Why Bachelor of Social Science?
At their core, human services are about helping people achieve stability and improve their quality of life.
This could be assistance with food and housing – or counselling and financial support for people experiencing crisis. It could be helping isolated individuals find friends and a sense of purpose through community programs or influencing social policy to improve conditions for individuals, groups and communities.
Put your belief in equality and fairness into practice. Gain the tools to influence social policies. Develop high level communication, ethical and cultural competency skills. Become an effective agent of systemic change and pursue rewarding careers supporting individuals, families and communities.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Human Services prepares you for dynamic careers working with and alongside people from diverse backgrounds. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the broad role that human services programs play in enabling individuals to achieve stability, maintain independence and improve their quality of life.
Learn how to compassionately assess the needs of a wide range of clients to identify appropriate resources, approaches to support and intervention. Examine the unique issues and challenges specific to different client populations (children and families, people with disability, the elderly) alongside key legislation and policies. Critically analyse approaches to case management, including awareness of key issues and strategies for navigating ethical dilemmas.
Hone your professional skillset under the supervision of our world-class teaching staff in our state-of-the-art social work and human service studios. Gain crucial skills in designing and managing human services projects through a capstone course in your final year. Put your learning into practice in a real human services organisation, by completing up to 560 hours of placement.
You’ll emerge with the knowledge, skills and experience to thrive in your future human services career – wherever it may take you.
You can also choose to study this program at our regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla.
Key features
Explore the human services field in depth, including core principles, practices and approaches.- Study case management, community work and social policy.
- Gain real-world experience with 560 hours of work placements in industry.
- Examine key intervention frameworks in human service delivery.
- Develop high-level interpersonal communication skills.
- Learn how to design and manage human service projects.
What you'll learn
Through the Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Human Services, you’ll develop a deep understanding of core behavioural, political and social sciences concepts as applied to a diverse range of human service contexts. Many courses within the degree are offered online, giving you flexibility in balancing your studies with work and other commitments.
Core courses introduce you to the key principles, theories and approaches to human services delivery. You’ll explore influential sociological concepts, alongside theories for understanding human development across the lifespan. Examine key ethical issues, government policies and interrogate how different political contexts can influence the design and implementation of human services. Other courses explore best practices and culturally safe ways of working with Aboriginal peoples, children and families, people with disability and various other groups and communities.
Other courses focus in on developing your professional and technical skillset. You’ll sharpen your skills in intra- and interpersonal communication, building the crucial interviewing skills for the field in our social work and human services studios. With support and guidance from our experienced teaching staff, you’ll prepare for the hands-on, real-world placements you’ll complete in your final year.
You’ll undertake a Human Service Project Management course in your final year, where you’ll learn how to design and manage human services projects. This course will empower you to tackle challenges effectively and gain employment in the field.
This degree is also a pathway to Masters programs in Social Work and Allied Health.
Majors
The Bachelor of Social Science is also available with majors in the following:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 84 units for all Core courses, and
- 24 to 30 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 24 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 6 to 12 units for Electives
Complete 84 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | 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
Group Work
|
Course code
PSYC1009
|
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
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
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
|
Notes
1. Field Education consists of a total of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the third year and after completion of all second year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 2 and 5 days per week.
2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, a recognised First Aid Certificate or other requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.
3. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.
4. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.
5. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability) program at Adelaide University will receive 24 units of credit on admission into the Master of Social Work.
6. The first and second years of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are in common with the Bachelor of Social Work. Transfer between awards is possible. Transfer before the end of second year ensures smooth transition to the third year program and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Human Service Provision
|
Course code
SOCI1009
|
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
Child Development
|
Course code
SOWK1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Group Work
|
Course code
PSYC1009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Governance and Citizenship in Australia
|
Course code
POLI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Social Research Methods
|
Course code
SOCI2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2010
|
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
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
Policy Practice
|
Course code
POLI3021
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement A
|
Course code
SOCI3901
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Case Management
|
Course code
SOCI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Analysis and the Human Services
|
Course code
SOCI3009
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement B
|
Course code
SOCI3900
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Human Service Project Management
|
Course code
SOCI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 30 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Policy Practice
|
Course code
POLI3021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Case Management
|
Course code
SOCI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Analysis and the Human Services
|
Course code
SOCI3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Child Development
|
Course code
SOWK1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2001
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Provision
|
Course code
SOCI1009
|
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
Child Development
|
Course code
SOWK1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Group Work
|
Course code
PSYC1009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Governance and Citizenship in Australia
|
Course code
POLI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Social Research Methods
|
Course code
SOCI2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2010
|
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
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
Policy Practice
|
Course code
POLI3021
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement A
|
Course code
SOCI3901
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Case Management
|
Course code
SOCI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Analysis and the Human Services
|
Course code
SOCI3009
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement B
|
Course code
SOCI3900
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Human Service Project Management
|
Course code
SOCI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
|
Notes
1. Field Education consists of a total of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the third year and after completion of all second year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 2 and 5 days per week.
