Social work
Discipline
Passionate about human rights and have a strong sense of social justice? A career in social work could be for you. Develop the skills to work with individuals, families and communities to address inequality and improve lives.
Explore your study options
Gain the knowledge and skills to enhance the wellbeing of others through an understanding of policy, socioeconomic factors and social equity issues. With a fully accredited social work degree from Deakin, you’ll graduate ready to handle real-world challenges with confidence.
Choose a social work degree that will get you work ready
Discover how a Deakin social work degree will equip you with the latest tools and techniques to enable social change and improve the lives of others.
Benefit from industry connections
Our strong links with industry and partnership organisations provide opportunities for you to gain practical experience in various practice areas. Plus, you’ll learn from guest lecturers with a broad range of expertise and knowledge.
Gain practical experience
Put your skills into practice under the supervision of qualified social workers through work-integrated learning. Gain invaluable hands-on experience in a variety of communities and workplaces in online, metropolitan, regional or rural settings.
Learning grounded in shared cultural values
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can enrol in Deakin’s Bachelor of Social Work through the National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute. NIKERI offers culturally respectful, flexible, and accredited programs that combine week-long on-campus intensives with supported online learning. Your studies will be grounded in shared cultural values and designed to balance learning with your community commitments.
Study online at the #1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
Deakin's online social work degrees are designed to fit your lifestyle and career goals so you can study anytime, anywhere. Join more than 78,000 online students who have already graduated from Deakin.
Professional recognition
Our social work degrees are fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). As a graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for membership of AASW and can practice professionally throughout Australia.
Top professional roles in social work
Demand is high for social workers across a range of settings, with strong job growth of 15.9% – or 6,900 jobs – by 2028 in Australia.* Career paths in social work include:
- child and family counsellor
- child protection officer
- community development and education officer
- disability support coordinator
- diversity officer
- drug and alcohol case manager
- family relationship adviser
- mental health coordinator
- school counsellor
- youth projects officer.
Being a social worker is about taking bold and innovative approaches to make a positive difference for the individuals and communities we partner with.
Discipline leader for social work
World-class teaching experiences
Immerse yourself in world-leading research and learn from the best at Deakin. You’ll graduate highly skilled and work ready.
Learn from industry leaders
Every course at Deakin is shaped by industry experts, and our staff are leaders in their fields. You’ll learn the latest approaches to enable social change and improve the lives of others, covering social topics such as human behaviour, public policy and more.
Research with us
If you complete an honours year in the Bachelor of Social Work, it can open the door to further research opportunities. Whether you're interested in disability and chronic illness related research or access to health care, there’s a research supervisor for you at our Geelong Waterfront Campus.
Receive adjustment points towards your ATAR
Want to boost your chances of getting into your dream degree? If you live regionally or in a remote location, we offer an alternative entry pathway into the Bachelor of Social Work.
Why Hannah chose social work
Hannah discovered a social work course that aligns with their values, and moved from Tasmania to Deakin University's Geelong Waterfront Campus. Our accredited Bachelor of Social Work offers a critical and progressive approach to the field, which will help Hannah graduate career-ready with a predicted three year job growth of 15.9% in Australia.*
Want to explore more?
How to become a social worker and advocate for change
A degree in social work enables you to pursue a wide range of meaningful career paths and opens up a world of opportunity.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2028
Contact us
Got a question about our social work courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online
