#1 Victorian university for social work graduate employment
#1 Victorian university for social work graduate salary
#1 Victorian university for social work course satisfaction
Why choose social work at Deakin
Passionate about human rights and social justice? Deakin's fully accredited Bachelor of Social Work equips you to support individuals, families and communities through an understanding of policy, socioeconomic factors and social equity issues. You will develop the skills to address the underlying causes of inequality and contribute to meaningful and lasting social change.
Learn contemporary approaches to social work through student-centred teaching and gain practical experience across a range of community and professional settings. You will undertake 1000 hours of practice education placements throughout your course, building your skills and confidence while gaining insight into diverse contexts. As an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification, this course provides an entry pathway into the profession, with the option to complete the honours stream if eligible, preparing you to make a positive impact in your community.
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Strong graduate outcomes
Study at the #1 Victorian university for social work graduate employment and median graduate salary.
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Highly rated student experience
Deakin is ranked #1 Victorian university for social work course satisfaction and for support, facilities and resources.
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Gain professional experience
Undertake 1000 hours of practice education placements across a range of community and professional settings, building your skills and confidence.
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Financial support during placement
Eligible students may receive weekly government payments of around $330 to help support placement participation.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build a career improving the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Social work can lead to roles across health, mental health, child and family services, community development, policy, advocacy and government.
Social worker
Support individuals, families and communities to navigate complex challenges, access services and strengthen wellbeing. Social workers work across health, mental health, child protection, family services and community settings.
- $100k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 14.6%
Projected job growth in five years
- 4.1
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Case manager
- Child protection officer
- Community development officer
- Disability support coordinator
- Mental health coordinator
- Specialist family violence practitioner
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Social Work?
Build the knowledge and skills to support individuals, families and communities while developing a strong understanding of social policy, human rights and social justice. You will combine theory with practical experience throughout your degree, preparing you for professional social work practice.
Build foundations in social work
Understand people and society
Explore human behaviour, sociology and the factors that shape inequality and social outcomes.
Learn social work foundations
Build knowledge of social work theory, values and ethical practice.
Develop critical thinking skills
Begin analysing social issues and their impact on individuals and communities.
Develop applied knowledge and skills
Explore policy and social justice
Learn how policy, politics and systems shape social outcomes.
Build practice skills
Develop your ability to work with individuals, families and communities.
Prepare for professional experience
Build the skills and confidence needed for supervised social work practice.
Apply your skills in practice
Gain experience through supervised placement
Complete your first field education placement in a professional setting.
Strengthen practice capability
Develop your ability to respond to complex social issues.
Integrate theory and practice
Apply evidence-based approaches in professional contexts.
Choose your pathway and consolidate your learning
Complete advanced placement
Undertake your final field education experience, building confidence for professional practice.
Build professional readiness
Focus on advanced practice skills and prepare to transition into the workforce.
Develop research expertise (Honours)
If eligible, complete a research project and undertake research-focused study.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Social Work, you must pass 32 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Some students also have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) in their fourth year of the course. Entry into the Social Work Honours program is by invitation only.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus
Or
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 4 - Pass stream
Trimester 1
plus two electives
Trimester 2
Level 4 - H430 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Professional recognition
Get the professional recognition you need to work in this fulfilling and growing field. Deakin’s Bachelor of Social Work is fully accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Students completing the course are eligible to apply for membership of AASW and can practise professionally throughout Australia. The AASW has also singled out and commended Deakin for our 'critically reflective practice', setting us apart from other social work programs in Australia.
Note: All information regarding professional recognition is accurate at the date of publication. Enquiries regarding accreditation and professional membership should be directed to the School of Health and Social Development in order to ascertain the current status of accreditation at any future point in time beyond publication. Representations about accreditation apply only to the course, and the AASW retains discretion as to who they admit as members of their association. Deakin University cannot exercise any control over membership of an external body.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
This course is suitable for students who hold an undergraduate degree in an unrelated study area or do not have an undergraduate degree. If you hold a related undergraduate degree then you may consider our Master of Social Work to fast-track your studies. However, graduates of this course* will not be admitted to the Master of Social Work, please refer to the entry requirements to determine the degree best suited to you.
*Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are already eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and can practice professionally throughout Australia.
Police Record Check
In accordance with the policies of health and human services organisations, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to undertaking professional placements in each calendar year that they are enrolled in a placement unit. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of a professional placement will not be able to undertake their mandatory placement units and this will impede progress in the course.
Working With Children Check (or State/Territory equivalent)
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional placement. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional placement will not be able to undertake their mandatory placement units and this will impede progress in the course.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
All students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to the commencement of professional placement. This is an assessment of whether a person poses risk to NDIS participants. A placement organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if they fail to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check. This may impede progression in the course.
Immunisation Status
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health and human service organisations where they will be undertaking their professional learning experience. A placement organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the placement organisation. This may impede progression in the course.
Note
Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining the above mandatory checks which are required prior to commencing professional placement:
- Working with Children Check, (approximately $130)
- An NDIS worker screen, (approximately $130)
- A National Police Record Check (approximately $100)
- Immunisation Status
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are those skills, values and behaviours that students must demonstrate in order to complete the Bachelor of Social Work. Learn more about inherent requirements.
