Course leader: Ian Murray
This course is designed to provide a sound understanding of the human services field and of the major theoretical ideas and practice paradigms appropriate to the delivery of human services in a wide range of situations. It seeks to prepare graduates for employment in a rapidly changing environment in which flexibility of thinking and the capacity to develop and implement innovative programs are required.The program is articulated with TAFE Social and Community Services courses and will enable holders of advanced certificates and associate diplomas to build upon their existing knowledge, skills and qualifications while remaining in their chosen field of expertise.
Applicants will generally have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or equivalent. Mature-age applicants who do not meet the minimum educational requirements but who have substantial experience in the field are also encouraged to apply. These applicants will be required to undertake an entrance test.
Applicants who have completed an advanced certificate or an associate diploma in a related area may apply for credit for studies undertaken.
In addition to completing a general application, applicants should obtain the document `Further information for applicants' and complete the special application form, both of which are available from the Human Services Section of the Department of Social Work and Human Services at Caulfield.
The course consists of a three-year sequence in human services as follows:
* An approved elective subject may be substituted for any one of these three subjects.
In the first year of the course, students also undertake a two-semester sequence in sociology: In addition, first-year students must choose an elective subject from any discipline.The first-year-level sequence WEL1320 (Behavioural studies A) and WEL1340 (Behavioural studies B) is available to Bachelor of Arts students. These subjects may not be taken in conjunction with first-year psychology subjects but may be included in the compulsory ninety-two `arts' points for the arts degree. Bachelor of Arts students are also permitted to undertake the following human services subjects (subject to prerequisites): WEL1310 (Human services: history and structures), WEL1330 (Human services: methods and values), WEL1350 (Law for human service workers), WEL2390 (Practice skills for human service workers), WEL2410 (Community work), WEL3110 (Research methods for human services), WEL3210 (Program planning, implementation and evaluation) and WEL3220 (Human service organisations), WEL3310 (Advanced practice skills for human service workers A), WEL3320 (Advanced practice skills for human service workers B). These subjects, however, cannot be counted towards the compulsory ninety-two `arts' points.
For postgraduate courses offered by the department, please refer to the Arts graduate handbook 1998.