Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

As a student studying the Languages major you will embark on an in-depth study of French, Italian or Japanese language (find out about other languages available through cross-institutional study by talking to the program director). You will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language(s) and culture(s) through our exchange and in-country study programs. 

You will:

• Acquire competence in the speaking and writing of one or more major world language(s) both face-to-face and online;
• Be equipped with transferable language and intercultural skills required for work in international and multilingual professions and industries, part of which can be spent studying the chosen language in-country.
• Be equipped to work independently and collaboratively to construct effective arguments and produce creative and critical texts across a wide range of multilingual genres and media.
• Have a defined set of speaking, writing, editing and relevant analytical skills in the target language that can be used in a broad range of multilingual professional contexts.

You will also graduate with advanced writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and languages and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

What you'll learn

Under the guidance of world-class researchers you will embark on an in-depth study of French, Italian, Japanese or English (for non-English speaking students). You will develop your proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in your chosen language, as well as your understanding of the related culture and society.

You will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language(s) and culture(s) through exchange and in-country study programs. This degree allows you to select two majors ensuring you graduate with a broad knowledge of two areas of interest. You can choose your second major from the following:

• Aboriginal Studies
• Applied Linguistics
• Cultural Studies
• Creative Writing and Literature
• History and Global Politics
• Law, Policy and Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

This master degree will provide you with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for social work practice, including an advanced understanding of:

• Social work values
• Ethics and identity
• Human rights
• Current social issues
• Mental health
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• Child protection
• Cross cultural practice

What you'll learn

On completion, you will have advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values, and ethics.

The English Language major will equip you with communicative proficiency and intercultural expertise to work in local and global contexts.

You will:

• Develop advanced level English skills to equip you as a career-ready professional
• Gain intercultural expertise to work internationally in a wide range of contexts
• Develop research and project management skills to help you pursue honours, research or postgraduate studies
• Gain a high-level understanding of how English affects the experience of individuals and communities globally.

What you'll learn

The English Language major will equip you with communicative proficiency and intercultural expertise to work in local and global contexts.

As a student studying the Law, Policy and Politics major you will develop an understanding of relevant legal systems, international and domestic law, the politics of environmental change and marginalisation in world affairs.

What you'll learn

The Law, Policy, and Politics major will contextualize Australia’s legal and political systems in the broader context of global politics and international policy and law. You will complete courses in relevant disciplines from across the university.

This degree helps you develop many transferable skills including:

• A broad knowledge of global legal and political systems
• Critical analysis
• Contemporary research strategies
• Applying knowledge to a range of legal and political contexts

Investigate the interaction between brain function and human behaviour when you study South Australia’s only cognitive neuroscience degree.

This exciting degree integrates psychology and biology, preparing you for a rewarding and stimulating career in neuropsychology. You will learn the information needed for a career in this specialisation, as well as gain practical experience in our on-campus facilities and dedicated laboratories.

What you'll learn

At the completion of this degree you will have a sound knowledge of psychology, combined with specialist knowledge and research skills in cognitive neuroscience. You will also study a combination of specialist psychology courses, electives and courses from the Cognitive Neuroscience major.

Fast-track your communication career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with our 3 + 1 Pathway to Master of Communication package. This unique offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by completing two industry-informed qualifications that have been developed to meet the fast-changing needs of the communication and media industries.

This package provides you with an opportunity to study a three-year bachelor degree and a one-year master degree (typically two years) in four years by substituting four undergraduate courses for selected postgraduate courses in the third year of your bachelor degree.

As part of this packaged program, you will:

• Major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
• Select a sub-major in areas including applied linguistics, digital media, film and television, journalism, languages, marketing or social media
• Study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and digital entrepreneurship
• Undertake an industry-supervised project in your final year
• Study industry-informed degrees, which are adaptable and agile changing to the needs and demands of industry.

During your studies you will develop an advanced understanding of communication strategies and theories, and graduate with the capabilities to be a successful leader and decision-maker in any communication setting, across a diverse range of industries. 

