Bachelor of Human Services | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Human Services

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Human Services
Award abbreviation: BHumServ
QTAC code: 011121
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR372
CRICOS code: 057534K. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights
  • Potential entry point for work in child protection
  • Opportunities for two field education placements in human services agencies
  • Accredited with the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers

As a human services professional you work with people who require assistance and support with everyday living, and help them to make changes to enhance their lives.

This program equips you to work with individuals, groups, families and communities in a range of roles in community welfare. The program includes studies in human services practices within a social justice framework. You complete specialist studies in child protective practices and may undertake a major in counselling. The program includes two professional placements and meets the requirements of the Queensland Department of Child Safety as being suitable preparation for child protection employment.

Post-admission requirements

You are required to complete two field education placements at approved agencies. A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for field education.

Career opportunities

Casework with families, individuals and groups, aged services, child protection, correctional services, disability services, juvenile justice, youth work.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

  • Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
  • Select the program in which you are enrolled.
  • Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete 2 core courses, 17 required courses and 3 electives.
  • Successfully complete 2 field education placements (SCS273 Complexity and Social Work: Policy and Practice and SCS274 Human Services Placement 1).
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including core courses.
  • Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
  • Register selected Majors and Minors with Student Administration.

In order to commence field education placement you must:

  • Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
  • Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
  • Travel to attend field education placements.
  • Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester.
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • SCS273 and SCS274 are 24 unit courses equivalent to two standard 12 unit courses.
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Program structure
Year 1

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Design of Wastewater Treatment Systems
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship


Required courses: (5)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
PSY100 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCS110 Introduction to Psychology A
SCS130 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS172 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SCS180 Social Work and Human Services Practice


Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).


Year 2

Required courses: (5)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
ENP236 Counselling for the Human Services Professional
SCS235 Rural and Regional Sustainability
SCS276 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SCS277 Group Work
SCS278 Working With Families


Elective courses: (2)
Select 2 elective courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
INT140 Ethics and Professional Practice
SCS210 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
SCS225 Indigenous Australia and the State
SCS230 Social Research
SCS285 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
SCS286 Health, Society and Culture
SCS290 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
SCS295 Understanding Cultural Diversity


Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).


Year 3

Required courses: (5)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
SCS201 Gender and Culture
SCS273 International Community Development and Global Justice
SCS274 Human Services Placement 1
SWK302 Human Services Placement 2
SWK303 Community Development and Social Action


Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).


TOTAL UNITS 288

The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Christine Morley
Tel: +61 7 5459 4723
Email: cmorley@usc.edu.au

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