfare practice and the implications of these for working with clients, workers and community services.
2. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programs, projects and other activities with clients, which may include individuals, families, groups or communities.
3. Practise social welfare in an ethical manner, in accordance with the values and ethics of the profession.
4. Use one's own skills and knowledge appropriately and reflectively with clients, colleagues, employers and the wider community.
5. Become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners.
6. Communicate with a broad spectrum of people and organisations using appropriate techniques and media organisations.
7. Plan, organise and carry out work autonomously and as part of a team.
8. Communicate constructively in a manner that is respectful of the diverse cultures in which we work and live.

The Bachelor of Community Welfare provides you with the theoretical and practical foundations for work in the community welfare and human services sectors. You will gain skills in case management, community development, counselling, social research, advocacy and organisational practice.

Throughout the course, particular emphasis is placed on social justice, human rights and collaboration as the basis for contemporary community welfare practice. We'll harness your empathy and enhance your communication skills with a view to delivering great outcomes across diverse areas of community welfare practice.

Core units focus on the contemporary context of social welfare, counselling, case management, community development, mental health, trauma-informed practice, Indigenous world-views, child protection and out of home care, youth work, disability and research. Elective units also provide opportunity for you to pursue other areas of interest. You will also gain on-the-job experience through extensive placements, working with individuals and organisations that share your commitment and are working to improve people's lives.

The course articulates with a range of VET awards and is a pathway to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) which will enable you to qualify as a social worker.

Please note: All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 3 days/21 hours over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). On-campus enrolled students meet this minimum requirement by participating in one unit with compulsory attendance. Online students meet this requirement by attending a compulsory residential school conducted at the Gold Coast campus.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Australian Politics
• Introduction to Sociology
• Create: Innovate: Change
• Indigenous World-Views.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Community Welfare, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

• 20 core units (240 credit points), and
• 4 university wide elective units (48 credit points). 

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Community Welfare after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) as specified in the Associate Degree of Community Welfare structure.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $27,942

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds who have less than 2 years of high school education in Australia or other English speaking country must be able to demonstrate proficiency of English with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 across each of the bands of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

ATAR: 60 or equivalent.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Listening: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

This course includes professional experience learning via field education. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience Field Education page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.