In this dual qualification you first complete the Diploma of Community Services Work at TAFE Queensland East Coast, Nambour and then complete the degree at USC.
This diploma provides skills and knowledge for workers involved in service delivery, either directly with clients or via health promotion and community development projects. Graduates have an understanding of indigenous culture and history and are able to work with local communities in the provision of services. Graduates may also have responsibility for the supervision of other staff and volunteers. You may undertake certificate-level study at some campuses in the first year. The bachelor component provides a complementary theoretical grounding in social sciences. Refer to the Bachelor of Social Science for more information.
This diploma provides skills and knowledge for workers involved in service delivery, either directly with clients or via health promotion and community development projects. Graduates have an understanding of indigenous culture and history and are able to work with local communities in the provision of services. Graduates may also have responsibility for the supervision of other staff and volunteers. You may undertake certificate-level study at some campuses in the first year. The bachelor component provides a complementary theoretical grounding in social sciences. Refer to the Bachelor of Social Science for more information.
Career opportunities
Refer to separate entry for Bachelor of Social Science.
Teaching mode
There are different teaching modes between the TAFE diploma modules and the University’s Bachelor of Social Science courses. Diploma modules are face-to-face teaching with performance-based assessment. The University’s Bachelor of Social Science courses include three or four hours of contact per course per week, generally in the mode of a one-hour lecture and two-hour tutorial. Students complete a further six to seven hours of self-directed learning per course per week. The self-directed learning consists of readings, research, assignments and other assessment items.
Please note: This full-time program commences only in Semester 1 each year. New students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their TAFE diploma.
Program structure
This program is an articulation between TAFE Queensland East Coast and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
TAFE Queensland East Coast
Students study the Diploma of Community Services Work at TAFE Queensland East Coast and USC will award credit for the Diploma as specified below.
8 courses credit:
ART199 Introductory level Arts and Social Sciences electives x 2
ART299 Advanced level Arts and Social Sciences elective x 1
COR199 Core Course x 1
GEN199 General course x 1
SCS299 Advanced Social and Community Studies electives x 3
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Students will complete 16 courses at USC.
Introductory courses
2 required courses:
SCS110 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
SCS130 Law Honours Thesis
Advanced courses
5 required courses:
SCS225 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS230 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SCS235 Social Research
SCS290 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
SCS295 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
PLUS select 8 courses to complete a major from those listed below or 2 minors from those listed below:
Major courses (8)
Select a major (8 courses) from:
Minor courses
Or select 2 minors (4 courses each) from:
- Community Development
- Development Studies
- Geography
- Indigenous Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- Public Policy
Electives (1)
PLUS select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
The following elective is strongly recommended:
SCS2IP1 Understanding Cultural Diversity
Total units: 288
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements and notes
- No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses and courses credited for study at TAFE Queensland East Coast.
- No course may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Not available to international students on a Student Visa.