Understanding Academic Admission Requirements

Meeting academic admission requirements is the first critical step for prospective students. While an indicative or guaranteed Australian tertiary Admission Rank, or ATAR, is often published, alternative pathways exist for those who may not meet this specific benchmark. These alternatives offer flexibility and accessibility for a diverse range of applicants.

Both domestic and international applicants can satisfy academic admission requirements through various qualifications. These include:

• Australian Qualifications Framework, or AQF, Cert IV
• Successfully completed 0.25 Equivalent Full-Time Study Load, or EFTSL, of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
• Undergraduate Certificate
• Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test
• University planning Course
• Indigenous University orientation Course
• Experience Based Entry Scheme

Further details on these options can be found on the study course entry page.

international students should also be aware of specific requirements related to their secondary school results.

English Language Proficiency: Meeting the Requirements

Demonstrating English language competency is another essential requirement for course entry. Several pathways are available to satisfy this requirement, ensuring that students possess the necessary language skills to succeed in their studies.

Accepted qualifications and tests include:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test
• International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada
• university Preparation Course
• Indigenous University orientation Course
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
• Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency bands page

For more comprehensive data, refer to the Study course entry page.

Course Details: Structure and Availability

Understanding the structure and availability of courses is vital for planning your academic journey. Courses offer flexibility with both full-time and part-time study options, catering to diverse student needs.

Semester availability includes:

• Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
• Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
• Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
• Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Students are required to complete a Major plus a supplementary program, comprising of Minor and/or Elective units:

For example, in children and Family Studies:

In human Services and Community Work:

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The bachelor of Social Science program at Edith Cowan University (ECU) holds accreditation from the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). This accreditation ensures that the course meets rigorous professional standards, providing students with a high-quality education recognized within the industry.

To meet the professional accreditation requirements with ACWA, students must undertake certain units including 400 hours in the community and social science field.

One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.

Course Structure and Majors

The course structure requires students to complete a Major plus a supplementary program, comprising of Minor and/or Elective units:

Students can choose from majors such as Children and Family Studies, and Human services and community Work.

For children and Family Studies, the structure includes:

Children and Family Studies

Unit Code	Unit Title	Credit Points
Unit from Major	x 17	270
Unit from minor/Elective	x 6	90

For Human Services and Community Work, the structure includes:

Human Services and community Work

Unit Code	Unit Title	Credit Points
Unit from Major	x 17	270
Elective Unit	x 6	90

Note: Students should complete no more than 150 credit points at Level 1000 when combined with their selected major.

The course is identified as C58|2.

Practicum Requirements and professional Placement

A key component of the Bachelor of Social Science program is the professional placement unit. Students are required to complete this placement, which varies depending on the selected major. Both majors must meet the Practice Guidelines as set by the Australian Community Workers association (ACWA).

Further information regarding Professional Placement can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/professional-placement

Students undertaking the Majors in Human Services and Community Work, and Children and Family Studies, are required to validate the Practice Guidelines as set out by Australian Community workers Association (ACWA). Students undertaking the Major in Human Services are required to validate the competencies as set out by the australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).Host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends.

Risk Management Assessment is negotiated with the agencies and ECU under agreement arrangements.

Prior to placement students must upload into SONIA a current National Police Clearance. The Unit Coordinator may discuss the contents of the national Police Clearance with the student if there is any potential risk to student, agency and ECU. Agencies may request a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) before commencing placement.

Prior to placement students are required to complete the associated unit material and weekly activities (on campus or online). During placement students must demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Students are required to comply with Australian Community workers and ECU Codes of Conduct along with any agency requirements.

Semester Availability

The course offers flexible study options across semesters:

• Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
• Semester 1: Study part-time Online
• Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
• Semester 2: Study part-time online

Professional Recognition and Accreditation

ECU’s community work program distinguishes itself through its accreditation from the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). This accreditation ensures the course meets the high standards set by the industry, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market. ACWA accreditation signifies that the program’s curriculum and practical training align with industry best practices and professional expectations.

To meet the professional accreditation requirements with ACWA, students must undertake certain units, including 400 hours in the community and social science field. This extensive practical experience is a cornerstone of the program, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

The course’s majors also hold external recognition, further enhancing its value and appeal to prospective employers. This external validation underscores the program’s commitment to quality and relevance in the ever-evolving social services landscape.

