Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work
Learning Mode
Full Time
Duration
4 Years
Start date
March
Qualification
Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7)
Fees
AUD 37,200
Location
Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
About the Course
The Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University is a comprehensive and professionally accredited program designed to prepare you for a dynamic and rewarding career advocating for social justice and human rights. This degree equips you with the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities facing various challenges. You will learn to address complex social issues such as poverty, inequality, mental health, domestic violence, and discrimination, contributing to positive societal change.
The program places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, including extensive supervised fieldwork placements in diverse social service agencies. You will develop essential skills in communication, advocacy, counselling, research, and community development. Deakin’s curriculum is informed by contemporary social work practice and research, ensuring you graduate as a compassionate, ethical, and highly capable social worker ready to make a significant difference in people’s lives.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work are highly sought after by a wide range of government and non-government organisations, both in Australia and internationally. The program leads to eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), providing a clear pathway to professional practice. You will be prepared for diverse and essential roles aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, fostering resilience, and promoting well-being in communities.
Why choose Social Work at Deakin?
Accredited professional qualification
Accredited by AASW, this degree ensures national professional standards for recognition and employment as a qualified social worker.
Extensive fieldwork placements
Undertake supervised placements in varied settings, applying theory to practice and building essential skills and professional networks.
Focus on social justice and ethics
Develop ethical, rights-based practice grounded in social justice, empowering you to advocate for vulnerable communities and drive change.
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work (H330) at Deakin University is a 24-credit point (4-year full-time equivalent) undergraduate degree that leads to professional qualification as a social worker. The program is designed to provide a deep understanding of social work theory, practice, and ethics, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning.
The course structure typically includes:
- Foundational Social Science: Units covering sociology, psychology, human development, and Indigenous studies, providing a holistic understanding of human behavior and societal contexts.
- Social Work Theory and Practice: Core units focusing on social work methods, communication skills, counselling, community development, policy analysis, and diverse fields of practice (e.g., mental health, child protection, family violence).
- Extensive Fieldwork Placements: A compulsory and significant component involving supervised practical experience in various social service agencies, allowing for the application of theory to real-world social work settings.
This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to address complex social issues and contribute to individual and community well-being.
Course Duration
Length of the course
- 4 years full-time
Mode of Study for international students:
- Full-time enrolment is generally required for international students to comply with visa regulations.
Course Curriculum
The Bachelor of Social Work curriculum is structured to progressively build your knowledge and skills in social work, integrating theoretical learning with critical practical application through fieldwork.
- Year 1: Foundations of Social Work and Society Focus on core concepts in social sciences, an introduction to social work, and understanding human behavior in context. Units typically include: Introduction to Social Work, Sociology for Social Work, Psychology for Social Work, and Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives.
- Year 2: Developing Social Work Skills and Theory Building on foundational knowledge, this year delves into specific social work methods and areas of practice. Units might cover: Social Work with Individuals and Families, Group Work, Community Development, and Social Policy. The first fieldwork placement typically occurs in this year.
- Years 3 & 4: Advanced Practice and Specialization The final years integrate advanced theories, complex practice areas, and a second, more extensive fieldwork placement. Units include: Mental Health Social Work, Child Protection, Research in Social Work, and ethical practice in diverse settings. A capstone project may also be included.
Throughout the program, significant hours of supervised professional fieldwork are embedded within relevant units.
Admission Requirements
Entry Criteria
- Academic qualifications Applicants must have successfully completed Australian Year 12 (VCE) or equivalent, with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in English other than EAL. A competitive ATAR or equivalent international qualification is required.
- Prior Tertiary Study: Applicants with prior tertiary studies in related fields (e.g., psychology, sociology) may be considered, and credit for prior learning may be available.
- Non-Academic Requirements:
- Personal Statement: All applicants are typically required to submit a personal statement outlining their understanding of social work, their motivation for studying it, and relevant personal attributes or experiences.
- Suitability for Social Work: Applicants are assessed for their suitability for the profession through their application and potentially an interview.
- Fit to Practice requirements: All students undertaking fieldwork placements must meet specific requirements, including a satisfactory National Police Check and Working with Children Check (WWCC).
Language Proficiency
- English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) For international applicants, demonstrated proficiency in English is mandatory. This is typically evidenced by:
- IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.0, with no band less than 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 94, with specific minimum scores for listening (24), reading (24), speaking (23), and writing (27).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 65, with no communicative skill score less than 58.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees:
- AUD 37,200 (Undergraduate – per 1 year full-time for international students).
Scholarships and Bursaries: Deakin University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support eligible students in their Bachelor of Social Work studies. These include:
- Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship: For high-achieving international students.
- Faculty of Health Scholarships: Specific scholarships offered by the Faculty of Health for students demonstrating academic merit or financial need.
- Various other bursaries and support schemes are available, designed to assist students with their study costs and enhance their educational experience.
Career Opportunities
Potential job roles and industries Graduates of Deakin’s Bachelor of Social Work are highly versatile and can pursue diverse and impactful careers across a wide range of human services and social policy sectors. The program leads to eligibility for professional membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Common career paths include: Social Worker (in various fields such as child protection, mental health, aged care, disability, hospitals, family violence, homelessness, community development), Case Manager, Counsellor, Advocate, Policy Officer, Community Development Worker, Youth Worker, or Human Services Coordinator. These roles span government agencies (state and federal), non-government organisations (NGOs), community health services, hospitals, private practice, and international aid organisations, offering dynamic and impactful career trajectories dedicated to social betterment.
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