Course Overview

About This Course

Overview The Bachelor of Social Work is an entry-level, professionally accredited qualification to practise as a social worker. This high job growth area offers a variety of careers in client service roles, service management, research, strategy and policy development. The course prepares students to work in a diverse range of fields including health and mental health, child and family welfare, cross-cultural work and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth work, homelessness, domestic and family violence, disability, drug and alcohol, community development, and advocacy. Underpinned by core principles of social justice and human rights, the course engages students in contemporary anti-oppressive, decolonised and trauma-informed approaches to social work practice. Core units within the course cover essential theories, methods and skills for social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. These are complemented by foundational studies in Indigenous world views, sociology, politics, human development and social research. An elective stream provides opportunity for students to pursue their interests and develop knowledge in a range of disciplines, and an optional embedded Honours program is available for eligible students interested in research and pathways to further postgraduate studies. Note: Eligible students who are interested in undertaking the Honours program should consult the Bachelor of Social Work Course Coordinator prior to enrolling in elective units. Please note: All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 20 days/150hrs over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). On-campus enrolled students meet this minimum requirement by participating in four units with compulsory attendance. Online students meet this requirement by attending compulsory residential schools conducted at the Gold Coast campus. Units with compulsory participation and on-campus residential schools are identified in the course structure section below ('note 2'). Students should also refer to the enrolment information for these units. This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully. Pathway option: Diploma of Health (Community Welfare Specialisation). "I liked the location, the flexibility of studying online and meeting face-to-face for residentials. The learning content had a great mix between direct practice and critical reflection which was really valuable." Noemie Rigaud Master of Social Work graduate Default --> "The learning experiences I had on placement were hands-on and immersive. I got to meet so many amazing people from all walks of life as well as make new friends. It was a fantastic experience." Danyel Wallbridge Bachelor of Social Work student Understanding the Southern Cross Model The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study. Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning. On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit. Learn more Learning outcomes and graduate attributes Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA). Course Learning Outcome GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply social work values, knowledge and skills in practice and research processes to address client needs, organisational goals and social policy change. GA2: Creativity Ensure that clients’ needs are addressed holistically and creatively, drawing on relevant theory, research and practice wisdom. GA3: Ethical practice Promote and implement policies and practices to achieve a fair, equitable and efficient allocation of social resources, and identify inappropriate or inequitable policy goals and outcomes. GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Ensure that client needs, organisational goals and community expectations of social work services are met in the most appropriate manner, using social work knowledge, skills and resources. GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate a commitment to continually increase professional knowledge and skills and to continuing education and lifelong learning. GA6: Communication and social skills Effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders , including clients, colleagues and managers including within a multi-disciplinary team environment GA7: Cultural competence Apply knowledge of organisational and societal systems and processes to identify inequality and ensure appropriate action is taken so that social barriers, inequality and injustice are reduced. Placements, work experience and study hours In line with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) requirements, students will complete 1,000 hours of supervised Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in a human service organisation as part of the course. WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course: Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment , as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel. Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends and most agencies require students to have a current Australian driver's licence. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, Working with Children and National Police Certificate checks. More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty WIL page . Availability Availability and fees Location Teaching period Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 Online Term 1, Term 3 Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 102204F Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Ground floor and Level 1-3, 60 Phillip St, SYDNEY, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

ATAR: 60
English Language Requirements: IELTS Overall Score 7.0 minimum in all bands (Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Listening 7.0, Speaking 7.0)
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website
Students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising 24 core units (336 credit points) and 4 electives (48 credit points)
Honours Pathway: Students who have completed the first 16 units (192 credit points) with a GPA of at least 5.0 will be invited to apply for transfer to the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Work Integrated Learning: Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements must be met prior to work integrated learning, including compliance requirements such as Working with Children and National Police Certificate checks
Students must have access to reliable transport and most agencies require students to have a current Australian driver's licence
Credit for Prior Learning (Advanced Standing/RPL) may be available based on existing knowledge and skills

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career Outcomes Potential occupations Graduates of this course will be prepared to practise as social workers in government and non-government positions in fields such as health, child protection, disability services, housing services, youth work, aged care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, community development, mental health services, and domestic violence services. Professional accreditation This course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. Graduates are eligible for AASW membership.

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

Do online students still need to attend on-campus sessions?

Yes. All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 20 days/150 hours over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Online students meet this requirement by attending compulsory residential schools conducted at the Gold Coast campus.

How many placement hours are required, and what should I expect from placements?

In line with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) requirements, students will complete 1,000 hours of supervised Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in a human service organisation as part of the course. Local placements are not guaranteed, and students should be prepared to travel to their allocated placement. Students will require access to reliable transport, and most agencies require students to have a current Australian driver's licence. Students are responsible for organising and covering associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses.

Is the Bachelor of Social Work professionally accredited?

Yes. This course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. Graduates are eligible for AASW membership.

Is there an Honours pathway available within the Bachelor of Social Work?

Yes. An optional embedded Honours program is available for eligible students interested in research and pathways to further postgraduate studies. Students who have completed the first 16 units (192 credit points) listed in the recommended course progression with a GPA of at least 5.0 will be invited to apply for consideration for transfer to the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours). Eligible students should consult the Bachelor of Social Work Course Coordinator prior to enrolling in elective units.

What are the fees for the Bachelor of Social Work?

For domestic students, the indicative fee is $14,446 for the first year only, as a Commonwealth supported place. For international students studying at the Gold Coast campus, the annual tuition fee is $26,000 (based on $3,250 per unit, completing 8 units per year). Tuition fees are in Australian dollars and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of the course. International students are also required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance.

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!

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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