Placement Requirements and Professionalism

A key component of the ECU program is the practical placement, designed to provide students with real-world experience. These placements offer invaluable opportunities to work directly with communities and individuals in need, fostering empathy, problem-solving skills, and professional competence.

Prior to commencing their placement, students are required to complete the associated unit material and weekly activities, whether on campus or online. This preparation ensures that students are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their placements.

During placement, students must demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. They are also required to comply with Australian Community Workers and ECU Codes of Conduct, along with any agency requirements. Adherence to these codes of conduct is paramount, ensuring ethical and responsible practice in the field.

Fees and Scholarships

Understanding the financial aspect of education is crucial. For domestic students, the Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $10,450.

For international students, the estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $39,050.

ECU also offers a range of scholarships to support students in their studies. Explore the available opportunities on the ECU scholarship page. These scholarships can significantly alleviate the financial burden of higher education, making the program more accessible to a wider range of students.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the community and social services sector. The program equips you for working with people and communities, and being able to specialise in community work, community development and family support. The skills and knowledge gained through the program are highly transferable, opening doors to diverse career paths.

Possible job titles include:

• Community Worker
• Community Development Officer
• Policy Officer
• Family Support Officer
• Parent Education Coordinator
• Project Officer

Need Some Help Deciding What to Study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU. These events provide valuable insights into the program, allowing prospective students to ask questions, meet faculty, and learn more about the career opportunities available.

the Allure of Social Science: A Pathway to Diverse Careers

Social Science, at its core, is the scientific study of human society and social relationships. This broad discipline equips students with critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of social dynamics, making it a versatile foundation for a wide range of careers. At ECU, students explore various facets of human behavior, social structures, and cultural influences, preparing them to address complex societal challenges.

Alfred Koech: from Kenya to ECU,Fueling a Passion for People

Alfred Koech’s journey to ECU from Kenya exemplifies the global appeal of the Social Science program. Driven by a passion for working with people, Alfred found ECU to be the perfect habitat to nurture his aspirations. In a video testimonial, Alfred shares his experiences as a Social Science student, highlighting the program’s impact on his personal and professional development.

Joyce Nederpel: Seeking More Involvement with Children and families

for Joyce Nederpel, a Bachelor of Social Science graduate from ECU, the program provided a pathway to deepen her involvement with disadvantaged children and families. Having worked in childcare for many years, joyce sought a role that allowed her to make a more notable impact. She emphasizes the supportive learning environment at ECU, noting, I never had a bad experience with any lecturer; they were always happy to help, listen and challenge my thinking.

Joyce also highlights the unexpected value of networking opportunities within the program, stating, And I didn’t no how valuable the networking would be and how many opportunities it would open up.It was so much more than studying further to get a job. This underscores the importance of connections and practical experiences gained through ECU’s Social science program.

Tanya Langford: Empowering women Through Social science

Tanya Langford’s story is one of personal change and a deep commitment to supporting women. In her 30s, Tanya developed a strong desire to assist women who had experienced abuse and family dysfunction. She initially enrolled in Social Work but later transferred to Social Science to tailor her studies to her specific goals. Tanya explains, I knew I strongly wanted to study to enable me to create a pathway of helping and supporting women to overcome gender-based violence and the societal issues that disempower women. I did my first Semester in Social Work but transferred into Social Science so I could select units I thought would enhance my capacities in achieving my goals.

Navigating “Uni-Speak”: A Swift Guide to University Terminology

understanding university terminology can be daunting for new students. ECU provides a helpful guide to “uni-speak,” clarifying common terms such as AQF,ATAR,CRICOS code,majors,minors,Full-time,Part-time,Semester 1,Semester 2,Credit Points,Core Units,and Recommended Electives.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

The AQF plays a vital role in the Australian education landscape. It serves as the national regulator of qualifications within the Australian education and training system. the AQF defines the essential characteristics,including the required learning outcomes,for various qualifications issued across higher education institutions in Australia.

Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) Explained

For many aspiring undergraduates, the ATAR is a critical number. The ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, is the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. It’s a percentile score that reflects a student’s ranking relative to their peers across the state upon completing their secondary education.

CRICOS Code: What it Means for International Students

CRICOS is an important acronym for international students. CRICOS stands for the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is assigned to education institutions, such as ECU, that are authorized to recruit, enroll, and educate overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are specifically available to international students who meet the necessary entry requirements.

Majors and Minors: Focusing Your Studies

Within an undergraduate course, students frequently enough choose to specialize in a particular area. A major,also known as a unit set,represents your chosen area of in-depth study. Typically, a major involves eight units of study, constituting about one-third of the units in a three-year degree. Students seeking guidance in selecting a major subject are encouraged to consult their student Information Office.

Minors, conversely, offer a more concentrated area of study. Minors typically include between four and six study units within a specific discipline. It’s important to note that not all courses require the completion of a minor. While a minor subject won’t appear on the printed degree, it is indeed documented on the academic transcript.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study

Understanding the difference between full-time and part-time study is essential for planning your academic journey. Enrolling in three or more units in a semester is generally considered full-time study. To complete most three-year degrees on a full-time basis, students typically need to complete four units per semester, totaling 24 units over three years.

Part-time study offers a more flexible approach. If a course is available for part-time study, it generally takes twice as long to complete compared to full-time enrollment.Part-time students typically enroll in a maximum of one or two units per semester.

It’s crucial for international students holding a student visa to note that they are generally required to choose the full-time study option. This ensures that the course is completed within the validity period of their student visa.

Semester Start Dates and Orientation

The academic year is typically divided into two semesters.Most courses commence in Semester 1 each year, usually during the last week of February.some courses also offer a mid-year start in Semester 2. semester 2 usually begins in the last week of July. To help students acclimate to university life,there is a week of orientation preceding each semester.

Credit Points: Measuring Your Progress

Universities frequently enough use a points system to track student progress.Most Bachelor’s degree study units are assigned 15 credit points. Therefore, a student pursuing a three-year full-time degree needs to successfully complete 360 credit points, which equates to 24 units multiplied by 15 points per unit.

core Units and recommended Electives

Navigating course requirements involves understanding the difference between core units and electives. Core units are compulsory units that students must successfully complete as part of their course requirements.

An elective, on the other hand, is a unit that students choose to study, contributing towards their course requirements but not being mandatory. Some courses offer recommended elective units. In certain situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a substitute for a compulsory one.

Entry Requirements: Academic and English Language Proficiency

Prospective students, both domestic and international, must satisfy specific academic admission requirements to gain entry into ECU’s Bachelor of Social Science program. These requirements encompass a range of qualifications, including an AQF Certificate IV, completed study at the bachelor level, an undergraduate certificate, and performance on specific tests. International students face particular secondary school result requirements. Detailed data is available on ECU’s website.

Demonstrating English language proficiency is also crucial. Acceptable qualifications include Year 12 English with a specified grade, a satisfactory IELTS Academic score, completed study in specific countries, and other approved tests or courses. Comprehensive details are accessible on the ECU website.

Course Structure and Majors: Tailoring Your Social Science Journey

The Bachelor of Social Science program at ECU comprises a major in either Children and Family Studies or Human services and Community Work, supplemented by a minor and/or elective units. Both majors necessitate the completion of 270 credit points from the major itself and an additional 90 credit points from minors and/or electives.The program is identified as C58|2. Students are advised not to exceed 150 credit points at Level 1000. Detailed course structure tables are available for review.

Professional Recognition and Accreditation: Meeting Industry Standards

ECU’s Bachelor of Social Science program holds accreditation from the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). This accreditation mandates that students complete 400 hours of fieldwork, providing invaluable practical experience. Moreover, specific majors within the program may possess additional external recognition, enhancing their professional standing.

Practicum/Placement: gaining Real-world Experience

A mandatory professional placement forms a cornerstone of the Bachelor of Social Science course. Students are required to adhere to ACWA‘s practice guidelines, ensuring they meet industry standards. Those majoring in Human Services must also demonstrate competencies aligned with the Australian association of Social Workers (AASW). Prior to commencing their placement, students must obtain a National Police clearance. Compliance with both ACWA and ECU codes of conduct is also mandatory.

Course Availability: Flexible Study Options

ECU offers both full-time and part-time study options for the Bachelor of Social Science program. These options are available during both Semester 1 and Semester 2, providing flexibility to accommodate diverse student needs. Students can choose to study at the Joondalup campus or online, further enhancing accessibility.

Fees: Understanding the Costs

The estimated first-year indicative fee for domestic students is AUD $10,450. However, this figure serves as a guide only, as the actual cost is contingent upon the specific units chosen. A fee calculator is available on the ECU website to assist students in estimating their expenses.