Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)

Overview

Description:
 Human services is the professional area that deals with human social problems in a community environment and implements the procedures to handle those problems. It involves assisting and supporting individuals and groups within a community to overcome difficulties and life changes. Areas of specialisation include: aged services; community housing work; child and family studies; disabilities studies; diversional therapy; mental health services; rehabilitation counselling; youth services; and corrective services.

The Bachelor of Social Science is a flexible degree that is designed for those who are interested in culture, society, political systems and how we as individuals make sense of the world. Graduates are equipped to critically analyse information and conduct research that can make a difference in society at the local, national or international level.

Social science graduates are found in areas such as social planning, international aid, cultural heritage, environmental management and allied health professions including counselling and welfare.
 
Duration:
 3 years fulltime
 
Mode:
 On campus, full or part time *
 
Workload:
 Normal workload expectations are a minimum of 10 hours per week for every subject, including class contact hours, preparation and time spent on assessment tasks.
 
Type:
 Undergraduate
 
Credit points:
 72 credit points o
 
Mid-year entry:
 Yes
 
Prerequisite/s:
 English
 
Campus:
 Townsville, Cairns
 
Faculty:
 Arts, Education and Social Sciences
 
QTAC code:
 311261 Townsville; 321261 Cairns
 

* Duration: Part-time study is available to domestic students only.

o Credit points: Represent the combined value of individual subjects in a degree. One subject usually constitutes three credit points.
 

Joint Degree Options

Joint degrees give students expertise in a complementary discipline in reduced time and can enhance career prospects. At JCU this degree can be combined with:

Bachelor of Community Welfare

Bachelor of Psychology

Bachelor of Social Work

Structure

Disclaimer - The list of subjects below is correct for 2008, but may change for 2009. Prospective students should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses.

The Bachelor of Social Science degree is characterised by its diversity and flexibility. Students must major in two disciplines (see relevant major for other discipline structure).

Level 1

WS1006:03 Self in Professional Helping

PLUS

12 credit points of level 1 study as specified in requirement 3 of the Award Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and a maximum of 9 credit points selected from the Master Schedule of Subjects and in accordance with the Award Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts.

Level 2 and Level 3

WS2007:03 Researching Social Issues

WS2510:03 Interpersonal Practice

WS2511:03 Professional Values and Ethics

WS2513:03 Community Work

WS3025:03 Group Work

WS3214:03 Developmental Approaches to Eco-Social Justice

PLUS

6 credit points from the following cognate subjects:

CY2001:03 / CY3001:03 Perspectives on Criminology

PL2294:03 / PL3294:03 Governing Australia

PY2106:03 Human Development Across the Lifespan

SY2022:03 / SY3022:03 Family, Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Society

WC2001:03 Australian Women’s Studies

WS2121:03 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Skills and Frameworks for Practice

WS2512:03 Organisational Practice

Level 4 (Honours)

WS4010:06 Honours Reading and Research Design Part 1 of 2

WS4011:06 Honours Reading and Research Design Part 2 of 2

WS4016:06 Honours Thesis Part 1 of 2

WS4017:06 Honours Thesis Part 2 of 2

Honours

An Honours program is available for those students who demonstrate high academic performance. Honours consists of an extra year of study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. The Faculty also offers a wide range of postgraduate study opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Social science graduates with a major in welfare studies work in government and non-government agencies and large corporations in:

policy analysis and impact assessment

community planning, development and disaster relief

allied health

human services

research (econometrics, workforce, health resource planning)

ethics education

capacity building

Practical Experience

Courses in all disciplines aim to provide students with practical experience as well as knowledge. Field trips, individual and group research projects, and subjects in practical skills are taught by highly qualified professionals, many with years of experience in professional practice.

Back to James Cook University

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