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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability)

This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to meet the social and emotional wellbeing needs of individuals, families and carers involved with ageing and disability services.

You will develop a broad and coherent body of knowledge of human service practice, with in-depth understanding in the underlying principles and concepts of:

  • social and emotional development and wellbeing,
  • small business entrepreneurship, and
  • ethical practice at the individual, community and policy level of ageing and disability service provision.

In addition to this you will also get practical experience as part of the degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills. 

You will apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of political, behavioural and social sciences in a range of ageing and disability focused human service contexts.

You will develop in-depth knowledge of policy and apply it by:

  • navigating major systems such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care policies,
  • informing social policy development,
  • enhancing service provisions, and
  • promoting social inclusion within the ageing and disability sectors.
  • You will explore diverse scenarios and learn how to effectively manage challenging situations during on-campus sessions in our state-of-the-art Social Work Studios. You will then get the opportunity to practice these skills when you complete 560 hours of work placements during your final year of study.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages

Campus Information

Magill

In Adelaide’s leafy eastern suburbs, Magill hosts programs in the areas of education, humanities and social sciences.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Career opportunities are available in:

  • disability support
  • child and youth health
  • multicultural services
  • healthcare
  • community development
  • legal and court services
  • child and family wellbeing
  • schools/youth work
  • mental health
  • homelessness services
  • Aboriginal health and wellbeing
  • correctional services
  • drug and alcohol addiction services
  • aged care
  • domestic violence services
  • social planning and administration
  • research and private industry
  • employment sector
  • education department
  • child protection.
     

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.