Social Work courses are offered at both Bachelor and Masters levels. The Bachelor of Social Work is a four-year program, while the Master of Social Work is a two-year post-qualifying degree designed for students with prior knowledge and experience.
The Bachelor program accepts students who have completed secondary school in their home country, while the Masters program is tailored for graduates with degrees incorporating social and behavioral science components. Graduates from both programs emerge ready to contribute meaningfully as professional social workers to individuals and communities.
These programs cultivate critically reflective and analytical practitioners, providing students with innovative knowledge and skills for social action, counseling, community development, policy analysis and development, advocacy, and research, aimed at effecting change on both individual and societal levels.
Both the Bachelor and Master of Social Work focus on practical skill development in areas including:
– Advanced social research
– Culturally competent engagement with Aboriginal communities
– Ethical social work practice within complex contexts
– Mental health and social work
– Addressing challenges and promoting change within children, youth, and families.
For Bachelor entry, candidates need to have completed Australian Year 12 or its international equivalent, and demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or PTE (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), valid within two years of visa application. Exemptions may apply for citizens of certain countries, those enrolled in specific courses, or those with at least five years of English language education in select countries.
For Masters entry, applicants must hold a relevant 3-year Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences. Similar English language proficiency requirements apply, with exemptions for certain passport holders, specific course enrolments, or extensive English language education in select countries.
Upon completion of the Bachelor or Master of Social Work programs, graduates can pursue various career pathways, including:
1. Social work: Working in diverse settings such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and schools to support individuals and communities in need.
2. Aged care: Providing assistance and support to elderly individuals in residential care facilities, community centers, or through home-based services.
3. Health services: Collaborating with healthcare teams to address social and emotional needs of patients, coordinating support services, and advocating for access to healthcare resources.
4. Youth work: Supporting young people facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges through mentoring, counseling, and community outreach programs.
5. Counselling: Providing therapeutic support and guidance to individuals or groups experiencing mental health issues, trauma, or life transitions.
Graduates are eligible for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and can practice as professional social workers. Membership with AASW also offers opportunities to become a mental health accredited practitioner, which allows for eligibility to receive Medicare rebates for private practice services.
Course Fee
Starting from
$20,000 – $25,000
Duration
24-36 months, 36+ months
Location & Intake
Adelaide, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast
February, March, July, October