Social Work
What is the Social Work program about?
Social Workers aim to enhance individual and community wellbeing by addressing structural challenges that are harmful to people, such as discrimination, inequality, violence and other forms of oppression—focusing on social justice and human rights.
Social Work can assist in generating sustainable change by engaging in interpersonal practice, groupwork, advocacy, community work and social action to address both personal difficulties and public issues.
Through their advocacy, Social Workers utilise skills in research, social policy development, administration, management, consultancy, education, training, supervision and evaluation to affect positive social change.
In the right headspace
Social Work graduate Ella Baker-Condon is helping some of society’s most at-risk and in-need people as a social worker for Headspace, a free youth-focused health service.
Why study Social Work with us?
We offer two professional qualifying courses in social work, opening the door for graduates to work in Australia and overseas in this dynamic and progressive profession.
Students learn a foundation of social work principles, research and theory, complemented by two professional supervised field education work placements.
We have a strong reputation in social work research and offer two higher degrees by research to develop advanced research knowledge and skills to influence social policy or facilitate change.
Our graduates work in roles requiring a deep understanding of the relationships between people and their physical, cultural, social, economic and political environments.
What careers relate to Social Work?
Social work is a part of a growing service industry with graduates working across local, state and federal government departments, in private and non-government human service organisations and in various advocacy, policy making and tribunal capacities. Opportunities range from direct practice, education, community and policy development, and research.
- Case Manager
- Child and youth worker
- Community engagement officer/co-ordinator
- Education and career support consultant
- Human rights advocate
- Mental health and wellbeing coordinator
- Migrant and refugee settlement officer
- Policy adviser/analyst/researcher
- Public servant
- Public health consultant
- Rehabilitation support worker
- Social Worker
- Victims advocate
- Youth support coordinator
Helping people in need through crucial research
How studying Social Work can give you a rewarding career in a vital industry.
How can I learn about Social Work?
Students learn a foundation of social work principles, research and theory, complemented by two professional supervised fieldwork placements.
Our courses are accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.
Interested in studying with us? Explore our course and research opportunities below.
Undergraduate courses
Bachelor Degree
Pathways
- Diploma of University Studies (Social Work Specialisation) (21A)
- University Preparation Program (UPP) (E0D)
Postgraduate courses
Masters by Coursework
Your learning experience in Social Work goes beyond the lecture and tutorials.
You will be taught by experts, and gain perspective from guest lecturers and forums; gain a competitive advantage with real-world experience prior to graduation; have options to complete your studies your way, whether on-campus, online, part-time or full-time; pursue your passion or specialisation with a range of scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance programs, or meet your career goals with our pathway options.
Take your passion for ideas further than you ever imagined.
We offer a collegial, supportive environment, with experienced supervision, regular seminar series, research skills training, and many opportunities to work with peers and academics on your areas of interest. We supervise across a range of methodologies and conceptual/theoretical approaches, and encourage scholarship that draws on ideas from across diverse fields.
Choose a research topic that reflects your interests and identify a supervisor with the expertise to guide you in your research. Search for a discipline staff member via our staff profiles, or by an area or expertise.
The School of Social Sciences welcomes qualified applicants to undertake a research degree with us in any of our areas of research strengths and interests.
To find out about application procedures, entry requirements, and scholarships, refer to College of Arts, Law and Education Research Degrees.
