Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Community and Human Services

Effective from 01-JAN-2027 : Code O13

The Bachelor of Community and Human Services 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 professional placement units during the course. 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 Community Work Australia (CWA). 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 Community Work Australia (CWA) and ECU Codes of Conduct along with any agency requirements.

Implications of failing

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

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply specialist and interdisciplinary knowledge of social, cultural and ethical theories and frameworks relevant to community and human service organisations and practice.
2. Interpret, critically analyse, research, and evaluate established theories, practices and issues arising in community and human service work independently and collaboratively.
3. Apply creative thinking and interpersonal skills to develop and implement holistic, inclusive and ethical responses to complex community and human service challenges, including in professional practice contexts.
4. Use digital literacy skills to access, evaluate and synthesize relevant information from multiple sources, and engage critically, ethically and productively with existing and emerging technologies.
5. Communicate clearly, coherently and with academic integrity to support the needs and expectations of communities, organisations and people across the lifespan.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook and self-awareness with respect for culture and diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural responsiveness.
7. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, integrity, initiative, judgement and feedback literacy in own learning and professional practice.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Provisionally Accredited by: Community Work Australia.
Provisional accreditation is given by Community Work Australia (formerly ACWA, the Australian Community Workers Association) to newly accredited courses and courses that need to demonstrate compliance with Community Work Australia’s course accreditation guidelines. Provisional accreditation is treated the same as full accreditation for the purpose of membership and migration skills assessments.

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.

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. These days will be run consecutively in one week in the break between semester 1 and semester 2. This is a requirement set by Community Work Australia (CWA) for accredited programs. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership to CWA.

Course Coordinator

Ms Rosa NAPOLITANO-LINCOLN

Course Structure

This is a Programmatic Learning course. This Course uses a mix of Learning Units and Assessment Units which all connect together.

• Learning Units are where students develop their knowledge, skills, and capabilities through regular activities and feedback.
• Assessment Units are where students integrate, apply and demonstrate that learning.

Students will collect evidence of learning in a digital portfolio that charts their course journey, and can be used as a showcase to employers.

Students are required to complete:

- Learning Units: 360 credit points of comprising 255 credit points core units and 105 credit points of electives from any other combination of minor or other elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities and/or other Schools in the University. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete the recommended electives.

- Assessment Units: 6x0-credit point core units

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES

* Assessment Unit