Course Overview

About This Course

Do you feel you were destined for a 'helping' profession? For those with a commitment to social justice and who strive to improve the lives of society's most vulnerable, consider becoming a social worker. Find a rewarding and fulfilling career in social work or community services as you walk alongside individuals, families, groups and communities in crisis or impacted by social disadvantage. A social work degree at Charles Darwin University will shape you into an ethical, responsive and innovative critical thinker. You'll understand social inequalities and aim to find real world solutions to social problems, working with people to achieve the changes that will improve their lives. Throughout your social work degree at CDU, you'll gain practical experience through placements and intensive units where you can develop important skills in counselling, group work, and more.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Casuarina Campus, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina NT 0810Casuarina Education and Community Precinct, Darwin, Northern TerritoryAlice Springs, Northern TerritoryKatherine, Northern TerritoryPalmerston, Northern TerritorySydney Waterfront, SydneyBrisbaneCASUARINA

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed on this page. Please contact CDU Student Central for detailed admission requirements.
English language proficiency requirements apply — refer to CDU's English language proficiency guidelines.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of social work courses find work across many sectors and settings, including government and non-government community and social services agencies, or working with organisations and communities, families, youth, children and the elderly. Career pathways include working with children in the foster care system, with people suffering from using drugs or alcohol, with migrants and refugees, or exploring humanitarian aid and community development.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AASW

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study the Bachelor of Social Work online?

Yes, the Bachelor of Social Work is delivered online at CDU. However, due to the client-facing nature of the industry, students are required to attend 20 days on campus for invaluable face-to-face learning.

Can I study part-time or full-time?

Yes, you have the flexibility to set the pace of your learning at part-time or full-time, and you can even switch between them as it suits you.

What career outcomes can I expect after completing the Bachelor of Social Work at CDU?

Graduates find work across many sectors and settings, including government and non-government community and social services agencies, working with organisations and communities, families, youth, children and the elderly. Specific areas include foster care, drug and alcohol support, migration and refugee services, humanitarian aid, and community development.

How does CDU rank for social work?

According to the Good Universities Guide 2025, CDU ranks #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries. CDU also ranks as the #1 dual sector university for undergraduate employment outcomes according to QILT.

What practical experience will I gain during the Bachelor of Social Work?

Throughout your social work degree at CDU, you'll gain practical experience through placements and intensive units where you can develop important skills in counselling, group work, and more. There are also ample opportunities for industry networking, work placements and professional development so that CDU students graduate career confident and job ready.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $77,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $77,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Child Protection Practitioner / CaseworkerHospital Social WorkerMental Health Social WorkerAged Care Social WorkerDisability Support Coordinator (NDIS)

Key Skills

Case management and client assessmentCrisis intervention and risk assessmentCounselling and active listening techniquesCommunity development and capacity buildingSocial policy analysis and advocacy

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses