Student sitting across from someone and smiling

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Online
    Online students attend one compulsory three-day residential school on campus (face-to-face).

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    BComWelf

  • Course code

    3007268

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    February, June

  • Duration

    3 years full-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

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.

Alumnus with client and therapy dog

This course includes 400 hours of supervised on-the-job training. You may undertake placements in social welfare settings such as child protection, drugs and alcohol, criminal justice, community education, housing, emergency relief, family interventions and domestic violence.

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Understand the social, cultural, economic and political contexts of social welfare practice and the implications of these for working with clients, workers and community services.

GA2: Creativity

Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programs, projects and other activities with clients, which may include individuals, families, groups or communities.

GA3: Ethical practice

Practise social welfare in an ethical manner, in accordance with the values and ethics of the profession.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Use one's own skills and knowledge appropriately and reflectively with clients, colleagues, employers and the wider community.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate with a broad spectrum of people and organisations using appropriate techniques and media organisations.

Plan, organise and carry out work autonomously and as part of a team.

GA7: Cultural competence

Communicate constructively in a manner that is respectful of the diverse cultures in which we work and live.

In line with ACWA requirements, you will complete 400 hours of supervised on-the-job training. This is completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that you gain a diversity of experience.

Placements may include working across a variety of client groups, such as older people, or young people and families at the individual, group, organisational or community level of practice. You may undertake placements in social welfare settings such as child protection, drugs and alcohol, criminal justice, community education, housing, emergency relief, family interventions and domestic violence.

All students must obtain a National Police Check and Working with Children Check and most agencies require students to have a driver's licence.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)102202H

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of this course will have opportunities to use their transferable skills in community welfare and human services careers that might include government and non-government positions in fields such as child protection, disability, homelessness and housing, youth work, aged care, alcohol and other drugs, community work, mental health, and domestic violence.

The Bachelor of Community Welfare articulates with a range of VET awards. It can also provide a pathway into the related profession of social work through our Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), which is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Graduates of this degree will be able to pursue a wide range of careers in the human services and community welfare sectors throughout Australia.

The course is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Graduates are eligible to join ACWA.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds who have less than 2 years of high school education in Australia or other English speaking country must be able to demonstrate proficiency of English with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 across each of the bands of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.5
Reading6.0
Writing6.0
Listening6.0
Speaking6.0

CountryScore
Austria AMC3.4
Bangladesh HSC3.6
Brazil SSLC8.2
Canada High School OSSD50
Chile PSU6.4, overall 600-649
China Gao Kao449
Colombia CB (NAT)81, overall 300-349
Denmark USSLE6.2
France FB11
German Abitur3
Hong Kong HKDSE14
India CBSE (best 4)8.5 external exam
India CISCE71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)78 in academic
Indonesia SMA8.2
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT298
Malaysia ICSSUEC71
Malaysia STPM5 in best 3 A levels
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate82
Norway GPA1.5
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.5, pass Math & Eng
Peru OCSE17
Phillipines NSAT89
Russia FCCSE4.3
Saudi Arabia MESSLC83
Singapore SCGCE15.5
Spain SSSD8.2
Spain STBPU7.5
Sri Lanka GCE4.5
Sweden SSLC13
Taiwan GSAT54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate87
Thailand CSE(Matayom 6) 1.9
Turkey HSD4
UK Board GCE A Levels13 (4 subjects)
USA SAT & ACTSAT 1410, ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)7.5 (academic)

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.

 

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
POLT1001Australian Politics
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
SOCI1005Social Policy
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
WELF1002Community Development
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet compulsory participation requirements to pass the unit. Gold Coast students must attend weekly on-campus tutorials. Online students must attend a 3 day on-campus residential (8.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday to Sunday inclusive) at either the Coffs Harbour (week 2), Gold Coast (week 3) or Lismore (week 4) campus. A record of attendance will be kept at all tutorials and residentials.

Second Year

WELF2005Case Management and Care Planning
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
WELF2001Field Education I
Dual Term2,3
24 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term2,3
Dual Term2,3
Online
Dual Term2,3
N/A
Pre-requisitesWELF1001 - Introduction to Social Welfare AND WELF1003 - Counselling Theory and Practice
Enrolment informationInternational onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Please note: WELF2001 - Field Education I AND WELF3001 - Field Education II, MUST be completed in SEPARATE years for accreditation purposes. In addition to the pre-requisites, it is advisable for students to have completed an additional 48 credit points (typically 4 units) in the Bachelor of Community Welfare to be fully prepared for field placement. ‘This unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements’
Enrolment restrictionsStudents must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment.
SOCI2006Doing Social Research
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
WELF2003Trauma Informed Practice
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Elective
WELF2002Youth Work
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Elective

Third Year

It is possible to accelerate your studies if you intend to complete the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) after successful completion of the Bachelor of Community Welfare.
WELF3005Planning and Delivering Human Services
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
Enrolment information .
WELF3004Mental Health
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
WELF3003Disability and Community Practice
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Elective

WELF3002Issues of Protection
Term2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Online
Term2,3
Term2,3
Elective
WELF3001Field Education II
Dual Term2,3
24 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term2,3
Dual Term2,3
Online
Dual Term2,3
N/A
Pre-requisitesWELF2001 - Field Education I
Enrolment informationInternational onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Please note: WELF3001 - Field Education II and WELF2001 - Field Education I, MUST be completed in SEPARATE years for accreditation purposes. This unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
Enrolment restrictionsStudents must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval, a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment


Note 1:

# double weighted unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

POLT1001Australian Politics
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
WELF1002Community Development
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
SOCI1005Social Policy
WELF2001Field Education I Note 1
SOCI2006Doing Social Research
WELF2005Case Management and Care Planning
WELF2003Trauma Informed Practice
WELF2002Youth Work
WELF3002Issues of Protection
WELF3003Disability and Community Practice
WELF3005Planning and Delivering Human Services
WELF3004Mental Health
WELF3001Field Education II Note 1
And four (4) University Wide Electives.

Why Social Work and Community Welfare at SCU

No.1 in QLD for Skills Development

We're ranked No.1 in QLD for skills development in Humanities and Social Sciences

(GUG 2023)

Global top 5% in Social Sciences

We're in the global top 5% in Social Sciences

(THE World University Rankings 2020)

Student Support

We're also ranked No.1 in Australia for student support and learning resources in Social Work

(GUG 2020)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

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Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

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Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

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