Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Online and timetabled Study online from anywhere, with live interactive classes that follow a set schedule—most sessions are recorded so you can watch them later. Use your professional practice and advanced research skills to complete an original dissertation of your choice to promote social change, human rights and social justice, with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours). This honours degree is also a 4-year program but differs from the Bachelor of Social Work (1372) by having a compulsory dissertation project that will be supervised by experienced social work academics in your final year of study. In addition to examining the foundations of human behaviour and social work, you'll engage with advanced research methods, social work theory, leadership, and evidence-based approaches that shape policy and practice. Prepare for a rewarding social work career, supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities across diverse settings-from counselling and advocacy to community development, including the ability to undertake research and program evaluation Highlights of the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Learn to interrogate community challenges while developing critical research skills to inform practice and drive social change. Connecting theory with action, you'll develop the skills to ensure interventions are effective, ethical, and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities. Gain hands-on experience through field placements supervised by qualified social workers, in major government and non-government organisations, including hospitals, child protection, mental health, domestic violence, and community services, while critically examining practice through a research-informed lens. Learn from academic staff who are not only experienced practitioners but also active researchers shaping knowledge in fields such as mental health, domestic violence, child welfare, disability advocacy, homelessness, social policy, and social justice. Real-world experience that prepares you for practice You'll complete two professional field placements during your degree, gaining 1,000 hours of experience under the supervision of a qualified social worker. Whether you're working with a hospital team, a community organisation, or in child protection, domestic violence, disability services, or mental health, you'll build the skills to make a genuine difference in people's lives. Research for impact Undertaking a research dissertation, you'll stand out with in-demand research skills and pave the way for postgraduate study, including a PhD if you choose. Research skills are highly valued in the social work field, and graduates with these skills can engage in research and evaluation and contribute to new knowledge in many employment contexts. Program accreditation The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Professional recognition Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the AASW. As these requirements may change from time to time, students should contact the AASW to confirm registration requirements. Attendance information The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is offered full-time on-campus. The Online offering of the Bachelor of Social Work is not available to International students. Some of the courses in this program may be run in an intensive block format. It is important to check course profiles and your timetable carefully to ensure that all course requirements are fully understood. All social work students are required to attend at least 20 days on campus throughout their full period of study. This is a non-negotiable requirement of all AASW accredited social work programs in Australia. Trimester 3 Compulsory Study This program includes compulsory study in Trimester 3 of Year 3. You must enrol in a minimum of one in-person, on-campus course in Trimester 3 of Year 3. Placements workplace placements are to be completed within a full-time study load. Students will need to be available full-time to attend 1000 hours of professional practice education placements in Years 3 and 4 as follows: 3012HSV Social Work Field Placement 1 (30 credit points) 6012HSV Social Work Field Placement 2 (30 credit points) The field placements must be completed over two calendar years in accordance with Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (AWSEAS). The two compulsory field placements are completed in full-time mode and students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of placement through the entirety of the program. In the case of extenuating circumstances only, placement days per week may be negotiated but must still fit within Australian Association of Social Workers¿(AASW) accreditation guidelines. This will not change the number of hours in total that are required to be completed overall - therefore, placement may end after the scheduled University trimester end date. If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The recommended study load for international student in each compulsory trimester is 40CP. Managing Study Interruptions Leave of Absence Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure . Student story May Aye Bachelor of Social Work May utilised her social work placement to successfully bridge cultural gaps, creating a program to build refugees’ confidence in communities. "My time at Griffith University has provided me with a new perspective. Through social work, I have found a direction that allows me to break down barriers and work towards a more just and peaceful society." Work-integrated learning In this degree you will spend time in the work environment undertaking placements at various locations. Workplace placements are to be completed within a full-time study load You will need to be available full-time to attend 1000 hours of professional practice education placements in Years 3 and 4 as follows: 3012HSV Social Work Field Placement 1 (30 credit points) 6012HSV Social Work Field Placement 2 (30 credit points) The field placements must be completed over two calendar years in accordance with Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (AWSEAS)*. The two compulsory field placements are completed in full-time mode and students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of placement through the entirety of the program. In the case of extenuating circumstances only, placement days per week may be negotiated but must still fit within AASW accreditation guidelines. This will not change the number of hours in total that are required to be completed overall - therefore, placement may end after the scheduled University trimester end date. You will be supervised by a qualified social worker for the duration of your field placements. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a workplace-based field placement. Placements will be sourced in your area of choice where possible. Students living in remote or rural areas may have limited choices depending on the availability of organisations within their local area and may have to travel. Total work placements (hours): 1000.

• In accordance with Standard 4: Practice education of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2024 "Placements will be undertaken over at least two years of the professional social work program of study". Pathways to further study Advance your study in other health professions with the Graduate Certificate in Case Management and Mental Health (3404) , Master of Public Health (5263) , Master of Rehabilitation Counselling (5578) or Master of Mental Health Practice (5625) . Continue on to Higher Degree Research with the [[5763]. You may be eligible for admission to [[5001]] or Doctor of Philosophy (6001) . Professional Practice requirements There are placements associated with this program and before undertaking professional experience placements, all students in this program are required to have completed the following by the end of their first trimester of study: Vaccinations and Health Tests Licenses and Certificates Online Training Health Placement Requirements Students should refer to the checklist of professional practice requirements for their Health discipline on the Health Placement Support Hub for full details of the requirements regarding professional placement to ensure that they meet eligibility for placement.