Bachelor of Community Welfare

The Bachelor of Community Welfare provides you with the theoretical and practical foundations for work in the community welfare and human services sectors. You will gain skills in case management, community development, counselling, social research, advocacy and organisational practice.

Throughout the course, particular emphasis is placed on social justice, human rights and collaboration as the basis for contemporary community welfare practice. We'll harness your empathy and enhance your communication skills with a view to delivering great outcomes across diverse areas of community welfare practice.

Core units focus on the contemporary context of social welfare, counselling, case management, community development, mental health, trauma-informed practice, Indigenous world-views, child protection and out of home care, youth work, disability and research. Elective units also provide opportunity for you to pursue other areas of interest. 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 will enable you to qualify as a social worker.

Please note: All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 3 days/21 hours over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). On-campus enrolled students meet this minimum requirement by participating in one unit with compulsory attendance. Online students meet this requirement by attending a compulsory residential school conducted at the Gold Coast campus.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Community Welfare, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 20 core units (240 credit points), and
  • 4 university wide elective units (48 credit points) 

Professional Experience Learning / Field Education

This course includes professional experience learning via field education. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience Field Education page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

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) as specified in the Associate Degree of Community Welfare structure.

 

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Human Services Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) as specified in the Diploma of Human Services Studies.

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & 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 Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.