Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability)

This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to meet the social and emotional wellbeing needs of individuals, families and carers involved with ageing and disability services.

You will develop a broad and coherent body of knowledge of human service practice, with in-depth understanding in the underlying principles and concepts of:

social and emotional development and wellbeing, small business entrepreneurship, and ethical practice at the individual, community and policy level of ageing and disability service provision.

In addition to this you will also get practical experience as part of the degree’s field education placement component.

This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills.

What you'll need All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements.

The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed.

You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate.

Some placements may also require a current driver's license and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

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 Certificate IV 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.

All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements. The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed.

You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate.

Some placements may also require a current driver's license and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

You will apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of political, behavioural and social sciences in a range of ageing and disability focused human service contexts.

You will develop in-depth knowledge of policy and apply it by:

• navigating major systems such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care policies,
• informing social policy development,
• enhancing service provisions, and
• promoting social inclusion within the ageing and disability sectors.

You will explore diverse scenarios and learn how to effectively manage challenging situations during on-campus sessions in our state-of-the-art Social Work Studios. You will then get the opportunity to practice these skills when you complete 560 hours of work placements during your final year of study.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

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

Your career

There is a need for high calibre, well prepared workers in the ageing and disability sector. The employment opportunities are excellent and the demand for graduates is high*, with graduating students quickly finding work in a wide range of fields.

Careers opportunities are available in:

• disability support
• child and youth health
• multicultural services
• healthcare
• community development
• legal and court services
• child and family wellbeing
• schools/youth work
• mental health
• homelessness services
• Aboriginal health and wellbeing
• correctional services
• drug and alcohol addiction services
• aged care
• domestic violence services
• social planning and administration
• research and private industry
• employment sector
• education department
• child protection

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

*Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2017

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 social science student, you will have access to two state-of-the art Social Work Studios, which are equipped with recording equipment and cameras so that you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.