Course Overview
About This Course
Online and timetabled Study online from anywhere, with live interactive classes that follow a set schedule—most sessions are recorded so you can watch them later. Make a real difference in your community. This degree prepares you to work with individuals, families and communities to help overcome challenges in areas such as health, housing, education, employment, disability or social connection. Use your skills to support and connect people and the resources they need, and work to make systems easier to navigate and more supportive. Highlights of studying the Bachelor of Human Services Explore human services in Australia and build a strong foundation in social justice, empowerment and inclusion to help shape a brighter future for those you work with. Explore courses in human development, communication and counselling, social justice and diversity, ethics and case management. Learn from specialists tackling issues such as youth mental health, parenting and family support, while gaining hands-on human services experience. Career advice and support is built into your degree, so you'll graduate job ready. Practical experience that sets you apart Put your skills into practice through clinical placements in our on-campus clinics or with leading organisations like Queensland Health, Queensland Government, headspace and Lifeline. Combine classroom learning with hands-on training Guided by experienced professionals, you'll complete 52 days of field placement across your second and third years. With opportunities in areas such as child protection, family support, mental health, youth justice, homelessness, domestic violence and disability and the option to take local, rural or international placements, you'll graduate ready to make a real impact. Majors You'll select a major in: Children, youth and family Support the wellbeing of children, young people and families through early intervention, advocacy and integrated service delivery. You'll explore childhood development, family dynamics and youth needs in diverse social and cultural contexts, with a strong focus on safety, equity and care. Courses cover child development, youth services and family violence, equipping you with practical tools to work in early years settings, community programs and family support services. You'll have the opportunity to undertake a supervised field placement, offering practical experience to build your confidence and professional capacity. Criminal justice Explore the structures, practices and challenges within the criminal justice system, with a focus on rehabilitation, crime prevention and justice reform. You'll examine key areas such as corrections, restorative justice and responses to crime in diverse communities, including First Nations peoples. Gain practical experience through a supervised field placement, developing skills for roles in policy, community safety, youth justice or offender rehabilitation. With courses covering crime prevention strategies, lived experiences of justice and alternatives to traditional punishment, you'll be well-positioned to make a difference to how justice is delivered and experienced in society. Disability, wellbeing and ageing Explore how individuals experience disability, ageing and mental health, with a strong focus on dignity, rights and inclusion. You'll examine contemporary approaches to disability practice, positive ageing and mental wellbeing, learning from both lived experiences and critical perspectives. Through a supervised field placement, you'll build the skills needed to work across diverse support settings, from aged care and disability services to mental health and community programs. Policy, advocacy and research Prepare to drive social change by influencing policy, shaping services and advocating for equity and justice. Gain foundational knowledge in welfare systems, government and legislation, alongside practical research and data analysis skills. With a focus on leadership, advocacy, and critical thinking, you'll explore how to design evidence-informed interventions and influence decision-making at local and national levels. A supervised field placement allows you to apply your learning in policy and community settings. Honours The Bachelor of Human Services (Honours) (2092) is available through an additional year of study. Related degrees Bachelor of Human Services (Honours) – 2092 Progression is dependent upon satisfying admission requirements. Program accreditation The Bachelor of Human Services is accredited by the Community Work Australia (CWA). Professional recognition Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for registration with the Community Work Australia (CWA) subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the CWA. As these requirements may change from time to time, students should contact the CWA to confirm registration requirements. Attendance information The Bachelor of Human Services is offered to International students full-time over three years on-campus. As a full-time student, you will generally attend 10-15 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the trimester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week. The program includes practical professional placements in second year and third year for which you must be available five working days each week you are enrolled in a placement course. Trimester 3 compulsory study: To complete this degree in 3 years, study in Trimester 3 may be required depending on your trimester of commencement and nominated Major. International students are ineligible to enrol in the Online program. If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The recommended study load for international student in each compulsory trimester is 40CP. Managing Study Interruptions Leave of Absence Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure . Student story Sanesie Dukuly Bachelor of Human Services "At Griffith, I gained the skills to drive social change and support my values. Growing up as a refugee in Guinea, my purpose is to advocate for the disadvantaged and uphold social justice and human rights. Now, as a statewide multicultural practice lead in the family and disability services sector, I can implement these principles in my work and contribute to making the world a better place." Work-integrated learning Work-integrated learning activities (professional placements) integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith's commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life. In this program, you will spend 400 hours in the work/professional environment. Placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan/Gold Coast area including Northern New South Wales and (by negotiation) interstate or overseas. Pathways to further study You may be eligible for the Bachelor of Human Services (Honours) (2092) . Advance your study in other health professions with the Graduate Certificate in Case Management and Mental Health (3404) , Master of Public Health (5263) , Master of Rehabilitation Counselling (5578) , Master of Mental Health Practice (5625) or Master of Social Work (5758) . Professional Practice requirements There are placements associated with this program and before undertaking professional experience placements, all students in this program are required to have completed the following by the end of their first trimester of study: Vaccinations and Health Tests Licenses and Certificates Online Training Health Placement Requirements Students should refer to the checklist of professional practice requirements for their Health discipline on the Health Placement Support Hub for full details of the requirements regarding professional placement to ensure that they meet eligibility for placement.