Human services

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Looking for a career that helps people and creates a better world?

Human services professionals are concerned with improving people's social, economic, personal and communal wellbeing. A number of factors are fuelling current and future demand for more graduates in this area.

The growing needs of families in our communities means that more workers in this field are essential.
Australia’s migration intake and increasingly diverse population also increases the demand for trained professionals needed to build stronger communities.
Due to new funding initiatives, the disability sector workforce needs to double in the next 5 years and qualified human services workers are equipped to fill that requirement.
Our ageing population is projected to grow at a rate that will outpace the workforce that’s necessary to support it.

You can become a professional in these fields (and many others) by studying a Bachelor of Human Services degree with options to complete your study in 2 to 3 years full time study 2 or Bachelor of Child and Family Studies in 3 years full time.

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Study human services at Griffith

Gain a deeper understanding of how to help the community

At Griffith, you'll learn about human services in a personal atmosphere from expert teachers with strong links to the health sector, government and community and get to apply classroom learnings through hands-on practice placements. More reasons to study human services at Griffith:

Gain the skills employers want: Our degree is developed in consultation with industry and professional organisations that work on the frontline of human services.
More diverse career options: A human services degree sets you up to work in the areas of community development, disability, mental health and wellbeing, juvenile justice, social support services for women, children, young people, older people, refugee and migrant resettlement, rehabilitation services, policy and program development, and more.
Future-proof your career: Current research shows the Community Services sector will continue to grow, with ongoing and increased demand for skilled practitioners.*
Hands-on experience: With 52 days of practical work placement, you’ll have invaluable insight and exposure to the profession.
Get credit for your VET qualifications, with the chance to start in the second year of the degree.
Choose to study on campus or online, full-time or part-time, and start in Trimester 1 or 2 to suit your needs.
Fast track your degree: accelerated pathways are available to complete the Bachelor of Human Services in a shorter time frame (2 - 2.5 years full-time)
Be a remarkable graduate: At Griffith, we help students realise their full potential and become accomplished and influential contributors to their chosen field. We’ll help you become effective communicators and collaborators; innovative and creative; socially responsible and engaged in your communities; culturally capable when working with First Australians; and effective in culturally diverse and international environments.

* Deloitte Access Economics (2016) Forecasting the Future Community Services in Queensland 2025. Community Services Industry Alliance and Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

Tammie Usher

Griffith Human Services Graduate

A lifelong ambition was realised for Tammie Usher when she travelled to Bangalore as part of a Griffith University study trip involving human services and social work students. The Gateway to India project focused on social justice and community development in some of the city's poorest areas. 'I've come to university wanting a better life for me and my family. I've always had that passion for a better life, but now I want a career, not just a job. I know I'm on the right track.' Everybody has a right to be somebody. Everybody has a right to go somewhere in life.

Study options

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Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Child and Family Studies	Gold Coast Logan Other	15
Bachelor of Human Services	Gold Coast Logan Other	14
Bachelor of Social Work	Logan	14
Bachelor of Social Work	Gold Coast Other	14
Graduate Certificate in Disability Inclusion	Online
Graduate Certificate in First Peoples Community Practice	Other
Graduate Certificate in Human Services	Online
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice	Online
Master of Human Services	Other
Master of Mental Health Practice	Other
Master of Social Work	Gold Coast Logan Other

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Expand your qualifications and your career options with our range of double degrees. As a double degree graduate, you’ll have a special skill set that will help you stand out with future employers.

Double Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Logan Mount Gravatt Other	14
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Master of Mental Health Practice	Gold Coast Other	14
Master of Social Work/Master of Mental Health Practice	Other

It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.

New in 2020

Graduate Certificate in First Peoples Community Practice

Apply now

Career outcomes

Jobs await in a variety of public and private sector areas

Our graduates enter the workforce as in-demand professionals with the vision and enthusiasm to make a difference in the lives of children, families and communities

There's a wide range of fulfilling careers open to you in human services, including:

Working with children and seniors
Working with people with disabilities, and from different cultures
Working in community and government agencies
Working in rural and urban settings
Community centres
Family support
Mental health services/support worker
Policy development and research
Rehabilitation services
Welfare and community planning
Women's services and youth work
Employment consultancy
Human resources

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22 Oct 2019

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Explore your options

If your OP or ATAR result changes your direction, chat online with our expert study advisers to explore your study options. Find out about admissions pathways, entry requirements and changing your preferences.

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