Study the Bachelor of Social Work

Study Social Work at Flinders

Learn how to help, support and empower people.

Get equipped with the practical skills and knowledge you need to work in a wide range of health and social welfare settings. The degree combines traditional social work skills with the broader issues of social policy and planning. You’ll develop expertise in the delivery of social services, and in development and monitoring of programs appropriate to current social conditions.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2020 selection rank

70.00

Guaranteed selection rank

80.00

TAFElink

Diploma or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

224761

Delivery mode

On campus:

– Bedford Park

Online: No.

Duration

4 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2020: $6,700

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

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Student and ATAR profile

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Why study Social Work at Flinders

Qualifies you to work as a social worker in a wide range of health and social welfare services
Undertake intensive work placements that help integrate social work theory into your practice
Gain a strong foundation in a range of disciplines, including human rights and social development
Indigenous knowledge and issues are integrated into the Bachelor of Social Work with options for Indigenous-focused topics
Be prepared with practical training in our purpose-built on-campus Social Work Simulation and Skills Lab

Your career

The Bachelor of Social Work equips you to work in a wide range of areas related to the provision of welfare services. Social workers may work for government and non-government sectors in largely project and policy-based positions.

Potential occupations include:

social worker
advocate
assessment officer
child protection practitioner
drug and alcohol counsellor.

Potential employers include:

government departments
hospitals
health and community centres
correctional services
welfare agencies.

Professional accreditation/recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers. Indigenous graduates and students can join a network of Aboriginal social workers through Indigenous Allied Health Australia, which centres on Aboriginal professional practice.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:

core topics in introductory democracy and government, reasons for social work, mental health and public participation, introductory Aboriginal studies, social planning theory, critical thinking and communication, and practice with individuals
a topic in issues in sociology or sociology of everyday life.

Second year

A typical second year may include:

core topics in human social development, community development, social policy practice, cities as human environments, social work with groups, social work with diverse populations, and social work and reflective practice
a topic in Australian Indigenous politics or Indigenous women’s voices: race, gender and colonialism.

Third year

A typical third year may include:

core topics in the wellbeing and protection of children and families; practice research; loss and grief in social work practice; understanding addictions; and identity, self and agency
an intensive field placement.

Honours year

A typical honours year may include:

core topics in human-rights-based social work practice, ethical issues and critical reflexivity, mental health across the life course, and complexities of contemporary social work practice
an intensive field placement
a choice of option topics.

A typical honours year includes a social work honours thesis, topics in research principles and practices and human-rights-based social work practice, and an intensive field placement.

View study program

Practical experience

The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

Undertake two intensive field placements in third and fourth year totalling 500 hours each.
Placement options include child protection, community health, hospital social work, research, social planning, aged care, social work with migrant groups, correctional services and more.

What you'll need

Prior to your first social work placement, you will be required to complete the following:

DCSI Screening and Background Check
National Police Clearance
Child Safe Environments Training
Drivers Licence (required for most placements).

Study abroad

There are opportunities to take your studies overseas with a student exchange program.

Innovation and
enterprise topics

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for changes in the global job market.

These innovation and enterprise electives prepare you for the careers of tomorrow by developing what we like to call ‘personal enterprise skills’ – the innate ability to adapt to whatever life throws at you, professionally and personally.

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Inherent requirements

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.

View inherent requirements

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, another Flinders degree you might want to include in your list is the Bachelor of Arts.

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

Inherent requirements

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.

View inherent requirements

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through academic pathways programs provided by the Flinders International Study Centre.

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Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Bachelor of Social Work

Study Social Work at Flinders

Fast facts