Bachelor of Applied Social Science
You are the change agent that people in need seek
There are deep needs within our society and a desire within many of us to help others. The Bachelor of Applied Social Science course trains and equips you to help others in a professional and ethical way. Social Science is a very practical field and our course is based on giving people the skills and practical experience required to work effectively in a range of applied social science contexts.
Do you have a deep desire to help people? Do you think of the needs in society, your community, the world, and wish you could do something about it? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those around you but not know where to start?
Join the Bachelor of Applied Social Science and get equipped for a career that will change people's lives for the better. Graduate and work in any number of areas, assisting people to be the best they can be, in all circumstances of life. Specialise in your area of interest whether it be Youth Work, Counselling,Chaplaincy, Case Management, Pastoral Care or Social Welfare.
Dr Rebecca Loundar
Program Director, Bachelor of Applied Social Science
Download:
Course Information
CRICOS Course Code: 093683J
The Bachelor of Social Science is a degree comprised of 24 subjects (240 credit points). Every program for this award shall include:
▪ 15 compulsory core subjects
▪ 7 focus area (specialisation) subjects
▪ 2 electives
▪ Understanding and knowledge of historic and current thinking within the social sciences; in-depth ethical, theoretical and practical knowledge about providing informed care to others; as well as a broad and coherent understanding of the dynamic relationship between the two;
▪ Broad, coherent and practical knowledge about the underlying principles and concepts for both maintaining currency in their chosen profession and independent lifelong learning; the limits inherent in these and their relevance to self-care and professional conduct;
▪ Able to critically and respectfully debate the nature of self, others and the world in which they live; exercising judgement and the ability to research, analyse, consolidate and synthesise relevant materials from the social sciences to substantiate their claims;
▪ Appraise individual and cultural diversity in both development and relationships and the practice implications of these; demonstrate the cognitive, technical and creative abilities to maintain these skills in changing contexts;
▪ Display self-awareness and the ability to be self-evaluative;
▪ Communicate effectively and creatively, through electronic media, orally and in writing with individuals, families, groups and organisations;
▪ Integrating theory with informed and relational praxis;
▪ Demonstrate social responsibility in their engagement with others and by shaping the culture around them in a holistic, ethical, respectful and client focused manner;
▪ Able to work independently, exercising responsibility and accountability in matching complex concerns with evidence based practices; able to identify and action learning opportunities after reflection on feedback;
▪ Develop those specific attributes that prepare them for membership in their chosen professional association and the lifelong learning skills to retain or advance this membership.
Hobart
Online
Sydney
Face-to-Face (weekly 3 hour lectures)
Intensive (4-5 days of lectures delivered within a one week period)
Extensive (4-5 days lectures delivered across a term period)
Blended Delivery (weekly video/audio lectures provided to be viewed at own convenience, along with intensives)
Full-Time: 3 Years (4 subjects per semester, 40 credit points)
Part-Time: Up to 10 Years (1 - 2 subjects per semester)
Please see the Indicative Fee Schedule for information about the domestic and international fees for this year: https://www.ac.edu.au/documents/fees-and-fee-help-information/
The Bachelor of Applied Social Science qualifies for FEE-HELP Loan Funding. Consult http://study assist.gov.au/ for eligibility details.
Austudy, Abstudy and Youth Allowance are available for this course. To check your eligibility and to find out more information, please visit the Study Assist website.
To view complete course structure, including a recommended course plan, click here.
Entry Requirements
IELTS
International Students will be required to show proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, reading 6.5; writing 6.5; speaking 6.5; listening 6.5 (or equivalent).
Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following academic entry requirements:
Completion of Completion of Year 12 with a minimum ATAR score of 60-65, or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result.
Completion of an Australian Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.
Completion of an Australian Level 7 Bachelor degree or above postgraduate qualification (or equivalent overseas qualification).
Applicants with no formal qualifications who are aged 21+ may be eligible for entry on the basis of mature age (provisional entry). These applicants may be required to sit a STAT test and will need to successfully complete their first 4 subjects to be permitted to continue without the Provisional Entry restrictions.
Non-Academic Entry Requirements
All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects. Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’ in Education.
Students may be requested to submit a Statement of Intention as part of their application for admission into this course. In addition, a pre-admission interview may also be conducted.
Fees
Complete Fee Schedules and FEE-HELP information (where appropriate) for all Alphacrucis courses can be found in our Documents section, under the Fees and FEE-HELP Information link.
