Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
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 social welfare practice. Core units focus on counselling, case management, mental health, human services, research, youth work, disability and development. You may choose from a range of units.
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 fulfils the academic pre-requisites for registration as a social worker.
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 social welfare practice. Core units focus on counselling, case management, mental health, human services, research, youth work, disability and development. You may choose from a range of units.
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 fulfils the academic pre-requisites for registration as a social worker.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds who have less than 2 years of high school education in Australia or other English speaking country must be able to demonstrate proficiency of English with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 across each of the bands of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
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.
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.4 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 3.6 |
| Brazil SSLC | 8.2 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 50 |
| Chile PSU | 6.4, overall 600-649 |
| China Gao Kao | 449 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 81, overall 300-349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 6.2 |
| France FB | 11 |
| German Abitur | 3 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 14 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 8.5 external exam |
| India CISCE | 71 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 78 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 8.2 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 |
| Japan USSLC | 4 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 298 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 71 |
| Malaysia STPM | 5 in best 3 A levels |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 73 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 82 |
| Norway GPA | 1.5 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 77 |
| Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams | 31 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 2.5, pass Math & Eng |
| Peru OCSE | 17 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 89 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.3 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 83 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 15.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 8.2 |
| Spain STBPU | 7.5 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 4.5 |
| Sweden SSLC | 13 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 54 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 87 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 1.9 |
| Turkey HSD | 4 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 13 (4 subjects) |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1410, ACT 20 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 7.5 (academic) |
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.5 |
| Reading | 6.0 |
| Writing | 6.0 |
| Listening | 6.0 |
| Speaking | 6.0 |
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Session 1 |
| Gold Coast | Session 1, Session 2 |
| Online | Session 1, Session 2 |
Online students attend one three-day residential school on campus.
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Session 1, Session 2 | $26,800 ($3,350 per unit) | 102202H |
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
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. |
Assessment methods may include essays, research reports, case analysis, assessment of capabilities on field placement, recording of interviewing skills.
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 online 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.
Please note: Students who undertake the course online are required to attend one three-day residential workshop on campus.
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.
In line with ACWA requirements, you complete 400 hours of supervised on-the-job training. This is completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that you gain a diversity of experience.
Placements may include working across a variety of client groups, such as older people, or young people and families at the individual, group, organisational or community level of practice. You may undertake placements in social welfare settings such as child protection, drugs and alcohol, criminal justice, community education, housing, emergency relief, family interventions and domestic violence.
All students must obtain a National Police Check and Working with Children Check and most agencies require students to have a driver's licence.
The course is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Graduates are eligible to join ACWA.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Community Welfare, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Community Welfare after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points).
Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Community Welfare after completing the equivalent of 8 core units (96 credit points).
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Units | |||||
| POLT1001 | Australian Politics | ||||
| SOCI1001 | Introduction to Sociology | ||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | ||||
| INDG1001 | Indigenous World-Views | ||||
| WELF1001 | Introduction to Social Welfare | ||||
| WELF1002 | Community Development | ||||
| WELF1003 | Counselling Theory and Practice | ||||
| SOCI1005 | Social Policy | ||||
| WELF2001 | Field Education I | Note 1 | |||
| SOCI2006 | Doing Social Research | ||||
| WELF2005 | Case Management and Care Planning | ||||
| WELF2003 | Trauma Informed Practice | ||||
| WELF2002 | Youth Work | ||||
| WELF3002 | Issues of Protection | ||||
| WELF3003 | Disability and Community Practice | ||||
| WELF3005 | Planning and Delivering Human Services | ||||
| WELF3004 | Mental Health | ||||
| WELF3001 | Field Education II | Note 1 | |||
| Plus any shared minor OR 4 university wide electives. | |||||
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI1001 | Introduction to Sociology | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| POLT1001 | Australian Politics | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG1001 | Indigenous World-Views | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 1 Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1001 | Introduction to Social Welfare | Session2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1003 | Counselling Theory and Practice | Session2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1002 | Community Development | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI1005 | Social Policy | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 2 Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2005 | Case Management and Care Planning | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI2006 | Doing Social Research | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2001 | Field Education I | Session1,2 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 2 Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2002 | Youth Work | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2003 | Trauma Informed Practice | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 3 Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3002 | Issues of Protection | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3003 | Disability and Community Practice | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 3 Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3005 | Planning and Delivering Human Services | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3004 | Mental Health | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3001 | Field Education II | Session1,2 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 1, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1001 | Introduction to Social Welfare | Session2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1003 | Counselling Theory and Practice | Session2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI1005 | Social Policy | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 2, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI1001 | Introduction to Sociology | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG1001 | Indigenous World-Views | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2001 | Field Education I | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 2, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1002 | Community Development | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2003 | Trauma Informed Practice | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2002 | Youth Work | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 3, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2005 | Case Management and Care Planning | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI2006 | Doing Social Research | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| POLT1001 | Australian Politics | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 3, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3005 | Planning and Delivering Human Services | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3004 | Mental Health | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 4, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3002 | Issues of Protection | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3003 | Disability and Community Practice | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3001 | Field Education II | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| It is possible to accelerate your studies if you intend to complete the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) after successful completion of the Bachelor of Social Welfare. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 1, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI1001 | Introduction to Sociology | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| POLT1001 | Australian Politics | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG1001 | Indigenous World-Views | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 1, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1001 | Introduction to Social Welfare | Session2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1003 | Counselling Theory and Practice | Session2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1002 | Community Development | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI1005 | Social Policy | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 2, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2005 | Case Management and Care Planning | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOCI2006 | Doing Social Research | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2001 | Field Education I | Session1,2 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 2, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2002 | Youth Work | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2003 | Trauma Informed Practice | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 3, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3002 | Issues of Protection | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3003 | Disability and Community Practice | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 3, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3005 | Planning and Delivering Human Services | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3004 | Mental Health | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF3001 | Field Education II | Session1,2 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 3, Session 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK5003 | Social Policy and Law for Social Work | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK5001 | Social Work Foundations for Practice | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK5002 | Social Work Direct Practice I | Session1,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 4, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK6001 | Social Work across the Lifespan | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK6002 | Social Work in Groups and Communities | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG6002 | Health and Indigenous Peoples | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK6003 | Research for Social Work | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 4, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK5004 | Social Work Direct Practice II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK6004 | Social Work Organisations, Leadership and Management | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK6005 | Social Work Field Placement IIa | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 4, Session 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SWRK6006 | Social Work Field Placement IIb | Session2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note 1: | # double weighted unit |