Key information
Start dates
March
July
A social work career is diverse, dynamic and in demand
Social work graduates are in high demand across many sectors. With a degree in social work, you could work in mental health, child protection, schools, disability services, housing and homelessness, aged care, multicultural services, as well as in policy, research, and advocacy roles. You’ll be qualified to take on diverse and impactful roles in government departments, non-profits, community organisations and private practice.
Counsellor
A counsellor helps individuals, families, and groups navigate personal challenges and improve mental health and wellbeing. Counsellors work in schools, community centres, non-profits, and private practice, supporting clients with issues like relationships, trauma, and stress.
For social work graduates, counselling is a natural pathway, building on skills in human behaviour, social systems, and client-centred practice to create positive change in people’s lives.
Case manager
A case manager focuses on coordinating care and support services to help individuals achieve stability, independence, and improved quality of life. Working in areas such as mental health, aged care, disability, child protection, and housing, case managers assess needs, develop care plans, and connect clients with relevant services.
A common and rewarding pathway for social work graduates, case management draws on skills in assessment, advocacy, and systems navigation to support vulnerable individuals and communities.
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025 | Seek Australia, 2025
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
Director of Social Services
A director of social services leads programs and teams that deliver critical support to individuals, families, and communities. Typically working within government, non-profit, or community organisations, these leaders oversee service delivery, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and drive strategic initiatives. For experienced social work graduates, this senior role offers the opportunity to shape policy and practice, influence systemic change, and improve outcomes on a broader scale.
Mental health worker
Mental health workers provide support to individuals experiencing mental health issues. They work in clinical and community settings to promote mental health and well-being.
Senior Policy Adviser
A senior policy advisor researches, develops, and advises on policies that address social issues and improve community outcomes. Working in government, advocacy organisations, or research institutes, they analyse data, consult stakeholders, and shape policies in areas such as child protection, housing, or mental health. For social work graduates, this role offers a way to influence change at a systems level, applying frontline insights to create more effective, inclusive policies.
Other careers could include:
- Clinical social worker
- Social work supervisor
- Policy analyst
- Researcher
- Academic lecturer
What will you study to start your career in social work?
Study a variety of core topics and electives and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
The Bachelor of Social Work at Flinders University is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), ensuring a high-quality learning experience and direct pathway to becoming a qualified social worker in Australia. AASW accreditation also strengthens your employment prospects. Many employers require it, and it sets you up for future registration and professional recognition across the country.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work meets external Australian Association of Social Work (AASW) accreditation requirements. Both programs provide graduates with the necessary qualification to be eligible for membership to the AASW, and practice as social workers.
The Statement of Inherent Requirements is designed to help prospective students make informed decisions about whether they will be in a position to complete the requirements of either a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work. If you intend to enrol in either of these degrees look carefully at the inherent requirements to determine whether you will be able to meet them.
In Australia, social worker salaries can vary based on experience, location, and area of practice.
According to SEEK, the average social worker salary in Australia ranges from $90,000 to $105,000.
Social work is a stable and growing profession in Australia, offering meaningful, community-focused careers with strong demand across government, non-profit, and private sectors.
Yes, there is strong and growing demand for qualified social workers in Australia. According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, employment in social work is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, driven by increasing community needs in areas like mental health, aged care, family support, and disability services. The 5-year projection for job growth is 23.2% for social workers.
Social workers are employed across government agencies, non-profit organisations, schools, hospitals, and private practice, offering diverse career opportunities across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas. This makes social work a rewarding and future-focused career choice.
Yes, Flinders University’s Bachelor of Social Work is available to study online. Most coursework can be completed remotely, offering flexibility for students balancing work or other commitments. However, the degree does include essential in-person components, such as on-campus intensives and professional placements, which must be completed face-to-face to meet accreditation and professional practice requirements.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 96.80 | 98.10 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 75.50 | 81.00 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 61.80 | 70.05 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 42 | 38% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 23 | 21% |
| Work and life experience | 6 | 5% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 19 | 17% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | 0 | 0 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 14 | 13% |
| International Students | 7 | 6% |
| All students | 111 | 100% |
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