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 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).

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

Indicative total fee $43,872

The amount shown here is 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

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 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

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.

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.