Bachelor of Social Work

Yes, the IHM Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) for all graduates from 2022. The accreditation is Provisional Accreditation (2022 – Dec 2026), which means it is a new program that has not yet delivered its first graduates. Provisional accreditation does not impact graduates — they have the same eligibility and standing as graduates in fully accredited social work programs, and all graduates can apply for membership in the AASW.

Yes, there are two social work field placements embedded in the course totalling 1,000 hours. One placement occurs in Year 3 of the BSW for 500 hours (15–20 weeks), and a final placement occurs in Year 4 for 500 hours (15–20 weeks). Students will be required to pay for travel costs associated with attending placements and complete pre-placement police and other safety checks.

The total tuition fee for the Bachelor of Social Work is $80,000, with a per semester fee of $12,000. In addition to tuition, students will be required to purchase some textbooks or e-books at a cost of approximately $300–$450 per year, and will need to cover costs for pre-placement police checks, safety checks, immunisation updates, and travel to placements.

Credit transfers are determined based on each student's previous studies from a relevant Bachelor's degree (social sciences), and the BSW Course Coordinator can assist with credit-related queries. If you possess a three-year BSW from another country, you may apply for credit for Years 1 and 2 of the IHM BSW (16 Units) and then complete Years 3 and 4. You should contact the BSW Course Coordinator to discuss this possibility.

The IHM Bachelor of Social Work educates social workers in generalist social work practices (casework, support work, crisis interventions), mental health work, international human rights, community development, and societal change and social research. The curriculum framework includes major streams embedded across the program: Society and culture, Behavioural science and public health, Generalist social work practices, Specialist social work practices, and Field education experience (1,000 hours).