Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Ageing and Disability

Start date

February, July

Campus

Magill, Mount Gambier, Whyalla

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BSOCS

Study as

Full-time

Indicative fees

$41,300

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115755A

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at diploma (AQF level 5) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program at undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher with an overall Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	70
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.80
China – Gaokao	60%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	16
India – CBSE and CISCE	70
India – State Board Examinations	80
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.67
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	23
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	2.67
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	7
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	8
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	7.80

Why Bachelor of Social Science?

Everyone deserves to live life on their own terms. For Australians who are older and people living with disability, this isn’t always easy.

Navigating complex systems to get the right support is hard work and a daily reality for many. Person centred support teams are important allies. Getting to know a person’s unique needs and connecting them with the right resources to maintain their independence is vital work.

Our Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Ageing and Disability prepares you for a rewarding career in the human services, supporting individuals who are older and those living with disability to ensure their voices and wishes are central in all service and support discussions. Professionals in these sectors address social injustice and barriers to participation. Tackle complex issues creatively. Skilfully navigate major systems – like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care – ensuring individuals receive the right supports.

Graduate with the expertise to make a real difference.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Ageing and Disability equips you for a career with real purpose in the human services field. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the role of human services in enabling individuals who are older and those living with disability to gain and maintain independence and quality of life as well as contribute to society.

Learn how to compassionately assess the needs of individuals who are older and people living with disability so you can identify appropriate resources and supports. Discover how to effectively navigate and work with major systems, including the NDIS and My Aged Care, to ensure individuals receive the assistance and support they’re entitled to. Examine the unique challenges, issues and concerns relevant to these populations alongside key legislation and policies.

Sharpen your professional skills in our state-of-the-art social work and human service studios under the guidance of our experienced teaching staff. Gain crucial skills in designing and managing human services projects through a capstone course in your final year. You’ll also complete up to 560 hours of placement in a real human services organisation.

All of these experiences come together to ensure you’ll graduate with the expertise to thrive in your human services career.

Key features

Explore concepts of ageing, disability and diversity across the lifespan.
Build a strong understanding of the human services field focusing on ageing and disability, including core principles and theories.
Develop high-level reflective and interpersonal communication skills.
Study approaches to human service delivery and key intervention frameworks.
Learn how to design and manage human service, ageing and disability projects.
Gain hands-on experience through 560 hours of work placements in sector.

What you'll learn

Through the Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Ageing and Disability, you’ll explore key political, behavioural and social sciences concepts as they relate to aged care and disability services in Australia – and globally.

Investigate key principles, theories and approaches to human service delivery. Explore intervention frameworks. Examine relevant ethical issues and government policies. Debate how political contexts can influence human services. Explore the social and health models of ageing and disability and how these shape public perceptions, government policies and legislation.

You can broaden your knowledge through electives delivered in-person and online, including:

Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
Ageing and the Law: Elder Law and Policy
Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care
Counselling Concepts
Language and Identity.

Throughout your studies, you’ll spend time sharpening your professional communication skills in our human services studios, under the guidance of our experienced teaching staff. This will prepare you for the extensive hands-on placements you’ll complete in your final years.

In your capstone course, you’ll explore approaches to the design and management of human services projects, developing crucial skills to tackle real-world challenges.

This degree is also a pathway to Masters programs in Social Work, Human Services, Allied Health and Research.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

90 units for all Core courses, and
Either:
24 units for one Major from Major, or
24 units from Discipline courses, and
24 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 units for all Electives

Complete 90 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Governance and Citizenship in Australia	Course code POLI1011	Units 6
Course name Australian Social Policy	Course code POLI2010	Units 6
Course name Applied Psychology	Course code PSYC1010	Units 6
Course name Human Service Provision	Course code SOCI1009	Units 6
Course name Social Research Methods	Course code SOCI2009	Units 6
Course name Human Service Project Management	Course code SOCI2010	Units 6
Course name Case Management	Course code SOCI3008	Units 6
Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Course name The Social World	Course code SOWK1002	Units 6
Course name Group Work	Course code SOWK1004	Units 6
Course name Human Service Intervention	Course code SOWK2002	Units 6
Course name Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK2003	Units 6
Course name Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing	Course code SOWK2004	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	Course code SOWK2006	Units 6
Course name Human Service Workers and the Law	Course code SOWK2008	Units 6

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Lifespan Development and Diversity	Course code BIOL1015	Units 6
Course name The Social Construction of Ageing and Disability	Course code SOCI2012	Units 6
Course name Ageing and Disability: Diversity and Discrimination	Course code SOCI3013	Units 6
Course name Language and Communication in Applied Linguistics	Course code LING1003	Units 6

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Human Service Field Placement A	Course code SOCI3901	Units 12
	Course name Human Service Field Placement B	Course code SOCI3900	Units 12

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6

Career outcomes

Human services workers connect people in need to the supports that facilitate them fully participate in their own lives and contribute to their communities. Human services roles vary depending on the specific needs of the individuals they support. Broadly speaking, they undertake assessments to understand an individuals unique support needs, aspirations and then connect them with relevant resources and services – empowering them to make informed decisions about their support.

You could work as a case manager, coordinating access to support services for individuals living with disabilities. Maybe you’ll take on a role as a community outreach worker, designing programs that enhance social connection for citizens who are older. Perhaps you’ll join a holistic care team in a rehabilitation clinic, assisting individuals transition from acute health systems to at-home community living.

You can pursue careers in many different sectors and contexts, including:

Aged care facilities
Advocacy groups
Community organisations
Disability service providers
Healthcare facilities
Residential care settings
Schools and educational institutions
Social services agencies
Transitional housing programs
Youth development programs.

Industry trends

We’re living longer than ever before. In fact, by 2066, older Australians will make up over 20% of the total population (AIHW, 2024). Likewise, 5.5 million Australians are living with disability (Carers Australia, 2023). These figures, combined with increased government funding and expansion of services in both the aged care and disability sectors, means the demand for qualified human services professionals has never been higher (Hall & Willcox, 2024).

There is a growing emphasis on personalised and consumer-driven services in both aged care and disability services. A greater prioritisation of individual needs and preferences, and the centring of client voices, is leading to more tailored and specialised service offerings. For clients of age care, this is reflected in the Australian Government’s Aged Care Act – which assists Australians who are older to regain and maintain their independence by accessing services at home. For people living with disability, there has been an increase in funding and services available through the NDIS (Hall & Willcox, 2024).

At Adelaide University, you’ll learn to deliver evidence-based, high-quality services and start your leadership journey in these growing sectors.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: