Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

You will undertake a 70-day field education placement in the second semester of the third year and again in the fifth year of the degree. The third-year placement focuses on direct practice with individuals, families and small groups. The fifth-year placement integrates theory and macro-level practice. Placements may be arranged locally and interstate, and overseas opportunities may be available for the final placement. Example organisations include the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), Anglicare, Department of Human Services, Oxfam Australia, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Salvation Army Crisis Services, and Centrelink.

Yes. The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) component is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS), making graduates eligible for AASW membership. The psychology sequence of study is accredited with conditions by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Successful completion of an APAC-accredited undergraduate psychology specialisation is a partial requirement for registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

This degree is offered as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). The annual student contribution amount for 2026 ranges from AU$4,738 to AU$17,399 depending on the discipline band of each subject enrolled. For example, Professional Pathway Social Work and Allied Health subjects are in the band attracting AU$9,537 per standard year, while Law, Accounting, Society and Culture subjects attract AU$17,399 per standard year. Students may also be charged a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) of up to AU$373 for 2026. HECS-HELP and SA-HELP loan schemes are available to eligible students. Additionally, a Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) worth up to AU$338.60 per week may be available for Bachelor of Social Work students undertaking mandatory full-time placement.

Year 1 focuses on social sciences, psychology and social work foundations, with core subjects in politics, sociology, social theory and economics. Year 2 develops grounding in social work theory and practice as well as cognitive and developmental psychology. Year 3 expands on biological psychology, mental health and public policy, and includes a 70-day field education placement. Year 4 covers legal aspects of social work, working with violence and abuse, advanced psychological assessment and psychopathology, plus an elective subject. Year 5 develops skills in program management and evaluation, influencing social policy and research, includes another 70-day field education placement, and offers an elective subject.

Prior to undertaking professional placement, students must hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years). For interstate placements, the relevant state's WWC Check is required. Students must also hold a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (formerly Police Check) with no disclosable outcomes, conducted via fit2work — an account will be created using the student's RMIT email once enrolment commences. Additionally, an NDIS Worker Screening Check may be required prior to placement with an NDIS provider.

Up to 28 aggregate adjustment points may be applied. Subject adjustments for current Year 12 or completed Year 12 applicants include: 2 aggregate points for a study score of 35 in English (EAL), and 2 aggregate points for a study score of 30 in English other than EAL. Regional adjustments are automatically allocated to applicants from low socio-economic status areas as determined by the ABS SEIFA Index. Equity access schemes consider personal circumstances such as family difficulties, financial hardship, or disability. The School Network Access Program (SNAP) is available for eligible Year 12 students at partner schools. The Elite Athlete and Performer Program and the Indigenous Access Program are also available.