Program summary

Program title: Diploma of Community Services Work / Bachelor of Social Science
QTAC code: 517428 FT
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: Not applicable
Duration: 3.5 years full-time
Commence: Semester 1 only (for TAFE component)
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses) being 192 units (16 courses) completed at the University of the Sunshine Coast and 96 units credit transfer (equal to 8 courses) upon completion of the Diploma at the Sunshine Coast TAFE (SCT)
USC program code: AR3AD
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Note: New students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their SCT diploma.

Highlights

• Study a diploma and degree in just under four years
• Combine vocational training with university education
• Expand qualifications and career opportunities

In this dual degree you undertake initial study at TAFE Queensland (Nambour campus) and 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.

Career opportunities

See 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 that 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 SCT diploma.

Program structure

This program is an articulation between the Sunshine Coast TAFE and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast TAFE (SCT)

Students study the Diploma of Community Services Work at SCT 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
COR199 Core Course
SCS276
SCS299 Advanced Social and Community Studies electives x 3

University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

Students will complete 16 courses at USC.

Introductory courses

4 required courses:
COR109 Group Work
SCS110 Communication and Thought
SCS225 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS230 Social Research

Advanced courses

• Counselling
• Environmental and Planning Studies
• Human Services
• Justice Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Sociology #

Elective courses

Select 4 elective courses from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes

1. No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses and courses credited for study at SCT.
2. No course may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
3. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
4. Refer to explanation of terms.
5. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
6. Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enquiries

Sunshine Coast TAFE (SCT)
Tel: +61 7 5459 3000
Email: sct.information@det.qld.gov.au
Refer to the Sunshine Coast TAFE website

University of the Sunshine Coast
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader

Dr Lucinda Aberdeen
Tel: +61 7 5430 1218
Email: laberdee@usc.edu.au

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