Course

Bachelor of Community Welfare

Approved Abbreviation: BCW

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4522.4

CRICOS Code: 044766A

For further course information contact socialsciences@uws.edu.au. If you want a rewarding career in family and community work, the UWS Bachelor of Community Welfare could be ideal for you. Founded on the premise that every society is responsible for the well-being of its members, the Community Welfare degree provides a foundation in sociology, welfare policy and practice, community work and psychology, leading to a wide range of rewarding career options. Students also have the opportunity to undertake elective studies in cognate areas, including Criminology, Criminal Justice and Sociology.

A Career in Community Welfare:

As a graduate of the Community Welfare degree, you will enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities in Australia and internationally in fields including community work and community development, social casework, social policy and research, advocacy and social action, government departments such as community services, juvenile justice and corrective services, local government agencies, neighbourhood and community development organisations, refuges, and organisations working with disabled and aged persons.

In these roles graduates could potentially be involved in the provision of alcohol and other drug services, the creative and performing arts, housing, education, employment, sport and leisure, residential care, community development, street work and counselling, or a wide range of youth-related roles.

Study Mode
Three years full-time. The course may be completed over a longer period by taking a reduced load.

Advanced standing

Students who have successfully completed relevant studies at an equivalent level at a recognised tertiary institution and/or who have professional experience may apply for advanced standing, in accordance with current University policy. For example, applicants who have completed one of the following may receive credit equivalent to two semesters of full-time study (80 credit points).

Diploma in Community Services (Welfare)

Diploma in Community Services (Youth Work) into the Youth Work key program.

Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

Admission

Admission is normally through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).

International applicants should contact International Office for details on admission. Contact information for the International Office is available via their website

International Office

Special Requirements Prerequisites
Some agencies may require students to undergo criminal record checks prior to commencing field placements in second and third years. Any student going on placement in NSW Health facilities will need to comply with its occupational screening and vaccination policy prior to placement.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Elective units may be chosen from across Western Sydney University, provided that unit prerequisites are met and space is available.

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

101336

Introduction to Sociology

400188

Introduction to Welfare

400504

Skills Development in the Human Services

101329

Social Policy

Spring session

400193

Human Services Intervention Strategies

400506

Community Work and Community Development

400136

Introduction to the Psychology of Health

And one elective unit

4523.4 Family and Community Work Key Program

Students who undertake the Family and Community Work Key Program can expect to find employment in a variety of welfare agencies specialising in work with families and children, such as the Department of Community Services or non-government welfare agencies, or in community development areas such as neighbourhood and community centres, women''s refuges and family support services.

Year 2

Autumn session

400505

Lifespan Development and the Human Services

400507

Research and the Human Services

400190

Welfare Field Education 1

And one elective unit

Spring session

101357

Families and Family Policy

400195

Human Rights, Human Services and the Law

400608

Managing Community Services

And one elective unit

Year 3

Autumn session

400191

Welfare Field Education 2

400508

Working with Individuals and Families

And one elective unit

Spring session

400514

Political Economy of the Welfare State

400609

Theory and Critique of Welfare Practice

And two elective units

Professional Units

Elective units in the Bachelor of Community Welfare may be chosen from across Western Sydney University, provided that unit prerequisites are met and space is available.

4525.5 Youth Work Key Program

Note: Please be aware that this key program is suspended from 2009.

Students who undertake the Youth Work Key Program can expect to find employment with a variety of organisations which specialise in issues affecting young people, such as homelessness, drug and alcohol problems, sexual health education, and developing social and life skills.

Year 2

Autumn session

400505

Lifespan Development and the Human Services

400507

Research and the Human Services

400198

Youth Work in Australian Society

400190

Welfare Field Education 1

Spring session

400195

Human Rights, Human Services and the Law

400603

The Professional Context of Youth Work

And two elective units

Year 3

Autumn session

400199

Youth Work Project

400191

Welfare Field Education 2

And one elective unit

Spring session

400608

Managing Community Services

400609

Theory and Critique of Welfare Practice

And two elective units

4524.4 International Social Development Key Program

Note: Please be aware that this key program is suspended from 2009.

Students who undertake the International Social Development Key Program can expect to find employment in community development agencies in Australia and overseas, such as those agencies working with refugees or in developing programs for disadvantaged groups within communities, or as a community worker in non-government, humanitarian or community based organisations.

Year 2

Autumn session

400190

Welfare Field Education 1

400507

Research and the Human Services

And two elective units

Spring session

400195

Human Rights, Human Services and the Law

101363

Global Structures and Local Cultures