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The Bachelor of Social Welfare provides the theoretical and practical foundation for work in the human services industry. During their studies, students will gain skills in case management, community development, counselling, social research, policy work, advocacy, and grief and loss counselling. A particular emphasis is placed on social justice and human rights as the basis for social welfare practice.
The course articulates with a range of VET awards. It can also provide a pathway to the University’s Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying).
Graduates typically find employment as welfare and community workers in a wide range of jobs in the community services sector. These 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 course is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Graduates are eligible to join ACWA.
In line with Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) requirements, students undertake 400 hours of supervised on-the-job training. This is completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that students gain a diversity of experience.
Majors available are:
Ageing enables social welfare students to gain knowledge and skills for effective practice with older people in a range of organisational settings. An emphasis is placed on opportunities for practitioners to facilitate healthy ageing and to support older people’s independence living in the community. Topics include advocacy, social planning, healthy ageing, aged care services, volunteering, and legal issues impacting on older people.
Children and Young People provides students with a comprehensive introduction to social welfare practice with children and young people in a range of organisational settings including government and non-government agencies. The latest research is explored to understand the ways in which children and young people are conceptualised and identified as a target population for human service practice. Topics include advocacy, social planning, youth work, engaging with children, children’s rights, and supporting young people’s emotional and social wellbeing.
Health and Disability examines health and wellbeing as they impact on people and their life opportunities, as well as issues for social welfare workers negotiating the health and disability care systems. Topics include advocacy, social planning, the sociology of health and illness, working with people with disabilities living in the community, complementary medicine, and the mental health of Australian Indigenous people.
Indigenous Studies assists students to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous world views and history, as well as identifying culturally appropriate ways of working with Indigenous communities. Students gain an appreciation of the origins and effects of trauma across generations and within particular communities. Studies include advocacy, social planning, and healing responses to trauma as experienced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Please note that some units in this course are only available by distance education.
To qualify for the Bachelor of Social Welfare a total of 288 credit points (usually 24 units) must be completed.
This course offers intermediate awards (early exit points) at Diploma and Associate Degree levels.
Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location nor will they be offered in each study period. For a full list of units (subjects), availability and Specific Award Rules, please refer to the SCU Student Handbook information below.
Please contact the School for further information.
| Locations | Distance education students are required to attend one five-day residential school to be held at the Gold Coast campus. | |
| Distance Education | Session 1 Session 2 |
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| Lismore | Unavailable | |
| Coffs Harbour | Unavailable | |
| Gold Coast Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga |
Session 1 Session 2 |
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| Course Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time * May be completed in a shorter duration subject to unit availabilities. |
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| Fees and Charges | • Domestic fees • International fees • Additional fee information |
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| School | School of Arts and Social Sciences | |
| Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries | scu.edu.au/enquiries | |
| Further Information | 1800 626 481 |
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| Total Units: | Award Abbreviation: | 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP: |
| 24 | BSocWelf | 68/15 |
| UAC Course Code | QTAC Course Code | CRICOS Course Code |
| Gold Coast: 331162 | Gold Coast: 051361 | Gold Coast, QLD: 078414M |
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Our distance education study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Distance education students are required to attend one five-day residential school to be held at the Gold Coast campus.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
Assessment items may include essays, research reports, case analysis, assessment of competence on field placement, DVD recording of interviewing skills.
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Access to DVD recording facilities will be made available to on-campus students during classes and for distance education students during the residential school.
Session 2 Applications
It is not too late to apply to study on campus or by distance education in Session 2. Applications for all undergraduate study for Session 2 are closed via UAC and QTAC, but applications can be made direct to the University using the Apply Online for Session 2 button. Session 2 applications close on June 21.
On-campus Undergraduate applications
To apply to study an undergraduate degree at a SCU campus, apply online through the NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). For more information please visit either the UAC or QTAC websites: www.uac.edu.au or www.qtac.edu.au. A late fee applies for UAC and QTAC applications received after the 30th of September.
Direct Applications
The following applications to study can be made online, directly to SCU:
Online applications for the Bachelor of Social Welfare involve four key steps:
Once registered you can exit and return to your application at any time.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Office website.
At Southern Cross University, your previous study or work experience may help you cut time off your degree.
We recommend that you apply for advance standing at the same time as you apply for admission into this course, because the amount and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.
For more details and how to apply please visit the Advanced Standing website.
Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours
Bachelor of Indigenous Studies
Bachelor of Trauma and Healing
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
4.2 Requirements for an Award