Bachelor of Social Work

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. apply and adhere to the principles of ethical practice as defined by the Australian Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics and professional Practice Standards;
2. demonstrate knowledge of the human rights of all individuals and groups in society, and how social, economic and other factors affect the achievement of these;
3. evidence knowledge of, and understand, injustice, inequality, and human rights, particularly the implications for marginalised groups, including Indigenous Australians;
4. understand the impacts of disadvantage, disability and trauma upon the health and well-being of people, and its implications for practice and policy responses;
5. demonstrate the linkage between theory and practice and how this is informed by evidence and the ability to critically reflect on their practice;
6. develop a critical framework for effective practice, policy and organisational responses to meet individual, familial and group needs in rural and complex community settings;
7. demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to, respond to rapidly changing social and environmental issues that influence the lives of individuals within a given community at local, national and international levels; and
8. articulate an understanding of the place of research in furthering social work theory and practice.
9. BSW with Honours students will also be able to demonstrate discipline knowledge, problem-solving and analytical skills necessary to conduct research that contributes to the social work discipline and adheres to principles of ethical practice;
10. capacity to devise and complete all components of a thesis under supervision for an approved research proposal within an appropriate timeframe;
11. skills and techniques necessary to advance to postgraduate research and/or further career progression; and
12. academic writing skills necessary to produce a thesis and/or papers for scholarly publication.

The Bachelor of Social Work aims to prepare graduates for employment as social workers in a variety of roles and fields, including government and non-government agencies, and community-based organisations that provide services to redress the impacts of social conflict, mental illness, social inequality and disadvantage. With a wide range of practice possibilities within Australia and internationally, in a diversity of employing organisations, the course aims to equip graduates with: (i) values, skills and knowledge for social work practice aiming to address issues of social change and social justice; (ii) evidence-informed, creative and accountable responses to people's presentations of social issues; (iii) structured learning experiences in supervised agency settings assessed against the Practice Standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers; (iv) lifelong learning skills with a firm preparation for professional and career development; and (v) capstone experience in applied research and evaluation skills for entry-level social work practice.

Become an agent of positive change in diverse communities with UNE's conditionally-accredited Bachelor of Social Work. With an emphasis on social work in rural and complex community environments, our flexibly delivered course will equip you with the practical skills to work with and empower individuals, groups and communities who experience marginalisation, isolation or discrimination.

In our complex world, skilled social workers are valued and in high demand. You'll be choosing a rewarding profession, with the qualifications to work in a range of professional environments.

Why study the Bachelor of Social Work with UNE?

Social workers address barriers, inequality and injustices faced by many groups, particularly those who are socially excluded. UNE's Bachelor of Social Work is an innovative and flexible social work degree with an emphasis on rural and complex communities. Learn online or on campus with interactive problem-based learning.

Covering the core requirements of an accredited professional social work degree, the course gives you the skills to understand how human behaviour interacts with complex social environments and institutions.

With a shortage of social workers in many countries, your UNE qualification can take you around the world. Our social work degrees are recognised internationally and locally.

What makes our course different?

Our Bachelor of Social Work is delivered flexibly, and we focus on developing both your theoretical and practical skills to fully equip you to work in a broad range of professional contexts. We offer opportunities to:

• Study flexibly - either on campus or online (with on campus intensive schools for some units), Choose the option that suits your lifestyle and learning needs by studying with us - we understand that students come to UNE at different stages of their lives and professional careers.
• Learn theoretical skills, enabling you to future proof your career in diverse areas of social work, including work with Indigenous peoples, child protection, rights-based practice, mental health and the law.
• Learn practical skills by undertaking 1000 hours of professional fieldwork (clinical) placements in diverse social work settings, either locally or internationally.
• Our clinical placements are supervised by experienced practitioners who support you in developing the skills needed to work with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities. Our approach uses a social justice framework in counselling, advocacy, and community development to enhance people's health and wellbeing.

Recommended study pattern

Program of Study

Rule A

• Advanced Standing
  • Receive 6 units in advanced standing
• Core Units
  • Complete 22 core units
• Coursework Units
  • Complete one capstone project
• Listed Units
  • Complete two elective units

Rule B

• Core Subjects
  • Complete 27 core subjects
• Coursework Units
  • Complete one capstone project
• Listed Units
  • Complete two elective units

To access the course rules and plans go to the UNE Course Handbook.

Award requirements

Candidates who complete all 192 credit points and meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Social Work (with Honours).

Exit points

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who apply to discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Undergraduate Certificate in Health and Social Care or the Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $36,820

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):

• Undergraduate Certificates
• Diplomas
• Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
• Bachelor degrees
• Postgraduate degrees

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

You can apply if you are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

The Guaranteed ATAR is 72.55.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

Rule A: You can apply if you have completed a Diploma (AQF Level 5) or Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6) from a VET Community Services Training Package or Health Training Package in one of the following areas:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Care
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
• Nursing

Rule B: You can apply if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:

• Level and type of qualification (Certificate IV or above)
• Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
• Complete or incomplete.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

You can apply for this course on the basis of work and life experience via at least one of the following methods:

Professional Experience

If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.

Mature Age Special Entry

Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. If you are admitted into this course you can apply for individual unit Advanced Standing based on previous formal learning.

UNE field education units are compliant with the AASW requirements for practical experience. UNE will require that students undertake 1000 hours of fieldwork. In the Bachelor of Social Work this will be taken as two placements over two units. Students may be required to travel some distance to undertake the placement.

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.