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.

Entry requirements

Admission 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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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 UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

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.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

You will complete 560 hours of work placements during two work placements in your final year. This real-world experience is a major focus and provides valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity for you to build important industry relationships.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

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. If you think you’ve got what it takes, the employment opportunities are excellent and the demand for graduates is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a wide range of fields. Careers to consider:

• community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure 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: 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
• ministerial advisor: ensure that decisions made by the minister are implemented by agencies
• 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

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

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a human services student you will have access to two on-campus Human Services Studios, which are equipped with recording equipment and cameras so you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff. As an arts student you will have access to our on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab where you can connect in real-time with native speakers from around the world.