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.

Graduates of this course will have opportunities to use their transferable skills in human services careers that might include government and non-government positions in fields such as child protection, disability services, housing services, youth work, aged care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, community engagement, mental health services, and domestic violence services.

The Bachelor of Community Welfare articulates with a range of VET awards. It can also provide a pathway to our Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), which is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The Masters degree is for graduates who have undertaken prior study in the social sciences, social welfare, psychology, or related fields. Graduates of this Masters degree will qualify as social workers in Australia and may also be eligible to apply to work as social workers overseas.

Professional recognition

The course is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Graduates are eligible to join ACWA.

Secondary education

ATAR: 60 or equivalent

If your ATAR is not high enough for the course you desire, you can complete one of our fee-free pathway programs – Preparing for Success Program (three-month course) or Transition to Uni (six-week intensive course over summer). These provide excellent preparation for university, equipping you with the academic and study skills you need to succeed. 

If you successfully complete a pathway course – delivered through SCU College – you may then apply for entry to a range of Bachelor degrees

English Proficiency Requirements

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

Practicum placement

In line with ACWA requirements, you complete 400 hours of supervised on-the-job training. This is completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that you gain a diversity of experience.

Placements may include working across a variety of client groups, such as older people, or young people and families at the individual, group, organisational or community level of practice. You may undertake placements in social welfare settings such as child protection, drugs and alcohol, criminal justice, community education, housing, emergency relief, family interventions and domestic violence.

All students must obtain a National Police Check and Working with Children Check and most agencies require students to have a driver's licence.

Candidates who have completed the requirements for the Associate Degree of Community Welfare may be granted advanced standing of up to sixteen (16) units in the Bachelor of Community Welfare.

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.

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

Particular emphasis is placed on social justice and human rights as the basis for community welfare practice. Core units focus on counselling, case management, mental health, human services, research, youth work, disability and development. We'll help harness your empathy and enhance your communication skills with a view to delivering great outcomes across community welfare practice. 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.

Recommended Study Pattern

TBA

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
• 1 shared minor (48 credit points), or
• 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).

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Community Welfare after completing the equivalent of 8 core units (96 credit points).