University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This program blends social science foundations with applied human services practice across a three-year undergraduate degree (with an option to progress to an honours year or postgraduate study). Core study areas include social welfare policy, applied research methods, case management and service coordination, and ethical and legal frameworks for practice. You will also study modules in counselling skills, mental health and wellbeing, community development, working with children and families, and Indigenous perspectives relevant to service delivery.

Typical modules and subjects (illustrative) include:

• Introduction to Social Science: concepts, theories and the social determinants of wellbeing.
• Research Methods for Social Science: qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection and basic analysis for practice evaluation.
• Human Services Practice: direct practice skills, assessment, care planning and casework techniques.
• Community Development and Program Delivery: designing, implementing and evaluating community programs.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: understanding common mental health conditions and support approaches in community settings.
• Workplace Law, Ethics and Advocacy: client rights, confidentiality, mandatory reporting and advocacy strategies.
• Indigenous and Cultural Competency: working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally diverse communities.
• Industry Placement / Practicum: supervised field placement in community organisations or government agencies to apply skills in real-world settings.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically based on a secondary school qualification (for domestic applicants this is usually an Australian senior secondary certificate with an ATAR or equivalent). International applicants need to demonstrate equivalent secondary completion and English language proficiency (for example through recognised tests or university-approved pathways).

Mature-age and pathway applicants with relevant work or community sector experience may be considered through alternative entry schemes. Some applicants choose to progress from this degree into accredited professional pathways (for example social work), which may have separate entry criteria for postgraduate conversion programs.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across the human services and community sectors. Common career paths include case worker or case manager, community support worker, disability support practitioner, youth worker, aged-care coordinator, program officer or community development worker. Graduates also move into policy and advocacy roles with non-government organisations and government departments, or pursue further study in social work, counselling, public policy or related fields to broaden professional registration and clinical practice opportunities.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a research-informed curriculum with strong links to the South Australian community services sector, providing opportunities for supervised placements with local agencies. Teaching combines academic rigour with practitioner-led units to develop practical skills employers seek. Students benefit from campus support services, specialised career and placement assistance, and opportunities to engage with research centres and community partners working on contemporary social issues. The program’s focus on culturally responsive practice and local engagement helps prepare graduates for work across diverse Australian communities.