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Southern Cross University (SCU)

  • 20% international / 80% domestic

Bachelor of Community Welfare

  • Bachelor

The Bachelor of Community Welfare provides you with the theoretical and practical foundations for work in the human services sector. You will gain skills in case management, community development, counselling, social research, policy work, advocacy, and grief and loss counselling.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Course Code
3007268, 102202H
Study Mode
In person, Online
Intake Months
Mar, Jul
International Fees
$28,000 per year / $84,000 total
ATAR
60

About this course

The Bachelor of Community Welfare provides you with the theoretical and practical foundations for work in the human services sector. You will gain skills in case management, community development, counselling, social research, policy work, advocacy, and grief and loss counselling.

Particular emphasis is placed on social justice and human rights as the basis for community welfare practice. Core units focus on counselling, case management, mental health, human services, research, youth work, disability and development. We'll help harness your empathy and enhance your communication skills with a view to delivering great outcomes across community welfare practice. You will also gain on-the-job experience through extensive placements, working with individuals and organisations that share your commitment and are working to improve people's lives.

The course articulates with a range of VET awards and is a pathway to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) which will enable you to qualify as a social worker.

Please note: All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 3 days/21rs over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). On-campus enrolled students meet this minimum requirement by participating in one unit with compulsory attendance. Online students meet this requirement by attending a compulsory residential school conducted at the Gold Coast campus.

Study locations

Gold Coast

Online

What you will learn

  • Understand the social, cultural, economic and political contexts of social welfare practice and the implications of these for working with clients, workers and community services.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programs, projects and other activities with clients, which may include individuals, families, groups or communities.
  • Practise social welfare in an ethical manner, in accordance with the values and ethics of the profession.
  • Use one's own skills and knowledge appropriately and reflectively with clients, colleagues, employers and the wider community.
  • Become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners.
  • Communicate with a broad spectrum of people and organisations using appropriate techniques and media organisations.
  • Plan, organise and carry out work autonomously and as part of a team.
  • Communicate constructively in a manner that is respectful of the diverse cultures in which we work and live.

Career pathways

Graduates of this course will have opportunities to use their transferable skills in human services careers that might include government and non-government positions in fields such as child protection, disability services, housing services, youth work, aged care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, community engagement, mental health services, and domestic violence services.

The Bachelor of Community Welfare articulates with a range of VET awards. It can also provide a pathway to our Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), which is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The Masters degree is for graduates who have undertaken prior study in the social sciences, social welfare, psychology, or related fields. Graduates of this Masters degree will qualify as social workers in Australia and may also be eligible to apply to work as social workers overseas.

Credit for prior study or work

Candidates who have completed the requirements for the Associate Degree of Community Welfare may be granted advanced standing of up to sixteen (16) units in the Bachelor of Community Welfare.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Social Work courses at Southern Cross University (SCU).
87.3%
Overall satisfaction
89.1%
Skill scale
69.1%
Teaching scale
55.6%
Employed full-time
$67.9k
Average salary