Course Overview

About This Course

Social workers champion social justice, equality and human rights. They stand alongside individuals and communities to improve society's overall well-being, especially for the most vulnerable populations. In this course, taught by highly qualified staff with practice experience, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a professional social work practitioner, able to work in Australia and overseas. It includes 1000 hours of supervised fieldwork placements to hone your craft. Are you ready to stand for something?

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Joondalup Campus, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup WACity Campus, Edith Cowan University, Perth WASouth West Campus, Edith Cowan University, WAOnlineJoondalup

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

All applicants are required to hold a three-year Bachelor degree in a related field (other than social work) which includes at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (studies of the individual and society) or equivalent, such as community and human services, sociology, behavioural sciences, counselling and psychological sciences.
Alternatively, applicants with a three-year Bachelor degree in any field, who have also completed one-year of additional studies in social sciences in a Postgraduate Qualifying Program or as part of an AQF postgraduate course, may meet the entry requirements for the course.
Academic admission requirements (Band 8) 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.
English Language requirements (Band 5): In accordance with the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), international applicants are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0).
Alternative English language tests accepted: 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; or TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 (listening: 24, reading: 24, writing: 27, speaking: 23).
English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date.
ECU's minimum English standard requirements may be satisfied with one of the following: Bachelor degree from an approved country; successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian education provider (or equivalent); or where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
Students are required to provide relevant up-to-date police clearance, Working with Children Check and any other relevant clearance as determined by the placement organisation such as vaccinations.
Students are required to uphold the current AASW Code of Ethics and AASW Professional Practice Rules.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates will develop the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a professional social work practitioner, able to work in Australia and overseas.

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 Units10 units

SWK6400

Building Effective Relationships Alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

SWK6405

Social Work Foundations and Fields of Practice

SWK6410

Social Work Theory and Ethics

SWK6440

Social Work Placement 1

SWK6415

Social Work and Participatory Practice for Structural Change

SWK6420

Mental Health, Loss, Grief and Trauma

SWK6425

Transdisciplinary Research for Practice

SWK6430

Social Work, Governance and Social Policy

SWK6465

Addressing Violence and Abuse as Social Workers

SWK6450

Social Work Placement 2

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many placement hours are required and when do they take place?

In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory professional practice comprising 500 hours over 13 weeks, totalling 1000 hours for the entire degree. The field education units are SWK6440 (Social Work Placement 1) and SWK6450 (Social Work Placement 2). Attendance of two blocks of work-based learning occurs in second semester year one and year two. The 1000 hours are unpaid.

Can I study this course fully online without attending any face-to-face sessions?

No. All students, including those who elect to study online, are required to complete a minimum of 140 hours (20 days) of face-to-face classroom-based learning, the focus of which is professional practice skills. This is a requirement set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for accredited programs.

Is this course professionally recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers?

Yes. The course is Provisionally Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership to the AASW.

What are the estimated fees for this course?

For domestic students, the estimated first year indicative fee is AUD $26,000. For international students, the estimated first year indicative fee is AUD $39,000. Further information is available on the Fees and Scholarships page.

What clearances are required before undertaking placements?

Students are required to provide relevant up-to-date police clearance, a Working with Children Check, and any other relevant clearance as determined by the placement organisation, such as vaccinations.

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

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