2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, a recognised First Aid Certificate or other requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.
3. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.
4. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.
5. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability) program at Adelaide University will receive 24 units of credit on admission into the Master of Social Work.
6. The first and second years of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are in common with the Bachelor of Social Work. Transfer between awards is possible. Transfer before the end of second year ensures smooth transition to the third year program and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Provision
|
Course code
SOCI1009
|
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
Child Development
|
Course code
SOWK1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Group Work
|
Course code
PSYC1009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Governance and Citizenship in Australia
|
Course code
POLI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Social Research Methods
|
Course code
SOCI2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2010
|
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
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
Policy Practice
|
Course code
POLI3021
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement A
|
Course code
SOCI3901
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Case Management
|
Course code
SOCI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Analysis and the Human Services
|
Course code
SOCI3009
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement B
|
Course code
SOCI3900
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Human Service Project Management
|
Course code
SOCI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 12 units for either of the following:
- 12 units from Program electives, or
- 6 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Intercultural Communication
|
Course code
COMM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Language and Identity
|
Course code
COMM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ageing and the Law: Elder Law and Policy
|
Course code
LAWS2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Meaning, Context and Inference
|
Course code
LING1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Politics and Development
|
Course code
POLI1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments
|
Course code
SOCI2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care
|
Course code
SOCI3036
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2010
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Field Education consists of a total of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the third year and after completion of all second year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 2 and 5 days per week.
2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, a recognised First Aid Certificate or other requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.
3. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.
4. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.
5. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability) program at Adelaide University will receive 24 units of credit on admission into the Master of Social Work.
6. The first and second years of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are in common with the Bachelor of Social Work. Transfer between awards is possible. Transfer before the end of second year ensures smooth transition to the third year program and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Provision
|
Course code
SOCI1009
|
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
Child Development
|
Course code
SOWK1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Group Work
|
Course code
PSYC1009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Governance and Citizenship in Australia
|
Course code
POLI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Social Research Methods
|
Course code
SOCI2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2010
|
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
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
Policy Practice
|
Course code
POLI3021
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement A
|
Course code
SOCI3901
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Case Management
|
Course code
SOCI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Analysis and the Human Services
|
Course code
SOCI3009
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Service Field Placement B
|
Course code
SOCI3900
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Human Service Project Management
|
Course code
SOCI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Human services professionals ensure people in need are connected to the support they require to achieve stability, maintain independence and improve their quality of life. Their roles are as varied as the needs of the clients they serve; they may work in local government, community outreach, disability support, aged care, child protection, social work, housing and more.
You could work as a case manager, connecting clients experiencing crisis with crucial support services. You might be a community outreach worker, designing fun programs that enhance social connection for young people with disabilities. Perhaps you’ll work in a community health clinic alongside allied health professionals, helping run support groups for new parents.
You could also work in:
- 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
Human services are changing. They're becoming more personalised and consumer-driven, tailored to what individuals need and want (Hall & Willcox, 2024). For older Australians, this change is reflected in the Aged Care Act, which is improving access to aged care services at home. For those living with disability, more funding and services are becoming available through the NDIS.
These changes are giving people more choice and control over their own support needs, creating more specialised services – and more jobs for human services graduates.
Studying at Adelaide University will equip you to provide the support that people deserve – and find a rewarding career aligned to your interests.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Community Work Australia (CWA).
Graduates are eligible for membership of CWA.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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.
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:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
