Undergraduate Study Guide 2012 Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Social ScienceThe Bachelor of Social Science builds capacity in problemsolving, communication, critical thinking and analysis.Depending on their area of study, it prepares students forprofessions involved in social change, social advocacy,community service, social welfare and government andnon-government policy development. The degree providesa range of options for combination study (e.g. social welfareand counselling), as well as electives and University-widemajors.Students who choose to specialise in counselling, communitystudies or social welfare have the opportunity to gain relevantwork experience by undertaking a field placement as part oftheir degree. This allows them to apply their knowledge in awork environment, build practical marketable employmentskills and develop contacts and networks that will assistthem throughout their career. These students are required toundergo a criminal record check.Majors available are:*Government and Policy Studies: provides an introduction tothe many social and political forces that affect how individualsfunction in society, and that influence policy development andgovernance. It addresses skills in communicating, writing,researching, analysis and critique that provide a solid foundationfor a range of career paths. These skills and perspectivesare essential to our roles as informed and active citizensand workers. This major is useful for those seeking work ingovernment at any level or in community or non-governmentalorganisations, or who are otherwise seeking to understand thebroad Australian social, political and policy landscape.Community Studies: is a people-focused major forthose interested in working in organisations and servicesas community development workers or in communitybasedwelfare or social planning. The major is also of useto enthusiastic activists and concerned citizens. Graduatesare suited to positions including adult education workers,community arts workers, environmental workers, family centrestaff, health education and promotion workers, housingdevelopment officers, sports development officers, youthworkers and managers. Field placements are also available tostudents who choose this major.Counselling: taken in conjunction with other majors counsellingis designed for people aiming for careers where the focus is onworking with individuals, families and communities. This may bewithin local and state government agencies, private industry ornon-government organisations.Social Welfare: students undertake practical field work aspart of their study to provide them with a range of marketableskills, which equip them to deal with real world problems.They develop an important network of contacts to assistthem throughout their careers. Students are well-preparedfor professions involved in social change, social advocacy,community service, social welfare and government and nongovernmentpolicy development.* Please note that some majors and units may not beavailable at each location. Unit availabilities are published foreach study period and vary from year to year. Please contactthe School for further information.Your careerThe wide choice of specialty areas offered by this courseprovides graduates with a range of career options includingwelfare officers, counsellors, community developmentworkers, policy makers and writers within governmentdepartments and agencies, and also the private sector.SummaryLocationsTweed Heads*, Lismore, Coffs Harbour,Distance education3 years full-time, 6 years part-timeDurationUAC codes TH - 331170, L - 331101, CH - 331151QTAC codes TH - 051701, L - 051011, CH - 051511Total units 242011 ATAR 682011 OP 14* SCU Riverside, Brett Street, Tweed Headsundergraduate degrees 2012 www.scu.edu.au25