Bachelor of Community Welfare

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 worldviews, 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 Community Work Australia. 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. This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully. Pathway option: Diploma of Health (Community Welfare Specialisation). "I liked the location, the flexibility of studying online and meeting face-to-face for residentials. The learning content had a great mix between direct practice and critical reflection which was really valuable." Noemie Rigaud Master of Social Work graduate Default --> 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. Understanding the Southern Cross Model 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 Learning outcomes and graduate attributes 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 Analyse 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. Placements, work experience and study hours In line with Community Work Australia requirements, you will complete 400 hours of supervised Work Integrated Learning (WIL). 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. WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course: Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment , as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel. Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, Working with Children and National Police Certificate checks. More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty WIL page . Availability Availability and fees Location Teaching period Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 Online Term 1, Term 3 Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 $26,000 ($3,250 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.