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Social Science

Professional Placement offers students the opportunity to explore their professional development needs and prepare for future work through a process of individual needs assessment, flexible self-directed learning, reflective practice and the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in their role as a children and family services worker. Students will develop their own career goals and learning outcomes and will be required to demonstrate that they can perform competencies in the role of a professional worker in their chosen field.

For more information on the Bachelor of Social Science, please refer to the Course Handbook.

Students will undertake a supervised Professional Placement in one of the following discipline areas:

Children and Family Studies

This major has two Professional Placement components which take place in the first and third year of the degree.

First year

CHN1103 - Working with Infants and Toddlers
The first placement undertaken in first year, requires students to complete 120 hours in a placement setting which allows students to examine the development of children aged between birth and 4 years. This includes the examination of relationships between child development, family, community and culture.

Third year

CHN3113 - Children and Family Studies Professional Placement
The second placement in third year requires students to complete 400 hours in 2 placement settings over the year. This offers students the opportunity to explore their professional development needs and prepare for future work through a process of individual needs assessment, flexible self-directed learning, reflective practice and the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in their role as a children and family services worker. Students will undertake supervised practice and will be required to demonstrate they can perform competencies in the role of a professional worker in the children and family services field.


You are also required to successfully apply for a Working With Children Check and National Police Check; these and other related documents are available on the Essential Documents web page.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is the recognition of relevant work and/or volunteer experience that can be used as the basis for gaining credit for certain aspects of a course of study. It is not based on previous studies undertaken.

Note: Under ACWA Guidelines, Recognition of Prior Learning can only be granted for up to 50% of the total 400 hours required for Professional Placement.

Important dates

Applications for RPL will be assessed each year according to the following approximate dates:

  • Initial discussion with Professional Placement Coordinator via phone or email.
  • Portfolio due 8 April, of the placement year.

Application process

Applications are accepted electronically. Please download and complete the Bachelor of Social Science Application for RPL for Field Placement document.

Please refer to the ECU Advance Standing process and upload your application and associated documentation online.

Human Services and Community Work

CSV3113 - Professional Placement

Professional Placement occurs during the third year of the degree. Students are required to complete 400 hours in 2 placement settings over the year. Each providing opportunities to meet different or extend standards and to work with diverse client groups, settings and communities. These placements require students to be actively involved in the service delivery of host organisations.


You are also required to successfully apply for a Working With Children Check and National Police Check; these and other related documents are available on the Essential Documents web page.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is the recognition of relevant work and/or volunteer experience that can be used as the basis for gaining credit for certain aspects of a course of study. It is not based on previous studies undertaken.

Note: Under ACWA Guidelines, Recognition of Prior Learning can only be granted for up to 50% of the total 400 hours required for Professional Placement.

Important dates

Applications for RPL will be assessed each year according to the following approximate dates:

  • Initial discussion with Professional Placement Coordinator via phone or email.
  • Portfolio due 8 April, of the placement year.

Application process

Applications are accepted electronically. Please download and complete the Bachelor of Social Science Application for RPL for Field Placement document.

Please refer to the ECU Advance Standing process and upload your application and associated documentation online.

Contact

Professional Placement Coordinator - Social Science
Ms Sharon Collins
Telephone: (+61 8) 6304 3110
Email: sharon.collins@ecu.edu.au

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