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.
You can also choose to study this program at our regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla.
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 1000 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:
- 144 units for all Core courses, and
- 36 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 144 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Human Service Provision
|
Course code
SOCI1009
|
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
Child Development
|
Course code
SOWK1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Governance and Citizenship in Australia
|
Course code
POLI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Group Work
|
Course code
PSYC1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australian Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Service Intervention
|
Course code
SOWK2002
|
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
Policy Practice
|
Course code
POLI3021
|
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
Child Centred Practice
|
Course code
SOWK3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Leading and Managing in Human Service Organisations
|
Course code
SOWK4011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Work with Older People
|
Course code
SOCW4009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Trauma Informed Practice (UniSA)
|
Course code
SOWK4003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Development
|
Course code
SOWK4005
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Within the first 6 months of enrolling in the program all students are required to have obtained a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and, a Working with Children, Aged, NDIS and Vulnerable People clearance through the Department of Human Services (DHS).
2. Field Education consists of 1000 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken during the third and fourth years. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 3 and 5 days per week. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake one rural placement.
3. Prior to commencing placement, all students must have successfully completed a 1-day Child Safe Environments Course.
4. Most placements will require students to hold a current driver's licence and to be willing to drive an agency car. Some agencies will require a recognised First Aid Certificate. Not having a current driver's licence will limit your placement choices.
5. The program is designed to graduate professional social workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment, and field activities.
6. Students are required to pass the Interview assessment to enrol in placement. Students failing the Interview will be given the chance to retake the assessment.
7. Students studying externally will be required to attend a minimum of 20 days on campus spread over the four years of the program to meet the Australian Association of Social Workers accreditation requirements around attendance.
8. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work are eligible to apply to transfer to the 4 year Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (HSOCW) program if they have achieved a GPA of 5.0 or higher. Transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (HSOCW) program for students is encouraged at any point in the first three years of the program but is highly encouraged in the first two years to ensure a smooth transition prior to the first placement.
9. The first year and a half of the Bachelor of Social Work is in common with the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services). Transfer between the degrees is possible. Transferring by mid-year of second year ensures smooth transition between the degrees and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.
Complete 36 units for ALL of 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
|
Notes
1. Within the first 6 months of enrolling in the program all students are required to have obtained a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and, a Working with Children, Aged, NDIS and Vulnerable People clearance through the Department of Human Services (DHS).
2. Field Education consists of 1000 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken during the third and fourth years. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 3 and 5 days per week. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake one rural placement.
3. Prior to commencing placement, all students must have successfully completed a 1-day Child Safe Environments Course.
4. Most placements will require students to hold a current driver's licence and to be willing to drive an agency car. Some agencies will require a recognised First Aid Certificate. Not having a current driver's licence will limit your placement choices.
5. The program is designed to graduate professional social workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment, and field activities.
6. Students are required to pass the Interview assessment to enrol in placement. Students failing the Interview will be given the chance to retake the assessment.
7. Students studying externally will be required to attend a minimum of 20 days on campus spread over the four years of the program to meet the Australian Association of Social Workers accreditation requirements around attendance.
8. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work are eligible to apply to transfer to the 4 year Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (HSOCW) program if they have achieved a GPA of 5.0 or higher. Transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (HSOCW) program for students is encouraged at any point in the first three years of the program but is highly encouraged in the first two years to ensure a smooth transition prior to the first placement.
9. The first year and a half of the Bachelor of Social Work is in common with the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services). Transfer between the degrees is possible. Transferring by mid-year of second year ensures smooth transition between the degrees and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 0 to 12 units from Closed electives, and
- 0 to 12 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Protecting Children
|
Course code
SOWK4009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Informed Practice with Children
|
Course code
SOWK2007
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Within the first 6 months of enrolling in the program all students are required to have obtained a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and, a Working with Children, Aged, NDIS and Vulnerable People clearance through the Department of Human Services (DHS).
2. Field Education consists of 1000 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken during the third and fourth years. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 3 and 5 days per week. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake one rural placement.
3. Prior to commencing placement, all students must have successfully completed a 1-day Child Safe Environments Course.
4. Most placements will require students to hold a current driver's licence and to be willing to drive an agency car. Some agencies will require a recognised First Aid Certificate. Not having a current driver's licence will limit your placement choices.
5. The program is designed to graduate professional social workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment, and field activities.
6. Students are required to pass the Interview assessment to enrol in placement. Students failing the Interview will be given the chance to retake the assessment.
7. Students studying externally will be required to attend a minimum of 20 days on campus spread over the four years of the program to meet the Australian Association of Social Workers accreditation requirements around attendance.
8. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work are eligible to apply to transfer to the 4 year Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (HSOCW) program if they have achieved a GPA of 5.0 or higher. Transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (HSOCW) program for students is encouraged at any point in the first three years of the program but is highly encouraged in the first two years to ensure a smooth transition prior to the first placement.
9. The first year and a half of the Bachelor of Social Work is in common with the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services). Transfer between the degrees is possible. Transferring by mid-year of second year ensures smooth transition between the degrees and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.
Free electives - 1. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 48 units.
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
- Youth 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
This program is provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Graduates are eligible for membership of the AASW.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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.
