Promote social justice and human rights, and become an agent of change.
Courses include a critical reflection, psychology, sociology, social research, trauma, bereavement and crisis counselling, ethics and working with families. Professional development covers child protection, Indigenous studies, mental health and culturally diverse communities, with a focus throughout on developing a critical practice framework. Field education integrates classroom learning with workplace experience to develop practical social work skills and strategies for social change.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2023 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Courses include a critical reflection, psychology, sociology, social research, trauma, bereavement and crisis counselling, ethics and working with families. Professional development covers child protection, Indigenous studies, mental health and culturally diverse communities, with a focus throughout on developing a critical practice framework. Field education integrates classroom learning with workplace experience to develop practical social work skills and strategies for social change.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete two field education placements in third and fourth year at approved agencies. A Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG) is required.
Career opportunities
Mental health, disability, policy development, child protection, community development, advocacy, Indigenous and multicultural agencies, women’s organisations, youth work, counselling.
Membership
Australian Association of Social Workers.
Accreditation
This program is provisionally accredited with the Australian Association of Social workers.
Program structure
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses, 20 required courses and 4 electives.
- Successfully complete 2 field education placements (SWK301 Social Work Field Education 1 and SWK404 Social Work Field Education 2).
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including core courses.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
- Travel to attend field education placements.
- Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.
Core courses
1 required course:
COR109
PLUS select 1 core course from:
COR110
COR111
Introductory courses
4 required courses:
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SCS172
Advanced courses
16 required courses:
SCS225 Social Research
SCS230 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SCS251
SCS266
SCS276
SCS277
SCS278
SCS285
SCS290 Understanding Cultural Diversity
SWK301
SWK302 Community Development and Social Action
SWK401 Critical Social Policy Analysis
SWK402
SWK404
SWK407 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
Elective courses
Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Those students interested in Critical studies in Indigenous and identity issues are strongly advised to take the following as electives:
SCS210
SCS295
Those students interested in Community Development are strongly advised to take the following as electives:
SCS211
ENP236
SCS201 International Community Development and Global Justice
Those students interested in Direct Practice are strongly advised to take the following as electives:
SWK303
SCS286
TOTAL UNITS 384