Course Overview

About This Course

Make a real difference in a rewarding career with a Bachelor of Social Work from Victoria University (VU). Prepare yourself for roles that address social issues and help to improve people’s quality of life. Take advantage of VU’s strong connections with a range of important community organisations. Your social work degree includes 1000 hours of work integrated learning (WIL) experience across two Social Work Field Education placements in two different human service agency settings. Gain the skills and knowledge to develop the potential of individuals, groups and communities, preparing you for a diverse range of job opportunities from federal and state government to hospitals, non-government organisations or community services. By studying a social work degree at VU, you’ll graduate work-ready and be eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers .

As a VU student, you will engage in practice-based learning opportunities essential to developing your professional practice, under the close supervision and support of social workers. Benefit from opportunities to gain on-the-ground experience in a diverse range of settings that align with your areas of passion and interest, whether that be education, health, aged care, child and family services. Gain strong practical skills and build your network by working across two organisations, plus gain valuable insights into areas of practice that align with your interests. Studying with us means you’ll be learning in an environment that values community empowerment. Enjoy being a part of a university that truly believes in inclusivity, diversity and opportunity, and has a rich representation of cultures. VU received the highest rating of five stars for cultural diversity by the Good Universities Guide.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative fees for full-time student (2026): AU$17,399 per year | Indicative fees for full-time student (2027): AU$18,025 per year

Duration

4 years full time or longer for part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Applicants with recent secondary education: Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Applicants with vocational education & training (VET/TAFE) study: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). OR: Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study: Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR: Completion of two units of Higher Education studies. OR: Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience: Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Human Services or similar. OR: Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago. PLUS: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

International students:

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent). OR: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). PLUS: IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 7.0 (with no band less than 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). OR: Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.
To be eligible for placement students must meet requirements of placement agencies and submit mandatory documentation including: National Police Checks (which are required for the year in which the students undertake placement so a minimum of 2 checks will be required over 2 years), International Police check for students who, after the age of 16 have been a citizen or permanent resident of any country other than Australia or resided continuously in any country other than Australia for 12 months or longer Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years) NDIS Worker Screening check Evidence of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated Evidence of meeting immunisation requirements for a health placement which includes Hepatitis B, MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, Varicella, Tuberculosis and Influenza. It is possible that individual placement agencies will require additional site specific documentation and pre-placement preparation. It is important to plan for potential loss of income during placement. Students may need to reduce or cease their usual employment during their social work placements since each placement equates to 500 hours over a continuous period. Under certain circumstances there may be a fee associated with a clinical placement. For placement fee details relevant to your course refer to https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/your-course/fees/additional-fees-charges.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

social worker
community health centre counsellor
youth worker
drug and alcohol worker
homelessness policy officer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AASW

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units26 units

ABA1003

Introduction to Sociology

Year One — 12 credit points

AEK1105

Aboriginal Traditions and Policy

Year One — 12 credit points

ASA1024

Applied Human Rights

Year One — 12 credit points

ASW1000

Working in Human Services Organisations

Year One — 12 credit points

ASW1001

Introduction to Social Work

Year One — 12 credit points

ASX1003

Foundations of Social Science Research

Year One — 12 credit points

HHB1104

Introduction to Public Health and Wellness

Year One — 12 credit points

HHH1000

Interpersonal Skills and Communication

Year One — 12 credit points

ASW2090

Groupwork Theory and Practice

Year Two — 12 credit points

ASW2102

Social Welfare: History and Current Context

Year Two — 12 credit points

ASW2103

Human Development in Social Context

Year Two — 12 credit points

ASW2104

Critical Social Work Theories

Year Two — 12 credit points

ASW2202

Social Work Theories

Year Two — 12 credit points

ASW3097

Social Work and Trauma Informed Care

Year Two — 12 credit points

ASW3101

Skills for Social Work Direct Practice

Year Two — 12 credit points

ASW3103

Social Work Practice: Legal Context

Year Two — 12 credit points

AEK3203

Working Ethically in Aboriginal Community

Year Three — 12 credit points

APS2030

Qualitative Social Research Methods 1

Year Three — 12 credit points

ASW2013

Introduction to Social Policy

Year Three — 12 credit points

ASW3002

Professional Practice

Year Three — 48 credit points

ASW3300

Working With Individuals and Families

Year Three — 12 credit points

ASW3096

Understanding and Responding to Family Violence

Year Four — 12 credit points

ASW3104

Health and Mental Health: Practice and Policy

Year Four — 12 credit points

ASW4002

Advanced Professional Practice

Year Four — 48 credit points

ASW4003

Social Work Advocacy: Scope, Research and Design

Year Four — 12 credit points

ASW4004

Social Work Advocacy: Social Change in Action

Year Four — 12 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive credit (advanced standing) for previous study or work experience towards the Bachelor of Social Work?

Yes, Victoria University offers credit (also known as advanced standing) to recognise prior learning or relevant work and life experience, which can reduce the number of units you need to complete. You can apply for credit during the course application process or after enrolment. A VET (TAFE) diploma may also provide entry into the second year of a bachelor degree.

Are there placement requirements as part of the Bachelor of Social Work?

Yes, professional placements are part of the course. Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check for the relevant State to undertake professional placements. Students must also be prepared to declare their health and immunisation status prior to undertaking clinical practice and placements.

Can I defer my place in the Bachelor of Social Work if I am not ready to start?

Yes, domestic students who have been offered a place in the Bachelor of Social Work can defer for up to 12 months for work, travel, or personal reasons, as long as they do so before enrolling. Deferral can be requested when accepting your offer through the MyVU system, for a period of 6 or 12 months.

How does Victoria University's Block Model affect how the Bachelor of Social Work is studied?

Victoria University uses the VU Block Model®, where students study one subject at a time over four-week blocks. This means there are five opportunities across the year to start your course, and classes are learner-centred, allowing students to focus deeply on each subject before moving on to the next.

What support is available for Indigenous students applying to the Bachelor of Social Work?

All Indigenous students receive five (5) ATAR adjustment points for all courses selected on the basis of ATAR. Moondani Balluk can assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with ABSTUDY applications, course and enrolment advice, scholarships and awards, referral to counselling, social support, and career guidance. Admission is also based on an assessment of capacity to successfully complete the course.

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.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

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

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Bachelor of Social Work

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students