Ps Grant Buchanan (faculty profile)
Grant came to Australia to take a position in an ACC church in Melbourne’s SE suburbs primarily as Creative Ministries and Small Groups Pastor. From 2010-2015, he covered a number of part time roles apart from his teaching, including chaplaincy and counselling. He re-joined the Harvest Bible College Staff in 2015 as Dean of Learning and Teaching and is currently the BTh Program director with AC. He is presently completing his PhD at University of Divinity in Melbourne looking at a pneumatological reading of Galatians and how this impacts identity.
As a pastor, counsellor and teacher, Grant continues to engage in pastoral care and counselling helping encourage and equip people for life and ministry. He is active as an itinerant speaker, and though not on staff, is a part of the leadership team of a missional church in Beaconsfield.
When not drinking coffee, talking coffee and thinking coffe, Grant spends time reading, at the gym and time with his wife Trudy, his two boys, Joel and Zac, and friends. Both he and Trudy love exploring the various eating precincts of Melbourne. He enjoys NZ Rugby, AFL and action movies. As a musician for many years his taste varies from Blues through Rock to some forms of Jazz. He loves flying and previously worked as a flying instructor. Travel for love and ministry is high on the agenda, so he and Trudy are looking forward to holidaying and ministering more within Australia and beyond.
Christopher Cat (faculty profile)
Kylie Dragan (faculty profile)
Samir Eljagh Samir Eljagh (faculty profile)
John Guerra (faculty profile)
Deb Hannaford (faculty profile)
Dr Katherine Hurrell (faculty profile)
Katherine currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer in the department of Social Sciences at Alphacrucis College, Sydney, Australia. She develops and teaches a range of social science and counselling subjects for students undertaking the bachelor and postgraduate programs and is also involved with the supervision of Higher Degree Research (HDR). Katherine obtained her PhD on a full scholarship from Macquarie University (Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship), which examined the role of parenting factors and emotion regulation in children diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Her thesis was awarded the Vice Chancellor's Commendation for Academic Excellence and she had the privilege of presenting her findings at the World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies conference (WCBCT) in Peru. Prior to this, Katherine obtained a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology (with Distinction) and a postgraduate diploma in Forensic Psychology (with Distinction). In addition to her academic role, Katherine is a fully registered psychologist with endorsement to practice in the area of clinical psychology. She has been consulting for over 15 years with both children/adolescents and adults in her busy private practice in Sydney's Hills District. Katherine enjoys the balance of her academic and professional roles; with each serving to compliment one another and provide a rewarding vocation. She brings a wide scope of psychological expertise to her teaching, having worked across a range of public and private settings, including hospitals, university clinics and NSW Corrections (offender management & rehabilitation). More recently, Katherine has partnered with local churches in the provision of wellbeing sessions for pastors, professional supervision and occasional speaking events. She finds the intersection of psychology/counselling and ministry a unique and energising area to practice. She also believes in the value of this work for the prevention of pastoral burnout. This area aligns with her general interests in positive psychology and wellbeing across industries and professions (e.g., education, corporate and first responders). When Katherine is not working, she can be found spending her time outdoors, keeping active and enjoying quality time with her husband, three sons and fun-loving labrador!
Professional Memberships:
Member, Australian Psychological Society
Fellow, Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists
Member, Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law
Member, Anxiety Practitioners Network
Johnny Kumar (faculty profile)
Dr Rebecca Loundar (faculty profile)
Rev Dr Nigel Pegram (faculty profile)
Deborah Stengert (faculty profile)
Vici Tunney (faculty profile)
Vici has had a background in Education both in NSW and Qld, serving as Deputy Principal in several schools in both states. Together with her husband she pioneered a Christian school in Gladstone, planted a campus of Springfield Christian Family in Brisbane and pastored the campus fulltime for 10 years.
Outside College life, Vici is actively involved in preaching, pastoral work, teaching and missions. Vici is one of five Church Elders with oversight of the 4 campuses of Springfield Christian Family and an ordained minister with Australian Christian Churches. Her interests include reading for a purpose, mentoring the next generation and lively theological & philosophical discussions. Her personal values include being a committed follower of Jesus, an encourager of others and a life-long learner,
Vici has ministered in churches and to missionaries in Ukraine, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam. She travels regularly with her husband who is involved in monitoring development projects in South-east Asia. Vici is married to Craig and have twin boys and a daughter, all married with 6 grandchildren.
Ps Jeremy Weetman (faculty profile)
Jeremy has served in pastoral ministry for over twenty-six years following his graduation from Commonwealth Bible College in 1991. He has been involved in most aspects of church life including senior leadership and also been involved at a state and regional level with the ACC. Jeremy has been teaching Bible and ministry subjects since 2011.
Jeremy began his MA (Min) with Harvest Bible College in 2011, and on completion progressed to doctoral studies with a particular interest in sacred space and contemporary spirituality. His interests involve cycling, cooking, reading, and is a self-confessed cricket tragic.
Jeremy is married to Vicki, who is completing a PhD with Griffith University in cultural theory (meaning exciting study dates…), and is dad to four adult children who are amongst his favourite humans to spend time with.
Dr Yong-Sun Yang (faculty profile)
Yong-Sun Yang has an academic training in Mathematics, Economics, Philosophy, and Theology. He was born in South Korea and came to Australia in 1993 after 2 years of study in Japan. He lives in Sydney with his wife, Mi-Hea, three daughters, So-Ra, So-Ri, and Ha-Neul, and one son, Jeong-Hun.
Andrew Youd (faculty profile)
Andrew Youd is married to Nicola, they have a son, named Jesse, and they live in Newcastle NSW with their two dogs and four chickens. Andrew graduated with a BTh from Southern Cross College in 2009, and completed his MaCS with Alphacrucis in 2014. Andrew is an active member of C3 Victory, in Newcastle. Andrew has worked in the Faculty of Theology for seven and a half years as Associate Lecturer of Theology, teaching systematic theology and Christian ethics. Andrew also works with the Faculty of Education as Coordinator of Higher Education in Schools. As part of this role, Andrew is joint regional director of the St Philip's Christian College Teaching School Education Hub. Andrew has a passion for applied theology, whether it be theology for the Church, or Ethics for the individual, and now more recently, Christian Education.
Units offered as part of this Award:
- BIB102 - Introduction to Israel's Scriptures (Old Testament)
-
Description: The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with Israel's Scriptures as a coherent narrative that is of crucial importance to Christians (pun intended!). While this subject includes a discussion of every book in Israel's Scriptures, it goes beyond this to look at how the character of God is communicated and traces significant themes throughout. We will also look at how to read Hebrew narrative and poetry, and at the influence of cultural background on interpretation. Unit detail page >>
- BIB103 - Introduction to the New Testament
-
Description: This course seeks to introduce the content of the books of the NT with a view to providing a basis for further reading and study. The primary focus will be on the message of each book within its particular historical-cultural setting, with some attention being given to its contribution to the theology of the NT as a whole. Selected critical issues will be dealt with on occasion. Unit detail page >>
- EXP205 - Culturally Diverse Communication
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- EXP304 - Supervised Placement
-
Description: This subject provides opportunities for you to integrate theory and practice through a supervised work integrated learning placement. Successful completion of this subject and the Applied Social Science award will allow you to become provisional members of PACFA organisations. Placements may not take place in a previous placement context without the permission of the Program Director. Unit detail page >>
- EXP305 - Working with Older People
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- LEA211 - Transformational Leadership
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- RES101 - Introduction to Academic Writing and Research
-
Description: New to higher education studies & it all seems too hard? Worried about writing essay papers? Or where to begin researching? Or you feel confident in writing, but want to learn the skills of evaluating the masses of information we are bombarded with? This unit is for you! It will give you the tools of how to succeed in your undergraduate academic studies. It will examine how you learn, plus challenge you to think deeper, wider and more creatively. It will also encourage you in how to critically evaluate and reflect on information. Plus develop your skills in how to put it all together in an essay paper or oral presentation. Unit detail page >>
- SSC101 - Psychology Of Emotion
-
Description: This is a first year Applied Social Science core subject that introduces students to the fields of psychology, social science and the importance of emotions in human identity. It leads into other psychology subjects and informs subjects such as grief and loss. This subject will allow students to develop a better understanding and management of their emotions. Students learn how to use this as a basis for building a framework to identify and work appropriately with the emotions of clients in an empathetic and professional manner. Unit detail page >>
- SSC102 - Case Management
-
Description: This subject will prepare you for working within the human services. It will provide an overview of the human services as a whole and of some of the theoretical approaches that may guide practice. This subject will include a focus on case management and the many roles that case managers, counsellors and social workers may take within the human services and counselling practice. Reflective Practice will be discussed throughout the course schedule to aid you in becoming familiar with the processes and theories that underpin good practice. Unit detail page >>
- SSC104 - Skills for Counselling
-
Description: On successfully completing this subject, you will be able to use practical skills for more effective interpersonal communication as well as basic counselling skills. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students must have completed a course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback. Unit detail page >>
- SSC105 - Reflective Counselling
-
Outcomes:
- Participate in 6 sessions of personal counselling with a graduate counsellor;
- Identify an area of change and engage with the counselling process;
- Describe the counselling process in terms of personal development and basic counselling theory;
- Critique and record your self-awareness of the counselling process for yourself and your role as a counsellor.
- SSC201 - Human Lifespan Development
-
Description: This subject will introduce you to the developmental processes and tasks that an individual is expected to accomplish over the lifespan from conception to death. The subject will include multicultural and critical perspectives on development across the lifespan and will assist you in helping others understand normal developmental processes. Unit detail page >>
- SSC202 - Counselling Frameworks
-
Description: This subject builds on the foundations of Skills for Counselling by introducing advanced counselling techniques and a counselling framework. You will gain the ability to assess, understand specific client needs, and use counselling micro-skills and techniques in working with people in a counselling context. During the subject you will learn how to counsel clients with problems in the areas of anger, stress, self- esteem and other specific issues. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement for which you must have completed a course where at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback. Unit detail page >>
- SSC203 - Introduction To Psychology
-
Description: This subject provides a basic overview of the nature, scope, models and theories of modern psychology and allows you to consider how these may impact on the worldview you currently hold. Unit detail page >>
- SSC204 - Grief and Loss
-
Description: This is a second-year core subject that builds on Skills for Counselling, introducing students into the specialist skills and knowledge that will enable them to support those who seek help in grief and loss contexts. This subject examines uncomplicated and complicated grief processes and provides diverse opportunities for insight and personal reflection into the theories of grief and loss. Students will develop principles and practices for grief and loss counselling enabling them to support those who are suffering grief due to bereavement or other significant losses. Unit detail page >>
- SSC205 - Social Identity in Australia
-
Description: This subject will provide an introduction to understanding Australian society from a sociological perspective. You will gain an understanding of the social and cultural influences on the formation of identity. Through a grasp of sociological theory applied to different features, structures, and institutions, you will be better equipped to understand Australian society, and the need for a broad-range of interventions in people’s lives that work in conjunction with psychological interventions. This subject will equip you to engage with the broader public and policy realms in which the practitioner will move. Unit detail page >>
- SSC206 - Mental Health
-
Description: This subject will help students recognise signs of mental health conditions and how to provide appropriate support, help, or referral for individuals with these issues. Students will explore causality and identify the role of the community in supporting people with mental health conditions. Unit detail page >>
- SSC207 - Group and Community Work
-
Description: This skills development subject will examine community leadership principles, group processes and dynamics and apply them in the class context. The aim of this approach is to give you regular and on-going real world experiences that will allow you to improve your capacity to develop community within a group context and to promote individual growth/change through this context. The subject comes from a both a sociological (human services emphasis) and Christian service basis which will cause you to critically reflect on and learn from both current and past group and community experiences. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students must have completed a course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback. Unit detail page >>
- SSC301 - Working with Relationships
-
Description: This subject draw on knowledge from previous subjects and perspectives on personality, the formation of habitual behaviour, the influence of the family of origin, culture and gender; and separation, divorce and step families. It will help you understand some of the complexities of relationship therapy, including attitudes, emotions and behaviours that have a positive or negative impact on relationships. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students must have completed a course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback. Unit detail page >>
- SSC302 - Working with Trauma
-
Description: This subject allows the class to examine the complex issues of trauma and abuse in contemporary society. It aims to raise your awareness and knowledge of the nature and forms of trauma and/or abuse in relationships, the consequences of these on individuals, families and communities, as well as to develop appropriate skills and attitudes to counsel or refer counsellors from these backgrounds. Unit detail page >>
- SSC303 - Accountability in Practice
-
Description: This subject will provide classroom support for you while on supervised field placement. It provides both individual and group supervision, and the opportunity to reflect on your cases in other subjects in the course. You will also gain a broader understanding of presenting problems, diagnoses, assessment and management through case conferences involving an approved mix of peer review, professional development and supervisors. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students must have com-pleted a course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback. Unit detail page >>
- SSC304 - Legal and Ethical Considerations
-
Description: This subject looks at the legislative framework of human services practice and professional ethical codes of conduct as they apply to counselling, ministry and related fields of practice within Australia. This subject will familiarise you with the ethical standards expected in professional practice involving work with others as individuals or communities, the requirements of documentation, and the appropriate ways to respond to legal and/or ethical dilemmas. It will also explore a range of related professional issues with a focus on self-care. Unit detail page >>
