Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Social Work

Start date

February, July

Campus

Magill Campus, Adelaide City

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BSOCW

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115756M

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission:

Recent secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate certificate (or higher AQF level qualification) from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	75
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China – Gaokao	65%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India – CBSE and CISCE	75
India – State Board Examinations	85
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	2.78
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	9
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	8.00

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

Complete 192 units comprising:

132 units from Core courses, and
36 units from Work integrated learning, and
24 units from Electives

Complete exactly 132 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Human Services Provision	Course code SOWK1000	Units 6
Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Course name The Social World	Course code SOWK1002	Units 6
Course name Governance and Citizenship in Australia	Course code POLI1011	Units 6
Course name Group Work	Course code PSYC1009	Units 6
Course name Applied Psychology	Course code PSYC1010	Units 6
Course name Working with Community	Course code SOWK2001	Units 6
Course name Human Service Intervention	Course code SOWK2002	Units 6
Course name Australian Social Policy	Course code POLI2010	Units 6
Course name Social Research Methods	Course code SOCI2009	Units 6
Course name Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK2003	Units 6
Course name Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing	Course code SOWK2004	Units 6
Course name Preparation for Field Placement	Course code SOWK2005	Units 6
Course name Human Service Workers and the Law	Course code SOWK2008	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	Course code SOWK2006	Units 6
Course name Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice	Course code SOWK3003	Units 6
Course name Working with Human Service Organisations	Course code SOWK3004	Units 6
Course name Policy Practice	Course code POLI3021	Units 6
Course name Leading and Managing in Human Services Organisations	Course code SOWK4002	Units 6
Course name Social Work with Older People	Course code SOCW4009	Units 6
Course name Trauma Informed Practice	Course code SOWK4003	Units 6
Course name Professional Development	Course code SOWK4005	Units 6

Complete exactly 36 units from the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Social Work Field Education 1	Course code SOWK3002	Units 18
	Course name Social Work Field Education 2	Course code SOWK4004	Units 18

Complete exactly 24 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6
Course name Elective 2	Course code AUXX1012	Units 6
Course name Child Development	Course code SOWK1003	Units 6
Course name Informed Practice with Children	Course code SOWK2007	Units 6
Course name Child Centred Practice	Course code SOWK3005	Units 6
Course name Protecting Children	Course code SOWK4009	Units 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

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

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.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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: