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Community & Health

Bachelor of Social Work

Next Intake
03 Feb 2025
4 years (full-time) / part-time equivalent
On-Campus Learning
28 Units
​​Available in Melbourne and Sydney
Payment Options & FEE-HELP Available
Accredited by Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
In partnership with

Course Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with the Bachelor of Social Work, where a deep understanding of human behaviour is the foundation. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise gained through field education placements, you'll graduate ready to address complex social issues and create positive change in diverse communities.

This program is your gateway to honing foundational social work skills, offering a unique advantage with small classes and personalised mentorship. Delve deep into the complexities of social work principles and techniques, gaining expertise that sets the stage for a rewarding career in the dynamic field. Explore key areas such as psychology of health and wellness, development psychology, social work theories, cultural diversity, international social work, interpersonal, family, and structural violence, mental health, indigenous social work, and aging and disability social work. With hands-on experience through field education placements, you'll refine your skills, contribute to real-world projects, and graduate ready to make a positive impact in diverse communities.

What you'll learn:

Starting at the foundational level, the bachelor's degree systematically builds expertise in social work principles and techniques. Engage in practical training through field education placements and collaborative learning. Graduate equipped with applied skills, a comprehensive understanding of social issues, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

  • Psychology of Health and Wellness: Understand the interplay of mental and physical well-being, mastering skills to address holistic health within a social work context.

  • Development Psychology: Explore human growth across the lifespan, mastering developmental theories to guide individuals through different life stages.

  • Social Work Theories: Master diverse theoretical frameworks for critical analysis and application in addressing societal challenges.

  • Cultural Diversity: Delve into diverse cultures, mastering culturally competent social work for inclusive community support.

  • International Social Work: Develop a global perspective, mastering skills to address international social issues and engage in cross-cultural intervention.

  • Interpersonal, Family, and Structural Violence: Identify, understand, and address various forms of violence, mastering skills for social change advocacy.

  • Mental Health: Explore mental health intricacies, mastering assessment and intervention strategies for effective support.

  • Indigenous Social Work: Develop cultural competence and specialized skills for engagement in Indigenous communities.

  • Ageing and Disability Social Work: Master specialized skills to advocate for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, contributing to their enhanced quality of life.

Course Modules

The Bachelor of Social Work is divided into four years, each consisting of three trimesters, designed to provide the best theoretical, experiential, and skills-based learning.

  • SWSP1003 Introduction to Human Services
  • SWSP1053 Introduction to Contemporary Society
  • MULT1015 Applications in Context
  • SWSP1013 Social Work Theories
  • MULT1035 Personal, Professional and Global Sustainability
  • SWSP1023 Professional Practice 1
  • PSYC1052 Foundational Psychological Processes
  • COUN2231 Lifespan Development
  • SWSP2003 Critical Social Work Theories
  • SWSP2023 Professional Practice 2
  • COUN2261 Advanced Mental Health and Wellness
  • SWSP2033 Individuals, Children and Family
  • SWSP3103 Social Media and Social Change
  • SWSP2013 Field Education 1
  • SWSP3003 International Social Work
  • SWSP3033 Group, Teamwork and Organisational Learning
  • Elective 1
  • SWSP3013 Influencing Policy and Practice
  • Elective 2
  • SWSP3053 Social Work Theory and Practice
  • SWSP3923 Disability and Social Work Practice
  • Elective 3
  • SWSP3913 Ageing and Aged Services
  • SWSP3043 Interpersonal, Family and Structural Violence
  • Elective 4
  • SWSP3023 Professional Practice 3
  • SWSP4023 Ethical Social Work and First Nations People
  • SWSP4013 Field Education 2

Industry Outlook

Students who complete this qualification may be able to pursue a rewarding career in social work.

Employment

35,000 professionals

are currently working in the social work industry, offering a snapshot of the sector's workforce.
Weekly Earnings

$1,736 pw

Professionals in the social work industry earn an average weekly income of $1,736, providing financial stability and job security.
Female Share

84%​

The sector is predominantly female-oriented, with women making up 84% of the workforce.
Full-Time Share

63%

of professionals in the social work industry work full-time, reflecting the industry's commitment to robust and consistent contributions.
Average Age

42

The industry thrives with a diverse age range, as the average age of professionals stands at 42.

Payment Options

Indicative Annual Course Fees* (based on 1.0 EFTSL)

  • $21,360 AUD Year 1
  • $21,360 AUD Year 2
  • $21,360 AUD Year 3
  • $21,360 AUD Year 4
  • Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) up to $326 per year based on 1.0 EFTSL

Indicative Total Course Fee* (based on 4.0 EFTSL)

  • $85,440 AUD
  • Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) up to $1304 based on 4.0 EFTSL

How to enrol

Step 1
Fill out the enquiry form or request a callback

A friendly Education Consultant will be in touch to answer all your questions.

Step 2
Complete an enrolment form

This will include a short English language test. You can provide proof of previous learning too.

Step 3
Get started on your new future

We will invite you to an online orientation session and you can get started on your course. 

What you need to know

The Bachelor of Social Work is a dynamic program consisting of 28 units spread across four levels—100, 200, 300, and 400. Whether you choose the full-time track or the flexible part-time option, the course structure is meticulously designed to provide a well-rounded education. This comprehensive program equips students with essential knowledge and skills at each level, preparing them for a rewarding career in the field of social work.

Course Duration:

Full Time Duration - 4 Years
Get in touch with an education consultant for more information.

Part-time option available - up to 8 Years
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.

Recognition of Prior Learning/Credit

This course acknowledges the potential for students to receive credit for their prior studies or work experience, which could result in exemptions from specific units within the Bachelor of Social Work program. This recognition allows eligible students to expedite their qualification, completing the course in a shorter duration. It's important to note that applicants must be enrolled students before applying for Credit for Prior Learning. For more detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning and the application process, please refer to policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.

Entry Requirements

Domestic students must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Participate in a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required); and
  • Be 21 years or above at the date of commencement; or
  • Completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or equivalent); or
  • Completion of a Certificate IV or above (or equivalent); or
  • Admission to an undergraduate degree at an Australian University (or equivalent)
  • It is a condition of progression in this course that students complete a national police record check in their first trimester of enrolment.

Assessment:
Assessment methods vary for each unit and may encompass a range of formats such as reports, formal essays, critical reflections, group work, practical sessions, and supervised work placements.



Placement:

  • In the second year, students must undertake 500-hours of supervised field education, with formal supervision provided by a qualified social work Field Educator.
  • In the final year, students must undertake 500-hours of supervised field education, with formal supervision provided by a qualified social work Field Educator.



Further Study:
Eligible graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work, with a GPA over 6.0 can apply for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).

*Please note that this course is not accredited or recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework. However, it is a university-accredited and globally recognised course.

About ACAP: The Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) is a nationally registered training organisation and institute of higher education with over 40 years in experience in delivering accredited vocational education and training and higher education courses.  We build knowledge that’s useful, usable and applicable to real-life solutions and real-world change.  Our deep understanding of people and our human-centred teaching philosophy helps develop the enterprise skills that students require in the real world to ensure a healthy career and ongoing career success.