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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services), Bachelor of Arts

This unique double degree will prepare you to work as a human services professional and develop services and support those that experience disadvantage, personal and social difficulties.

The human services field is a rapidly growing sector of the Australian economy and an emerging area of global focus. Employers, both in Australia and internationally, are increasingly seeking skilled human service practitioners who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Graduates with a strong command of professional English, social policy skills, strong intercultural communication skills, and proficiency in a second language are in high demand.

You will graduate with skills in research, policy and project management, tailored to your area of interest based on your choice of arts majors, choosing from Languages (English Language; French, Italian or Japanese Studies); Sociology; or Linguistics. Through 560 hours of supervised work placement you will be ready to work in a wide range of jobs in human services and community development.

Language students will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture through our exchange and in-country study programs.

Many courses within the degree are offered online or in intensive mode, including our exciting summer and winter schools, offering students a flexible mode of study. If you finish your degree with a credit or higher Grade Point Average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the prestigious one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

You will develop the skills, knowledge and intercultural expertise to support individuals, families, groups and communities both locally and internationally in the community aid and humanitarian sector.

You will also develop diverse knowledge in political, behavioural and social sciences, all within the context of human services. To complement your studies in Human Services, you will complete two Arts majors, choosing from Languages (English Language; French, Italian or Japanese Studies); Sociology; or Linguistics.

You could improve your employment prospects by continuing your studies with a one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

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

A career in the human services sector requires a strong interest in people; you also need to be able to think clearly and logically, to be compassionate, understanding and patient. There are a number of employment opportunities in a wide range of fields available to you upon graduation. Careers to consider:

  • Community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to support the growth, health and vitality of a region.
  • Community services worker: work with individuals and groups in the areas of psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
  • Consular officer: issue visas, and offer advice and consular assistance.
  • Counsellor (with further study): work with individuals and groups to help people overcome problems.
  • Humanitarian worker: facilitate the distribution of aid to people who have been affected by human or natural disasters.
  • Project manager: use your managerial expertise to manage individual projects; work to meet deadlines and budget requirements.
  • Policy developer and analyst: study social problems and develop policies in order to solve them.
  • Social researcher: plan, design, conduct, manage and report on a range of social topics, including crime, healthcare, social services and unemployment.
  • Translator/interpreter: assist in communication between two parties and translate either written or spoken words from one language into another.
  • Youth worker: guide and support young people in their social, educational and personal development.
  • Policy advisor: review, develop and implement policies and strategies.

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.