This unique double degree will prepare you to work as a human services professional and develop services and support those that experience disadvantage, personal and social difficulties.

The human services field is a rapidly growing sector of the Australian economy and an emerging area of global focus. Employers, both in Australia and internationally, are increasingly seeking skilled human service practitioners who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Graduates with a strong command of professional English, social policy skills, strong intercultural communication skills, and proficiency in a second language are in high demand.

You will graduate with skills in research, policy and project management, tailored to your area of interest based on your choice of arts majors, choosing from Languages (English Language; French, Italian or Japanese Studies); Sociology; or Linguistics. Through 560 hours of supervised work placement you will be ready to work in a wide range of jobs in human services and community development.

Language students will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture through our exchange and in-country study programs.

Many courses within the degree are offered online or in intensive mode, including our exciting summer and winter schools, offering students a flexible mode of study. If you finish your degree with a credit or higher Grade Point Average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the prestigious one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

What you'll learn

You will develop the skills, knowledge and intercultural expertise to support individuals, families, groups and communities both locally and internationally in the community aid and humanitarian sector.

You will also develop diverse knowledge in political, behavioural and social sciences, all within the context of human services. To complement your studies in Human Services, you will complete two Arts majors, choosing from Languages (English Language; French, Italian or Japanese Studies); Sociology; or Linguistics.

You could improve your employment prospects by continuing your studies with a one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

A career in the human services sector requires a strong interest in people; you also need to be able to think clearly and logically, to be compassionate, understanding and patient. If you think you’ve got what it takes, the employment opportunities are excellent and the demand for graduates is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a wide range of fields. Careers to consider:

• community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure the growth, health and vitality of a region
• community services worker: work with individuals and groups in the areas of psychology, rehabilitation and social work
• consular officer: issue visas, and offer advice and consular assistance
• counsellor: work with individuals and groups to help people overcome problems
• humanitarian worker: facilitate the distribution of aid to people who have been affected by human or natural disasters
• ministerial advisor: ensure that decisions made by the minister are implemented by agencies
• project manager: use your managerial expertise to manage individual projects; work to meet deadlines and budget requirements
• policy developer and analyst: study social problems and develop policies in order to solve them
• social researcher: plan, design, conduct, manage and report on a range of social topics, including crime, healthcare, social services and unemployment
• translator/interpreter: assist in communication between two parties and translate either written or spoken words from one language into another
• youth worker: guide and support young people in their social, educational and personal development
• policy advisor: review, develop and implement policies and strategies

You could improve your employment prospects by continuing your studies with a one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

 1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association. Graduates will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Community Workers Association.