Bachelor of Social Work

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education:

Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent and

Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or

Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

or

Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognized higher education program at a recognized higher education institution

or

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organization at Certificate IV or above

or

Work and life experience

Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

From SP22022 the minimum IELTS requirement for entry to this program will be 7.0.

English language requirements:

IELTS score of 6.0; TOEFL iBT score of 60 with Reading and Writing not less than 18; TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 550 with TWE of 4.5; Cambridge CAE/CPE score of 169; Pearson's test of English (Academic) (PTE) score of 50 with Reading and Writing communicative scores not less than 50; CELUSA score of AE4.

Course Details

This degree provides you with a sound knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equips you with the skills to work in a range of fields in social work and human services. It has been developed around four major areas of study: social work theory; social work practice and skills; social policy; and social research.

You will gain practical experience as part of the degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance professional skills.

Students who have completed a TAFE Diploma in Community Services are eligible for 18 units of credit. Students who have completed a TAFE Advanced Diploma in Community Services are eligible for 36 units of credit.

What you'll need

Students studying this degree will be required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS), a SAPOL National Police Record Check, and complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to being accepted for work placements. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence and or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.

What you'll learn

This degree focuses on four major areas of study:

social work theory: you will develop knowledge of various social work approaches as they relate to individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations
social work practice and skills: you will work in custom-built Social Work and Human Services Studio to develop a range of skills needed to work in social practice - in this dedicated space you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations
social policy: learn how to identify the social policies that affect people’s lives, and the strategic ways that social workers may be able to influence these policies
social research: learn how to use, evaluate and construct research

You will also gain valuable professional experience when you complete 1,000 hours of work placements during your third and fourth years.

Your career

Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights. If you think you’ve got what it takes the employment opportunities are excellent, with graduating students quickly finding work in a wide range of fields. Social work graduates have a range of fields of practice open to them including:

Homelessness
Correctional services and juvenile justice
Child protection
Domestic violence
Aged care
Health
Mental health
Leadership and management
Refugees and asylum seekers
Schools
Disability
Policy, project work and research
Community work