Bachelor of Social Science

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Magill, Mt Gambier, Whyalla

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BSOCS

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$43,400

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115755A

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6
IELTS Listening 6
IELTS Speaking 6
IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	70
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.80
Canada	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)	65%
China	Gaokao	60%
Denmark	Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma)	4 (Fair)
France	French Baccalaureate	11.0
Global	International Baccalaureate	25
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	16
India	CBSE and CISCE	70
India	State Board Examinations	80
Indonesia	SMA III	75%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.67
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.67
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	23
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	2.81
Norway	Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering	3.2
Philippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	86%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	7
South Korea	College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)	300
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	8
Sweden	Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate	13.0
Taiwan	GSAT %	60%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.20
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	7
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	7
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	21
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1100
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12)	7.8

Note:

Additional Enrolment Information – FAQs | Adelaide University

Why Bachelor of Social Science?

Overview

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras vitae massa et sem finibus dapibus. Praesent varius massa nec nulla venenatis imperdiet.

What you'll learn

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras vitae massa et sem finibus dapibus. Praesent varius massa nec nulla venenatis imperdiet.

Degree Structure: Bachelor of Social Science

Program code: BSOCS

Complete 144 units comprising:

84 units for all Core courses, and
24 to 30 units for one Major from Majors, and
24 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 to 12 units for Electives

Enrolment information

This section highlights key program rules and essential information required for successful enrolment. It may also include supplementary details to support students study plan where applicable.

Notes

1. Field Education consists of a total of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the third year and after completion of all second year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 2 and 5 days per week.
2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, a recognised First Aid Certificate or other requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.
3. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.
4. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.
5. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability) program at Adelaide University will receive 24 units of credit on admission into the Master of Social Work.
6. The first and second years of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are in common with the Bachelor of Social Work. Transfer between awards is possible. Transfer before the end of second year ensures smooth transition to the third year program and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.

Courses

This section shows all the courses that contribute to a student’s program, including elective options that can be selected. These courses come together to form a study plan.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

84 units for all Core courses, and
24 to 30 units for one Major from Majors, and
24 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 to 12 units for Electives

Complete 84 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Governance and Citizenship in Australia	Course code POLI1011	Units 6
Course name Australian Social Policy	Course code POLI2010	Units 6
Course name Group Work	Course code PSYC1009	Units 6
Course name Applied Psychology	Course code PSYC1010	Units 6
Course name Human Service Provision	Course code SOCI1009	Units 6
Course name Social Research Methods	Course code SOCI2009	Units 6
Course name Human Service Project Management	Course code SOCI2010	Units 6
Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Course name The Social World	Course code SOWK1002	Units 6
Course name Human Service Intervention	Course code SOWK2002	Units 6
Course name Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK2003	Units 6
Course name Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing	Course code SOWK2004	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	Course code SOWK2006	Units 6
Course name Human Service Workers and the Law	Course code SOWK2008	Units 6

Complete one Major from the following:

Major name
	Major Ageing and Disability
	Major Human Services

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Human Service Field Placement A	Course code SOCI3901	Units 12
	Course name Human Service Field Placement B	Course code SOCI3900	Units 12

Complete 6 to 12 units for either of the following:

12 units from Program electives, or
6 units from University-wide electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Intercultural Communication	Course code COMM1002	Units 6
Course name Language and Identity	Course code COMM2001	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	Course code HLTH1017	Units 6
Course name Ageing and the Law: Elder Law and Policy	Course code LAWS2009	Units 6
Course name Meaning, Context and Inference	Course code LING1001	Units 6
Course name Global Politics and Development	Course code POLI1012	Units 6
Course name UO Counselling Concepts	Course code SOCI1008	Units 6
Course name UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments	Course code SOCI2011	Units 6
Course name UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care	Course code SOCI3036	Units 6
Course name UO Working with Community	Course code SOWK2010	Units 6

Ready to apply?

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

Ask Adelaide University

When is the last date to apply?

What campuses and facilities does Adelaide University have?

When will my studies commence?

Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

What scholarships are available?

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Get in touch with us.

Ask a question

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:

Case studies
Essays and assignments
Examinations
Group projects
Internships and placements
Practicals
Presentations
Reports and project documentations
Research projects
Workplace and classroom contributions.

Explore Adelaide University

Accommodation options

Considering calling Adelaide home? Explore accommodation options to find a place that's right for you.

Find out more

Life in Adelaide

Discover why Adelaide is one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Find out more

Ebenezer Place shopping and cafes, bikes, bicycles

Scholarships

Our scholarships can provide the helping hand you need to transition into university life.

Find out more

Credit transfer

Get started, faster. Check if your previous studies qualify for credit.

Access credit assessor

Bachelor of Social Science