Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Human Services

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Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
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Campus
Campus
You can choose to complete your studies at one of these campuses.
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load. Part-time study is not available for international students.
3 year(s) full-time
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study will be a mix of online and on-campus classes.
Hybrid
Program code
Program code
BSOCS
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Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative fees
Indicative fees
Published fees are indicative for 2025 , including the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and appropriate yearly indexation. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis. Please note that your tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase.
$41,300
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
English Language Requirements icon
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 icon
CRICOS code
115755A
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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

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.

program overview

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.

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.

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

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Policy Practice
Course code
POLI3021
Units
6
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Course name
Social Analysis and the Human Services
Course code
SOCI3009
Units
6
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Course name
Child Development
Course code
SOWK1003
Units
6
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Course name
Working with Community
Course code
SOWK2001
Units
6

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Human Service Field Placement A
Course code
SOCI3901
Units
12
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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
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Course name
Elective 1
Course code
AUXX1011
Units
6

How to apply

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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.

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Gather your relevant documents

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

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Complete and send your application

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

How to Apply

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.

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. 

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: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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