Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies),
Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
This double degree prepares students for the planning, implementation and management of human services for Indigenous peoples and communities, as well as for employment in the wider human services sector.
The degree aims to produce graduates who can apply an understanding of Indigenous cultures to human services practice principles and respond effectively and ethically in diverse settings for the well-being of Indigenous peoples.
- Program information
- What will I study?
- What does it take?
- Who will employ me?
- Professional recognition
Please send your enquiries to swp.enquiries@unisa.edu.au or enquire online
Program Director
Mrs Sharon Gollan
David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and
Research
Division of Education, Arts & Social Sciences
Tel : +61 8 830 20862
Email: Sharon.Gollan@unisa.edu.au
What will I study?
Students can undertake courses in the social sciences, human services and Indigenous affairs, and the program also provides an opportunity for students to undertake a second major in another area of study.
The Aboriginal Studies component of the degree encompasses an analysis of social and political systems in Australian contexts and explores contemporary Indigenous issues which affect organisations and society. Courses primarily focus on policy and management in Indigenous contexts but are also relevant to all Australian contexts.
Human Services is focused on the behavioural and social sciences, human service practice, human service management and social policy. Courses have a strong emphasis on human service management with particular focus on the management of effective service delivery at both individual and project level, on policy and program analysis, and on the social and behavioural sciences.
Students will also undertake 500 hours of supervised work placement. These placements enable students to develop a working knowledge of specific human services areas and practise the skills they learn in class. Placements also improve students' understanding of Indigenous experiences in Australia, and gives further insight into complex, cross-cultural communications.
What does it take?
Students need a strong interest in working in human services organisations, particularly those linked to Indigenous services. Students also need skills in interacting with others from diverse cultural backgrounds and an understanding of different social contexts.
Students also need an inquiring mind, the desire to explore different organisational concepts and patterns of management, and the desire to understand issues confronting Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in management and policy-making and its implementation.
Who will employ me?
This program develops graduates' knowledge and analytical abilities, enabling them to work in public and private sectors, statutory bodies, community-based human services organisations, Indigenous organisations and enterprises or Indigenous agencies working in international settings.
Graduates are involved in social services, project management, developing policy, acting as advocates, lobbying for social change, counselling, administering community programs, and undertaking research into social issues. They can work in a wide range of jobs in all human service fields including correctional services, family and youth services, aged care, community development, rehabilitation, disability services, health, mental health and unemployment.
According to the Graduates Careers Council of Australia's 2006 Graduate Destination Survey, the median starting salary for social science graduates was A$36,000, with nearly 70 per cent of graduates securing full-time employment.
Professional recognition
Subject to Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers review, graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are eligible for membership of the AIWCW.