What you'll learn

Your undergraduate degree will start with core courses in communication, where you will create, develop and deliver communication strategies for traditional and online media. You will also develop writing skills for a range of platforms, including traditional media, social media and digital platforms.

You will:

• Learn how to manage media and public relations in contemporary society, including the analytical thinking required for strategic planning and communication management 
• Study emerging trends within the communications industry, along with media law and ethics
• Major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
• Select a sub-major in areas including digital media, film and television, journalism, linguistics, marketing or social media
• Undertake an industry internship in your third year
• Study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and digital entrepreneurship
• Undertake an industry-supervised project or research thesis in the final year of your masters degree.

Through your postgraduate studies, you’ll build your professional skills in social and digital media management, public relations and strategic communication. You’ll also:

• Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
• Explore topics including digital design and strategic communication in campaigns and crises
• Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
• Study in a workshop-based environment with connections to industry partners, real-world projects, and placement and networking opportunities

Skilled communicators are essential in every organisation and industry sector, and this adaptable degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to plan, develop and deliver communication activities across a range of platforms.

You will develop skills in:

• Writing and creating content for traditional and online media
• Analysing social media and its role in society
• Managing media and public relations
• Critical and analytical thinking required for the strategic planning and management of communication and media.

What you Learn

You will learn how to write, plan, deliver and evaluate communication strategies that engage and inform target audiences using a range of media platforms. With a focus on communication for both traditional and online media, you'll study:

• Writing and content creation for traditional and online
• Social media strategy, engagement and content creation
• Critical and analytical thinking required for the strategic planning and management of communication and media
• Communication and media research
• Media law and ethics
• Emerging trends

The Bachelor of Film and Television is an innovative degree that puts you at the cutting edge of film, television, visual effects (VFX) production and theory.

You'll develop the technical knowledge and experience needed to enter the exciting world of screen production and content creation. While you study you will develop the skills and contacts you need for a successful career in the creative industries; graduating with a digital portfolio of work and practical industry experience.

You also have the opportunity to specialise in visual effects in your third year of study at world-renowned VFX studio, Rising Sun Pictures where you will study alongside industry professionals and mentors. 

Second and third-year students have the opportunity to participate in the Film Concept Lab and work alongside We Made A Thing Studios and other industry professionals in the production of films for festival release.

What you'll learn

Throughout the degree, you will explore theory and practice combining traditional and digital forms required by industry. You will gain an understanding in all stages of the professional production cycle from conceptualisation and script writing, through to production and post-production.

You will analyse film and media from around the globe to gain insight into different creative contexts, forms and practices. You will develop professional knowledge in screenwriting, cinematic design, and the production of documentary, experimental and narrative film and television, and VFX, while understanding different media platforms and the end-user experience.

You can specialise in Film and Television production or VFX. In the Film and Television production specialisation, you will complete a series of industry, production and screen theory courses, and will have the opportunity to apply for the UniSA and WeMat Film Concept Lab. In the VFX specialisation, you will study the third year of the degree at Rising Sun Pictures (RSP), working alongside world-class visual effects artists who have created hundreds of sequences for motion pictures, including Thor: Love and Thunder, Elvis, Hawkeye, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

What you'll learn

The key focus of the Honours degree is research and the production of a pure thesis or artefact-and-exegesis at the end of your studies. Your research could be based on one of the following subject areas:

• Australian Indigenous knowledge and Australian studies
• International relations, politics, peace and security studies, Asian studies, and international risk
• Applied linguistics and language studies
• Sociology, social work and social studies
• Communication, media and cultural studies, and public relations
• Professional and creative communication, including creative writing
• Literary studies
• Journalism, professional and technical writing
• Digital media studies
• Film and television production, screen studies and performing arts

As a student studying the Cultural Studies major you will explore the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society.

You will:

• Develop a sophisticated body of knowledge regarding cultures and their contexts
• Undertake cultural analysis including weighing evidence, explaining varying perspectives and communicating effectively
• Research and analyse real world problems
• Explore contemporary cultural contexts including computer games, music and popular culture.