- SSC306 - Working with Offenders
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSC401 - Professional Considerations
-
Description: This subject looks at the legislative framework of human services practice and professional ethical codes of conduct as they apply to counselling, ministry and related fields of practice within Australia. This subject will familiarise you with the ethical standards expected in professional practice involving work with others as individuals or communities, the requirements of documentation, and the appropriate ways to respond to legal and/or ethical dilemmas. It will also explore a range of related professional issues with a focus on self-care. Unit detail page >>
- SSE201 - Applied Counselling Theories A
-
Description: This subject will trace the development of current counselling methodologies starting with Freud and moving forward to current day approaches. You will be encouraged to trial the key components of each theory and compare and contrast the effectiveness of each in a range of contexts. Unit detail page >>
- SSE202 - Applied Counselling Theories B
-
Description: This subject will trace the development of current counselling modalities starting with Freud and moving forward. You will be encouraged to trial the key components of each theory and compare and contrast the effectiveness of each in a range of contexts. You will discuss integration in terms of theology and psychology and explore integrative psychology. Unit detail page >>
- SSE203 - Working With Families
-
Description: This subject will introduce a comprehensive, inclusive understanding of the concept of family. It will present a variety of perspectives and theories for understanding families, their dynamics, and the impact on the individual. Counselling individuals, couples and families from a systemic versus individualistic perspective will be explored, with reference to modern and post-modern theoretical approaches to counselling. Role plays will form a significant learning tool to enable students to develop awareness of the challenges and effective interventions that can be utilised when working with individuals, couples and families in a systemic counselling model. This subject also provides a framework for students to explore their own family experiences and to assess how those experiences have impacted their development and may influence or impact their counselling practice. Unit detail page >>
- SSE204 - Cultural Anthropology
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE205 - Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE208 - Concepts Of Youth Work
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE209 - Methods Of Youth Work
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE210 - Youth Issues
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE211 - Working In Schools
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE302 - Working with Addictions
-
Description: This subject aims to equip students to understand the issues and dynamics surrounding the development of addictions and the focus of particular addictions. It will focus on a range of addictive behaviours. Students will examine the causes, characteristics, consequences and management associated with addictions. Unit detail page >>
- SSE304 - Australian Aboriginal Studies
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE305 - Culturally Diverse Practice
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE311 - Introducing Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
-
Description: This subject aims to introduce students to the theory and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Students will gain insights into the main theories, concepts and skills of CBT and the way in which they are applied to a variety of counselling scenarios. This intensive will give students the opportunity to experience and deliver CBT skills. Students will also develop skills in case formulation using a cognitive-behavioural approach. Unit detail page >>
- SSE313 - Introducing Narrative Therapy
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE314 - Introducing Solution Focused Therapy
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE315 - Introducing Creative Therapies
-
Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- SSE317 - Working with Children and Adolescents
-
Description: This subject examines developmental, psychological and behavioural aspects of child and adolescent development, providing knowledge, understanding and insights that will help counsellors function as members of management teams. Unit detail page >>
- THE101 - Christian Worldview
-
Description: Do you have questions about God that you have been unable to answer? Do you sometimes wonder whether Christian beliefs about things like the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus make any sense? This unit provides you with the opportunity to explore those beliefs that are foundational to Christianity. It argues that what we believe about God (our theology) has a practical impact upon our life and ethics and, therefore, provides an overview of Christian faith, and reflects on the ways in which this faith informs our everyday life and calling. The topics addressed range from the doctrine of God, creation and sin, to discussion on the person and work of Christ, and the nature of the coming kingdom of God. Unit detail page >>
- XXX292 - Special Elective
-
Description: This subject will reflect an exploration of this specialist area of study, and build upon previous knowledge gained by the student in their studies. Unit detail page >>
- XXX369 - Field Study
-
Description: This unit features an onsite field study program Unit detail page >>
