Bachelor of Social Work (Whyalla)
University of South Australia
About
This degree provides you with knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equips you with the skills needed to work in a range of fields in social work and human services.
It has been developed around the following four major areas of study:
social work theory social work practice and skills social policy social research You will also gain valuable practical experience as part of this degree’s field education placement component.
This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills.
If you have completed a TAFE Diploma in Community Services, you are eligible for 18 units of credit.
If you have completed a TAFE Advanced Diploma in Community Services, you are eligible for 36 units of credit.
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 licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.
Structure
| Course name | Area and cat no | Units | Reference | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Human Service Provision | WELF 1014 | 4.5 | ||
| Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services | WELF 1019 | 4.5 | ||
| The Social World | SOCU 1003 | 4.5 | ||
| Please select one of the below options | ||||
| Child Development | WELF 1020 | 4.5 | ||
| OR | ||||
| MINOR | 4.5 | Rule(s): 3 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Governance and Citizenship in Australia | POLI 1008 | 4.5 | ||
| Group Work | BEHL 2009 | 4.5 | ||
| Working with Community | WELF 2010 | 4.5 | ||
| Applied Psychology | BEHL 1005 | 4.5 | ||
| SECOND YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Human Service Intervention | WELF 2012 | 4.5 | ||
| Australian Social Policy | POLI 1012 | 4.5 | ||
| Social Enquiry Methods | HUMS 1004 | 4.5 | ||
| Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services | WELF 2020 | 4.5 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Preparation for Field Placement | WELF 2009 | 4.5 | Note(s): 3,4 | |
| Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing | WELF 2019 | 4.5 | ||
| Human Service Workers and the Law | JUST 2005 | 4.5 | ||
| Please select one of the below options | ||||
| Elective | 4.5 | |||
| OR | ||||
| MINOR | 4.5 | Rule(s): 3 | ||
| THIRD YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services | WELF 2015 | 4.5 | ||
| Social Work Field Education 1 | WELF 3011 | 13.5 | Rule(s): 1,2 | |
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice | WELF 3030 | 4.5 | ||
| Policy Practice | POLI 2027 | 4.5 | ||
| Working with Human Service Organisations | WELF 3023 | 4.5 | ||
| Please select one of the below options | ||||
| Child Centred Practice | WELF 4030 | 4.5 | ||
| OR | ||||
| MINOR | 4.5 | Rule(s): 3 | ||
| FOURTH YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Leading and Managing in Human Service Organisations | WELF 4032 | 4.5 | ||
| Rural Social Work | WELF 4004 | 4.5 | ||
| Social Work with Older People | HUMS 4001 | 4.5 | ||
| Please select one of the below options | ||||
| Elective | 4.5 | |||
| OR | ||||
| MINOR | 4.5 | Rule(s): 3 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Social Work Field Education 2 | WELF 4019 | 13.5 | Rule(s): 1,2 | |
| Professional Development | WELF 4016 | 4.5 |
Entry requirements
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.
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.
Learning outcomes
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 licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.
This degree focuses on four major areas of study:
- social work theory: you will develop knowledge of various social work approaches as they relate to individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations
- social work practice and skills: you will work in custom-built Social Work Studios to develop a range of skills needed to work in social practice; in this dedicated space you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations
- social policy: learn how to identify the social policies that affect people’s lives, and the strategic ways that social workers may be able to influence these policies
- social research: learn how to use, evaluate and construct research
You will also gain valuable practical experience when you complete 1,000 hours of work placements during your third and fourth years.
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. There may be essays, assignments and examinations. You can also expect:
You will complete 1,000 hours of work placement during your third and fourth years. This real-world experience is a major focus of your studies and provides valuable practical 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
Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights. If you think you’ve got what it takes the employment opportunities are excellent and the demand for graduates in Australia is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a range of fields. Careers to consider:
- aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living
- correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders
- domestic violence victim services officer: counsel, investigate and report on incidences of domestic violence
- disability services officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities
- social planner: a pivotal role in creating liveable, sustainable communities; social planners create strategic policy to meet the needs and wants of the people
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
As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and student lounges. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform.
South Australia 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.
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 work student you will have access to 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.
Institution
