Accredited social work qualification
1,000 hours supervised social work placement
High-demand social work careers
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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Accredited and professionally recognised
Graduate from an accredited qualification that provides a pathway into the social work profession.
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Extensive practical experience
Complete 1000 hours of supervised placement experience across diverse community and professional settings.
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Strong student support
Study in a supportive learning environment with access to high-quality facilities and resources.
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Career-ready skills
Develop the skills to support individuals, families and communities and contribute to positive social outcomes.
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
*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.
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
- 1400415433 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- H330
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 015207F Waterfront (Geelong)
- 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
$39,200
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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.
Pathways
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)