From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Bachelor of Social Work?
Are you passionate about social justice and equality? Do you want to make a real difference in people’s lives?
Social workers are a lifeline for people experiencing points of crisis or significant change. They can work individually or as part of a larger team in a wide range of clinical, community or organisational settings. Social workers support individuals, families, and communities to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.
Social work careers blend intellectual challenge with emotional fulfilment. The work is dynamic and varied, offering opportunities to engage with diverse populations and complex social issues. You’ll love effecting positive change and contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Overview
Are you fascinated by the dynamics of human relationships and society? Do you want to help people overcome personal and social challenges?
This degree dives deep into the political, behavioural and social sciences, equipping you with the skills needed for social and human services work. It focuses on four major areas: social work theory; social work practice and skills; social policy; and social research.
You’ll gain practical experience through a field education placement. Through this, you’ll build industry networks and further enhance vital hands-on, practical skills necessary to succeed in your future social work career.
Key features
Explore social work approaches for individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations.- Learn to identify and strategically influence social policies.
- Grow your skills alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated and real-life scenarios.
- Discover how to construct, use, and evaluate research.
- Gain valuable professional experience through 1000 hours of work placements.
- Graduate eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers – the professional body for social workers in Australia.
What you'll learn
Through the Bachelor of Social Work, you’ll focus on four major areas of study:
- Social work theory: develop knowledge of various social work approaches as they relate to individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations
- Social work practice and skills: work in our custom-built Social Work and Human Services Studio to develop a range of skills needed for practice. Here, you’ll learn alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations
- Social policy: learn to identify the social policies that affect people’s lives and the strategic ways that social workers may be able to influence these policies
- Social research: explore how to use, evaluate and construct research.
As part of your studies, you’ll also complete 1,000 hours of work placement during your third and fourth years. This real-world experience is a major focus and provides valuable practical experience and the opportunity for you to build important industry networks.
What courses you'll study
You're required to complete 192 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete exactly 132 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Human Services Provision | SOWK1000 | 6 |
|
|
Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services | SOWK1001 | 6 |
|
|
The Social World | SOWK1002 | 6 |
|
|
Governance and Citizenship in Australia | POLI1011 | 6 |
|
|
Group Work | PSYC1009 | 6 |
|
|
Applied Psychology | PSYC1010 | 6 |
|
|
Working with Community | SOWK2001 | 6 |
|
|
Human Service Intervention | SOWK2002 | 6 |
|
|
Australian Social Policy | POLI2010 | 6 |
|
|
Social Research Methods | SOCI2009 | 6 |
|
|
Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services | SOWK2003 | 6 |
|
|
Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing | SOWK2004 | 6 |
|
|
Preparation for Field Placement | SOWK2005 | 6 |
|
|
Human Service Workers and the Law | SOWK2008 | 6 |
|
|
Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services | SOWK2006 | 6 |
|
|
Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice | SOWK3003 | 6 |
|
|
Working with Human Service Organisations | SOWK3004 | 6 |
|
|
Policy Practice | POLI3021 | 6 |
|
|
Leading and Managing in Human Services Organisations | SOWK4002 | 6 |
|
|
Social Work with Older People | SOCW4009 | 6 |
|
|
Trauma Informed Practice | SOWK4003 | 6 |
|
|
Professional Development | SOWK4005 | 6 |
Complete exactly 36 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Social Work Field Education 1 | SOWK3002 | 18 |
|
|
Social Work Field Education 2 | SOWK4004 | 18 |
Complete exactly 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 2 | AUXX1012 | 6 |
|
|
Child Development | SOWK1003 | 6 |
|
|
Informed Practice with Children | SOWK2007 | 6 |
|
|
Child Centred Practice | SOWK3005 | 6 |
|
|
Protecting Children | SOWK4009 | 6 |
Career outcomes
As a social worker, you’ll work to effect social change, provide support, counselling and service referrals. You’ll practice research and advocacy, promoting a more fair and inclusive society. There are employment opportunities for social workers in a wide range of sectors, including:
- homelessness
- correctional services and juvenile justice
- child protection
- domestic violence
- aged care
- health
- mental health
- leadership and management
- refugees and asylum seekers
- schools
- disability
- policy, project work and research
- community work.
Industry trends
With an ageing population, increasing demand for mental health services and government policy focusing on family violence and disability – qualified and dedicated social workers are in demand now more than ever before (Global Health Education Australia, 2022).
Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s. It leads all other industries by a wide margin and is projected to grow by an extra 301,000 jobs by 2026. At the same time, employment for Welfare Support Workers is expected to increase by 25.2% by 2026 (Australian Government, 2021).
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution in 2026.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