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week. This may include a combination of self-paced study, lectures, seminars, simulations and online interactions. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Attendance requirements for Online students
Online students will be required to attend on campus intensive workshops depending upon units of enrolment.
Students must complete two practice education units as part of the core units, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across a minimum 63 days) of practicum (field placement) in a social or community service agency or program
During the academic and placement components of a social work degree, students are expected to attend seminars and classes, and/or participate in online learning activities. In person attendance for some activities, including placement, is compulsory for all students including those enrolled as online students.
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
In accordance with the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) all students irrespective of study mode are required to attend on campus intensive seminars for a minimum of 20 days throughout their course. Compulsory attendance is linked to individual units of study. Refer to the individual unit details in the University Handbook for more information about attendance requirements for specific units.
Inherent requirements
All prospective applicants should review the Inherent Requirements of the course, which describe the skills, values and behaviours that students need to achieve. Students should consider whether they may need reasonable adjustments in order to meet these requirements.
Practice Education
All students are required to complete two field education placements, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across at least 63 days) of practicum (field placement) in a health or human service organisation or program.
Students must also attend and participate in the associated pre-placement preparation seminars at the Geelong Waterfront campus in the trimester prior to the placement being undertaken - dates to be advised.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is possible for the first placement only (HSW314-Social Work Field Education A) for students who are able to demonstrate that their prior experience has provided them with the knowledge and experience that would normally be provided in the first placement. Applications for RPL are due 30 November of the year prior to students undertaking their first placement. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Further information is available in the RPL Guidelines
Deakin University does not require any student to have a driver’s licence but encourages students to obtain one if possible. Many placement providers expect students to hold a full driver's licence and students who do not have this may be limited in the placement opportunities available to them. Organisations which require students to drive as part of their placement work should provide access to an agency vehicle and not expect students to have their own car.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply a broad and coherent understanding in contemporary Australian and international contexts of the histories, aims, values, ethics, theories and practice approaches of social work. This knowledge is to cover all domains including working with individuals, families, groups, communities, management, research education and social policy. Practise social work reflectively according to the code of ethics and professional practice standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers. |
| Evaluate and apply appropriate communication and interpersonal skills in a broad range of social work practice contexts and with a diversity of people, communities and organisations. |
| Use digital technology in social work practice ethically and appropriately, including in service provision and management, information acquisition and dissemination, and research and evaluation. |
| Analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge of social work theories, methods and skills, with an emphasis on critical social work with the goal of social change. |
| Apply social work knowledge and intervention skills to appropriately and creatively respond to the needs of individuals, groups and communities in diverse settings, client groups and geographic locations. Apply research knowledge and skills to evaluate evidence and contribute to the role of research in social work practice. |
| Engage in critical reflective, reflexive and responsive practice, demonstrating an awareness of social location and positioning of self and others. Demonstrate a developing sense of identity, integrity and self-management as a professional social worker in all areas of practice. Participate in on-going professional development including engaging in professional supervision. |
| Work and learn respectfully and inclusively in collaborative intra and inter disciplinary settings. |
| Engage in decolonising practises in order to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as Traditional Owners of Australian lands. Evaluate and apply local and global knowledge of the social, political, cultural, legal and economic contexts of social work practice to respond effectively within a human rights and social justice framework. Work and learn across diverse social, cultural and political locations. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400411421 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - (Regional and Remote)
1400415431 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400615431 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400711421 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - (Regional and Remote)
1400715431 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- H330
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$13,132
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best.
If you're eligible, the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) can help with the costs of completing a mandatory placement as part of your course.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Indigenous students
Deakin courses are flexible and culturally inclusive. There are multiple ways you can apply for this course, including through the NIKERI Institute and the Indigenous Access Scheme.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Students may be eligible to apply for credit for this course, however, credit cannot be granted for core Social Work units (specifically coded as HSW) unless a student is transferring from a social work degree in another institution.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit. Applications for RPL on the basis of prior study should be submitted at least one week prior to the commencement of the trimester of offer. Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for the first placement only (HSW314-Social Work Field Education A) for students who are able to demonstrate that their prior experience has provided them with the knowledge and experience that would normally be provided in the first placement. RPL cannot be granted for informal learning for any Bachelor of Social Work units other than HSW314 & Social Work Field Education A. There is a separate process in applying for this type of RPL and more information is available in the RPL Guidelines.
Applications for RPL are due 30 November of the year prior to students undertaking their first placement. Late applications cannot be accepted and students are encouraged to apply earlier than this if possible. Guaranteed entry schemes exist for students enrolled in some diploma courses.
Details can be found at https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/entry-pathways/tafe. Guaranteed pathways work in conjunction with the Recognition of prior learning Database. The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Social Work to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.
Looking ahead to what's next?
H330 Bachelor of Social Work is a qualifying degree and does not have a formal pathway to further study. Graduates of H430 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) can enrol in an HDR H803 Master in Social Work (Research) or another discipline or an HDR doctoral program.
Articulated courses
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (H430)