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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Social Work

This degree provides you with a sound knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equips you with the skills to work in a range of fields in social work and human services. It has been developed around four major areas of study: social work theory; social work practice and skills; social policy; and social research.

You will gain practical experience as part of the degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills.

Become even more employable by combining your Bachelor of Social Work degree with another degree. With just one or two years of extra study you can graduate with a double degree. We offer a double degree with the Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Cultures and Australian Society). You can discuss the possibilities with Campus Central.

Students who have completed a TAFE Diploma in Community Services are eligible for 18 units of credit. Students who have completed a TAFE Advanced Diploma in Community Services are eligible for 36 units of credit.

This degree focuses on four major areas of study:

  • social work theory: you will develop knowledge of various social work approaches as they relate to individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations
  • social work practice and skills: you will work in custom-built Social Work Studios to develop a range of skills needed to work in social practice - in this dedicated space you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations
  • social policy: learn how 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: learn how to use, evaluate and construct research

Campus Information

Magill

In Adelaide’s leafy eastern suburbs, Magill hosts programs in the areas of education, humanities and social sciences.

Wyalla

With on-site accommodation, you can study business and regional enterprise, engineering, nursing and rural health, and social work and rural practice.

Mount Gambier

Offering local study and research opportunities for students in the south-east of South Australia and south-western Victoria, you can study business and regional enterprise, nursing and rural health, and social work and rural practice.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

As a social worker, you may provide support, counselling and service referrals, conduct research, and practise advocacy, to improve individual wellbeing and promote a fair, inclusive society. If you have a passion for human rights and a strong commitment to social justice, there are a number of employment opportunities in an array 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.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.