Bachelor of Social Science

This course prepares graduates for working with people and communities, and being able to specialise in family support, community work and community development.

Possible future job titles: Community Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Officer, Family Support Officer, Parent Education Coordinator, Project Officer

Professional recognition

The Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) have accredited this course. To meet the professional accreditation requirements with ACWA, students must undertake certain units including 400 hours in the community and social science field.

Higher education

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. Academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Cert IV;
• Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• University Preparation Course;*
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
• * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
• For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

Secondary education

Alternatively, applicants can apply with the indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published.

Work and Life

Alternatively, applicants can apply via Experience Based Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility.

English Proficiency Requirements

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page (Band 3).
• * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

Practicum placement

Practicum

Students are required to complete a professional placement unit during the course. The requirements for this professional placement vary depending on the major that is selected but both majors must meet the Practice Guidelines as set by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

Further information regarding Professional Placement can be found at:

https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/professional-placement

Attendance requirements

Students undertaking the Majors in Human Services and Community Work, and Children and Family Studies, are required to validate the Practice Guidelines as set out by Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Students undertaking the Major in Human Services are required to validate the competencies as set out by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends.

If you have completed units of study at University, undertaken a Diploma qualification or higher, or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal. 

Our Social Science degree provides you with the skills, knowledge and capacity to make that kind of difference.

In this course, you’ll study social change, gender equality, community development, sustainability and cultural diversity, child development, working with groups, and policy development through a social justice and human rights lens. You’ll also learn how to conduct social research using a range of methods, techniques and technologies.

You can study completely online, or on-campus. Either way, you’ll be under the guidance of lecturers who have extensive industry and research experiences to share with you.

During your studies, you’ll have opportunities to develop your networks, meet industry professionals and apply your knowledge to become work ready through 400 hours of field placement.

And as a graduate with a Social Science degree, you’ll be recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association and be eligible for full membership.

Award Requirements

Students are required to complete 360 credit points.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Students are required to complete a Major plus a supplementary program, comprising of Minor and/or Elective units: