Bachelor of Social Science

At the end of the program, students of the Bachelor of Social Science can:

1. Equip yourself with an understanding of how society works and how you can make a positive change.
2. You learn to analyse, challenge and gain insight into globally significant theories about class, race, work, social justice, gender, family and communities.
3. You will also explore the exciting complexities of the human social experience and armed with these in-depth insights, you can help policy makers find the right solutions to improve the society in which we exist.

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*
• For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

Secondary education

Alternatively, applicants can apply with the indicative or guaranteed ATAR

Work and Life

Alternatively, applicants can apply via Experience Based Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility .Our Experience Based Entry Scheme allows you to be considered for entry to an undergraduate course through an assessment of your ability to succeed in higher education. This is based on a portfolio of evidence you provide to us.

English Proficiency Requirements

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following:

• Results of Year 12 English ATAR or English Literature ATAR with a grade C or better or equivalent.

• Results of a Special Tertiary Admissions Test to ECU’s standards.

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0).

• Completion of 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada.

• Completion of an ECU University Preparation Course, Indigenous University Orientation Course, or Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.

• Completion of a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree as described by the Australia Qualifications Framework.

• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or

• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

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).

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.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options:

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE.

• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)

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.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include:

• Ecology of Children and Families 1

• Introduction to Community Work

• Youth Issues

• Introduction to Social Analysis

Plus there’s a selection of majors, minors and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

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: