Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Community and Human Services

Effective from 01-JAN-2026 : Code C58

The Bachelor of Community and Human Services will be an Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) accredited bachelor degree that prepares students to work and have a positive impact in the community and human service sector. Infusing the perspectives of self-awareness, intersectionality, equity, inclusion and social justice throughout the curriculum, the course equips students with the knowledge needed to effectively provide strengths-based, person-centred support to a diverse range of individuals across the lifespan and within diverse communities, including children and families, youth, older adults, vulnerable and marginalised communities. Students will also be equipped with advanced skills in the areas of interpersonal skill, case management, community development, social analysis, and program development and evaluation. Students will apply and further develop their skills through workplace-based placement opportunities in organisations that provide community and human service support.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Clinical or professional work placement Requirement

Students are required to complete a professional placement unit during the course. The requirements for this professional placement must meet the Practice Guidelines as set by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Further information regarding Professional Placement can be found at: <a href="https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/professional-placement">https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/professional-placement</a>

Duty of care

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.

Attendance requirements

Students are required to validate the Practice Guidelines as set out by Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) and/or the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends.

Professional practice rules

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.

Implications of failing

Students should be aware that failure to successfully complete the practicum unit aligned to the major will result in failure of the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply broad knowledge of social, cultural, ethical theories and frameworks relevant to community and human service organisations and practice.
2. Think critically to interpret, analyse, research, evaluate established theories, current practices, and issues that arise in relation to the practice of community and human service work.
3. Think creatively to effectively engage with issues and generate wholistic, inclusive outcomes in response to community and human service challenges.
4. Use digital literary skills to access, evaluate, synthesize relevant information from multiple sources, and engage with emerging technologies ethically and intelligently.
5. Communicate clearly and coherently to support and meet the needs and expectations of clients across the lifespan, communities and organisations.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook and self-awareness with respect for culture, and diversity, including Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
7. Demonstrate high level collaboration and interpersonal skills and personal integrity when taking initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values and action related to the work of community and human services.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional development.

Professional Recognition

Unit sets

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

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Cert IV;
• Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or
• Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• 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); or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years
• Part Time: 6 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time
• Online: Full Time, Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

All students, including those who elect to study online, are required to complete 5 days of face-to-face classroom-based learning. This is a requirement set by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) for accredited programs. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership to ACWA. These days will be run consecutively in one week.

Course Coordinator

A/Prof Kwadwo ADUSEI-ASANTE

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 16 core units and 7 elective units. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of minors or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools.

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