Course Description
Do you want to make a difference in your community and on society? Do you have a deep desire to help people? The Bachelor of Applied Social Science trains and equips you to assist others in a professional and caring manner, based on evidence-based interventions and best-practice principles.You can choose to specialise in either counselling, chaplaincy & pastoral care, youth work, community work, or cross-cultural community work, with course content and experience meeting appropriate industry requirements.
You will be learning from qualified and experienced health and industry-specific professionals. This course combines theoretical foundations with skill development and the practical experience required to work effectively in a range of applied social science contexts. With an emphasis on skill development and practical experience, you will learn to work professionally to help others.
Course Structure
The course structure comprises of 24 subjects (240 credit points) as follows:
- 15 Core Subjects (150 credit points)
- 7 Specialisation Subjects (70 credit points)
- 2 Elective Subjects (20 credit points)
To graduate a student will complete at least 24 subjects, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.
Recommended Specialisations: Counselling, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, Youth Studies, Social Science or Cross Cultural studies.
Note: Specialisations are advisory only. For more information see Student Handbook.
Subjects
Core / 15 Subjects (150 Credit Points)
- SSC100 Foundations in Social Science Research Methods & Writing
- SSC110 Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing
- SSC111 Case Management
- SSC113 Interpersonal Communication Skills
- SSC210 Human Lifespan Development
- SSC211 Principles of Psychology
- SSC212 Grief and Loss
- SSC213 Social Identity in Australia
- SSC221 Foundations of Professional Practice
- SSC215 Group and Community Work
- SSC216 Mental Health
- SSC218 Working with Trauma
- SSC219 Professional Accountability
- SSC222 Ethical and Professional Issues
- ACA101 Faith and Purpose
Specialisation / 7 Subjects (70 Credit Points)
You can choose one of the following areas of specialisation:
Counselling (required for Counselling accreditation)
- SSC217 Applied Counselling Theories
- SSC340 Engaging Families
- SSC338 Working with Relationships
- SSC310 Field Placement - Counselling
- SSC341 Australian Indigenous Studies OR Counselling Modality subject
- SSC336 Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Therapies
- 10 credit points SSC 100 level or above
Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care
- CCM304 World Religions
- MIN101 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
- MIN102 Christian Spirituality
- SSC334 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
- SSC337 Working with Addictions
- SSC313 Field Placement - Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care
- 10 credit points LEA/MIN/SSC 100 level or above
Youth Studies
- SSC312 Field Placement - Youth Studies
- SSC340 Engaging Families OR SSC337 Working with Addictions
- SSC343 Youth Work
- SSC345 Youth Issues
- SSC339 Working with Children and Young People
- SSC331 Solution Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology
- 10 credit points MIN/SSC 100 level or above
Social Science
- SSC300 Professional Practice
- 20 credit points SSC 100 level or above
- 20 credit points SSC 200 level or above
- 20 credit points SSC 300 level or above
Cross Cultural
- SSC341 Australian Indigenous Studies
- CCM221 Preparing for Cross Cultural Field Ministry
- SOC201 Theology of Social Justice
- CCM304 World Religions
- SSC335 Culturally and Socially Diverse Practice
- 20 credit points CCM/MIN/SSC 200 level or above
Electives/ 2 Subjects (20 Credit Points)
Students are encouraged to complete any two of the following subjects:
- SSC339 Working with Children and Young People
- SSC340 Engaging Families
- SSC337 Working with Addictions
- SSC327 Working with Relationships
- SSC334 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
- SSC343 Youth Work
- SSC345 Youth Issues
- SSC336 Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Therapies
Recommended focus pathways are advisory not compulsory. They do not appear in the award title.
Admission Criteria
Academic
Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)
Applicants admitted on the basis of their recent secondary education must demonstrate the completion of Australian Higher School Certificate with an ATAR of no less than 65 (or the completion of an International Baccalaureate or overseas equivalent qualification and result) for admission into this course.
Special admission is also available for Year 12 students who’s ATAR (or equivalent) falls within 5 points of the published guaranteed ATAR but have done well in subjects relevant to the course of study. These Special Admission Pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director and then tabled for approval by the Admissions Committee.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification will demonstrate the completion of a Certificate III or higher qualification awarded by an authorised institution or registered training organisation (RTO).
The Program Director will conduct a pre-admission interview (either face-to-face or phone or via Zoom) with all applicants seeking entry into the course on the basis of a Certificate III qualification. This interview aims to assess academic suitability and preparedness of the applicant for undergraduate level study.
Applicants with Higher Education Study
Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
If you are over the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply for admission into this course on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate.
Language
Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5. IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.
Essential Requirements for Admission:
Working with Children Check
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.
Pre-admission Interview and Statement of Intention
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.
Study Modes
Locations: Online, SydneyFull-time Duration: 3 years
Part-time Duration: Up to 10 years
2023 Intakes: Oct Intake, Nov Intake
2024 Intakes: Sem 1, Sem 2, Nov Intake
See the timetable to confirm individual subject location and mode availability.
Fees & Timetable
FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies.
This means you can defer your tuition fees via accepting a loan with the Australian government.
2023 Indicative Pricing
- Domestic Student: $2,620.00 per subject x 24 subjects
- International Student: $2,840.00 per subject x 24 subjects
A complete fee schedule for all courses can be found on our Fees Information page.
Scholarships are available for this course, to find out if you qualify, please enquire.
For more information and other financing options, please visit the Financing Your Study page.
For an up-to-date list of subjects available to study for this course, please see our Timetables page.
Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
- 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 selfcare and professional conduct;
Skills
- 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
Application of Knowledge and Skills
- 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
Career Opportunities
Your graduate employment opportunities can include diverse roles such as:
- Community, Case Worker or Youth Worker
- School, Hospital, Community or other Chaplain
- Policy, Project or Family Support Officer
- Support Service Officer specialising in areas such as health, women, disability, children, migration, and refugees
- Accredited Counsellor (with CCAA) - specialising in areas such as schools, community work, careers, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation
Further postgraduate study with AC can also equip you for working in specialist areas such as family, marriage, and trauma counselling. It can also lead to more senior roles in the field or can be a pathway to a career in research and academia.
Work-integrated Learning
To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Applied Social Science, a candidate will complete at least 1 subject (10 credit points) of Professional Practice (100 hour placement).
Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.
Professional Accreditation
If students wish to apply for professional membership or accreditation, they are advised to complete the relevant specialisation. e.g. those interested in being a registered counsellor are advised to complete subjects in the Counselling Specialisation. Students must have the appropriate police checks and approvals for working with children before they may undertake Professional Practice subjects.
Alumni Story
“I was studying the same degree at another university when the lecturer said that our worldview affects everything we do, especially in this job.
At that moment, I realised I needed to find a new place to learn that aligns with my worldview. After asking around, I found Alphacrucis and I have never looked back.”
Abigail Comafay,
Bachelor of Applied Social Science student
