Course Overview

About This Course

This course is for students who are enrolled in ECU's Bachelor of Social Work. Applications are by invitation only based on a students academic performance in the first three years of their course. The Bachelor of Social Work Honours is developed for students wishing to undertake a research thesis in an area of interest related to rural, regional and remote social work practice. The thesis will display a capacity to develop a conceptual framework of understanding in relation to the topic area, research and review the academic and research literature in relation to the topic area, design an appropriate research methodology to collect relevant data in relation to the topic, and analyse the data in relation to its relevance to future social work understandings and practice. This is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

ECU Joondalup, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup WA 6027

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

All applicants are required to have achieved a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher in the first five semesters of the Bachelor of Social Work including a mark of 70 percent or higher in Applied Research Methods RPS3110 (prerequisite unit for SWK5224) or its equivalent.
Students will be invited to participate in the Honours program by the Social Work Program Coordinator, and attend an interview.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course.
Academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following: Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section: 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking.
English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date.
Minimum English standard requirements may also be satisfied with one of the following: Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent; Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test; Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada; University Preparation Course; Indigenous University Orientation Course; Aboriginal Student Intake Test; AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Community Development Officer, Mental Health Worker, Human Service Manager, Child Protection Officer, Youth Worker, Policy Research Officer, Hospital Social Worker, Community Health Worker, Family Support Worker, Disability Advocate

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 Units27 units

SWK1115

Social Inclusion and People with Intellectual Disabilities

PSY1115

Psychology of Motivation and Emotion

SWK1110

Introduction to Professional Practice

SWK1112

Introduction to Social Research

CHS1111

Community Development

SWK1102

Philosophy, Knowledge and Ethics

SWK1107

Introduction to Australian Society

SWK1103

Culture and Daily Life

SWK2104

Human Behaviour in the Social Environment

SWK2108

Addictions and Practice

SWK2111

Aboriginal Histories of the Present

SWK2116

Gender, Families and Professional Practice

SWK2010

Theory and Practice for Child Protection

SWK2112

Australian Politics and Policy

SWK2114

Community Health and Well-being

SWK2115

Human Rights and Social Justice

RPS3110

Applied Research Methods

SWK3110

Organisational Contexts

SWK3112

Social Work Theory and Practice 1: Advanced Interpersonal Skills

SWK3113

Social Work and Mental Health

SWK3116

Field Placement 1

SWK3121

Social Work Theory and Practice 2: A Focus on Theories

SWK4110

Legal and Ethical Practice

SWK4111

Social Work Theory and Practice 3: Collective Interventions

SWK5224

Social Work Honours Research Design

SWK5225

Social Work Honours Thesis

SWK5115

Field Placement 2: Honours

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get into the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)?

Applications are by invitation only. All applicants are required to have achieved a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher in the first five semesters of the Bachelor of Social Work, including a mark of 70 percent or higher in Applied Research Methods RPS3110 (prerequisite unit for SWK5224) or its equivalent. Students will be invited to participate in the Honours program by the Social Work Program Coordinator and must attend an interview.

When does the Honours program begin within the four-year degree?

The Honours program is undertaken in the final 18 months of the four-year undergraduate qualifying Social Work degree, commencing at the end of Year 3 Semester 1.

Is this course professionally accredited?

Yes, this course has been accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the AASW.

Are there field placements required as part of this course?

Yes, students are required to undertake two 14-week field placements. These are Field Placement 1 (SWK3116) and Field Placement 2: Honours (SWK5115), each worth 45 credit points.

Can I study this course online, and are there any on-campus requirements?

Students who elect to study online will be required to attend on-campus activities for a minimum of 5 days per semester in order to meet the accreditation requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The course also has a modified timetable.

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