Bachelor of Human Services - Griffith University

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Program overview

Why choose this program?

In a learning community based on equity, tolerance and shared learning, your training will help you to develop a clear understanding of the principles of social justice and empowerment in the human service areas of welfare and family, rehabilitation counselling, ageing and disability.

The program focuses on the political, social, cultural and economic aspects of human service organisations and the provision of human services throughout Australia.

In year one you will develop basic skills and understanding - the foundation for specialised studies in years two and three covering community and family, rehabilitation counselling, disability and ageing.

You will acquire intervention skills and an understanding of ethics and professional practice in working with individuals, groups, communities and social systems. And you will gain handson experience through external projects and a professional placement in the second semester of your third year.

Majors include:

• Rehabilitation Counselling
  Rehabilitation counsellors play an important role in providing services to people with disabilities, particularly in helping them with integration and participation in the workplace and community.
  
  
• Disability Studies
  People with disabilities are increasingly taking on varied and valued roles in society. There has been a major shift in the kinds of services and support that people require to live within the community. In this major, you will undertake core subjects in human services and specialised work in disability studies. A great deal of the learning takes place working alongside people with disabilities and their families.
  
  
• Community and Family Studies
  This major provides the knowledge and skills for professional work within specific human and social problem areas such as poverty, discrimination and inequality. The aim is to prevent or reduce social injustices by interacting with the community and with individuals to ensure they have access to community resources and support systems.
  
  
• Studies in Ageing
  Life expectancy is increasing in Australia, with the number of senior citizens expected to rise even further as baby boomers reach retirement. This raises concerns about meeting the needs of a larger proportion of aged people in the community. In this major, you will undertake core subjects in human services and specialised work in ageing studies. A good deal of the learning involves working with older people in services that help and support their specific needs.

Helping the aged to remain active members of the community is a popular industry placement with human services students.

Attendance

The Bachelor of Human Services is offered full-time on campus at the Logan campus.

As a full-time student, you will generally attend 10-15 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the semester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week.

Students may take a reduced study load. You will be classed as a part-time student if you enrol in less than30 credit points per semester.  International students must maintain a full-time study load.

If you wish to study part-time throughout the program, a program structure showing a sequence of courses is provided so you can undertake 5-8 hours of scheduled classes per week. However, attendance at daytime classes may be required.

Summer Semester
The Bachelor of Human Services includes one mandatory course in Summer semester, in the third year of the program. You may be required to do other intensive courses in summer or winter semester depending on the specialty area of study you choose.

Summer semester is the period between the end of Semester Two and the beginning of Semester One of the following year (November-February). The Summer semester courses are delivered in intensive blocks (less than the normal 13-week semester) over the month of February.

During Summer semester a student will generally attend 50-55 hours of scheduled classes per course.

Work-integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning activities 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 (4 days per week) in the work/professional environment during semester 6 of the full time program or equivalent. Some placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan area/Gold Coast area interstate or overseas.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Human Services program is accredited by the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC) and the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers Inc. (AIWCW).

Students who complete the major in rehabilitation counselling are eligible to apply for an associate membership of ASORC. Students who complete a major in Community and Family Studies, Studies in Ageing or Disability Studies may apply for AIWCW membership.

Career opportunities

As a graduate, you can look forward to a satisfying and rewarding career in human services, working with individuals and groups, local, state or federal government agencies, and non-government organisations.

Depending on your major, careers include aged care services, children's services, community centres, correctional services, disability services and programs, employment services, family and child welfare, family support, mental health services, policy development and research, rehabilitation services, welfare and community planning, women's services and youth work.