Course Overview

About This Course

Qualified social workers are in high demand across Australia and globally, working in hospitals, schools, community services, justice systems and emerging settings such as digital services and policy. The Bachelor of Social Work prepares you to step confidently into this growing profession. You are taught by academics who are active social work practitioners, bringing current industry insight into your learning. This four-year accredited degree is a structured program that develops your skills in advocacy, counselling, community development and case management. You learn through immersive, face-to-face, simulation-based classes that build practical capability from the first session. Social work focuses on both individuals and the systems that shape their experiences, extending beyond individual support. You learn to promote wellbeing and to address the impacts of social inequality, injustice, and other structural factors on individuals and communities. You complete two professional placements totaling 1,000 hours, gaining experience across a range of organisations such as Headspace, Barnardos Australia, the Department of Communities and Justice, Wesley Mission and Local Health District facilities. UOW’s field education team supports you throughout, assisting with preparation, matching you with suitable organisations and providing ongoing guidance. Graduate with an internationally recognised qualification, ready to work in Australia or overseas. Build on your foundational learning through practice-based experiences that deepen your skills in communication, empathy and critical thinking. You will engage in group work and applied projects that reflect contemporary social work settings, strengthening your confidence in working with individuals, families and communities. You will explore key areas of practice including mental health, children and families, disability, ageing, community development and social policy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded throughout the course, with dedicated subjects led by Indigenous academics. This will support your understanding of the ongoing impacts of colonisation and introduce Indigenous approaches to resistance, renewal and self-determination. Reflective practice is central to your development as a social worker. You will learn to critically evaluate your experiences, respond to feedback and continuously refine your professional approach in diverse practice contexts. With strong industry demand and a focus on real-world application, you will graduate equipped to make a meaningful difference across a wide range of communities and settings. If you are considering this degree, there are multiple pathways into study, including TAFE qualifications such as the Diploma of Community Services, Mental Health, Youth Work or Counselling.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Tower 1 'Darling Park, Level 2, 201 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) available — the student contribution amount depends on your enrolment year and study area. See UOW domestic student fees and CSPs.

Intakes

Autumn 2026

Study Mode

On Campus

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students

Assumed Knowledge:

UOW assumes students will have studied any two units of English.

Recent Secondary Education:

If you are a current high school student in Australia, or you’ve finished high school recently, your admission to UOW will likely be based on your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or International Baccalaureate admissions score (IBAS).
Other high-school qualifications UOW considers for entry include:
Students may be admitted to this course via Early Admission.
See UOW Admissions for more information.
The minimum score for guaranteed entry (or for consideration if this course has limited places) is a Selection Rank of 80. Your Selection Rank is your ATAR or IB Combined Rank plus any adjustments you are eligible to receive.
Adjustments are used to increase your Selection Rank. Factors such as the subjects you are studying, the location of your school, or your eligibility for equity and access schemes may be taken into consideration. Find out more about UOW's adjustment factors.
GCE A-Levels
New Zealand NCEA Level 3
Overseas senior secondary qualifications comparable to Australian qualifications

Higher Education Study:

For your application to be assessed on your university results you need to have completed at least half a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a Bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

Work and life experience:

Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognized pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).
For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

Compulsory Work Based Placement:

This course requires completion of 1000 hours over 104 weeks (10 hours per week) in the final two years of the course.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications:

UOW recognises a range of overseas secondary, vocational and higher education qualifications. Your qualifications will be assessed for equivalence to Australian qualifications and the admission requirements for this course.Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation. An official English translation is a verified translation of your documents into English, completed by a qualified translator so it can be accepted as part of your application.For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

English language proficiency:

All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.
Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.
Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

Record Check:

NSW Health RequirementsThe NSW Health Department requires all students undertaking clinical placements at NSW Health hospitals and facilities to:
prior to employment or placement in any capacity in the NSW health system.This criminal record clearance will be conducted by the NSW Police and/or the Australian Federal Police. Students are required to arrange for this check to be undertaken following enrolment, and the cost of the check will be their responsibility.Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Health Placements section.Child ProtectionUnder the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012, and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013, students enrolled in UOW degrees where their studies require them to engage in activities that involve children or young people, may be required to complete a Volunteer/Student Declaration and/or undergo a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
undergo a national criminal record check; and
comply with NSW Health's immunisation requirements

International Students

Academic Entry Requirements:

Applicants must achieve the required score in a previous qualification, equivalent to completing at least 13 years of schooling in Australia.
To succeed in your chosen course, you should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications. For more information, refer to UOW's Entry Requirements page.

English Language Requirements:

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Distinction (weighted average mark of 75 overall and minimum 75 in Academic Reading and Writing (ARW) and 75 in Academic Listening and Speaking (ALS))Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

IELTS Academic:

Overall Score 7.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Listening 7.0, Speaking 7.0

TOEFL (Internet-based):

Overall Score 94, Reading 24, Writing 27, Listening 24, Speaking 23

Compulsory Work Based Placement:

This course requires completion of 1000 hours over 104 weeks (10 hours per week) in the final two years of the course.

Record Check:

NSW Health RequirementsThe NSW Health Department requires all students undertaking clinical placements at NSW Health hospitals and facilities to:
prior to employment or placement in any capacity in the NSW health system.This criminal record clearance will be conducted by the NSW Police and/or the Australian Federal Police. Students are required to arrange for this check to be undertaken following enrolment, and the cost of the check will be their responsibility.Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Health Placements section.Child ProtectionUnder the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012, and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013, students enrolled in UOW degrees where their studies require them to engage in activities that involve children or young people, may be required to complete a Volunteer/Student Declaration and/or undergo a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
undergo a national criminal record check; and
comply with NSW Health's immunisation requirements

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Aged Care Case Manager
Alcohol and Other Drug Worker
Child Protection Officer
Clinical Social Worker
Community Corrections Officer
Community Development Worker
Community Education Worker
Counsellor (where role accepts social work qualification)
Disability Support Coordinator (NDIS)
Family Support Worker
Hospital Social Worker
Human Rights Advocate
Mental Health Social Worker
Policy Officer
Private Social Work Practitioner
Refugee Support Worker
Researcher (Social Policy / Social Research)
School Social Worker
Social Policy Analyst
Victim Support Worker/Advocate
Youth Justice Worker

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 Units35 units

HAS 120

Becoming a Social Scientist: Interdisciplinary Competencies

Year 1 > Autumn Session > Select ONE of the following electives: > Available at Liverpool and Wollongong campus — 6 credit points

HAS 130

Social Determinants of Health