Study Social Work | Arts & Social Sciences

A One-of-Its Kind Accredited Social Work Program

Studying Social Work at UNSW is the only accredited social work program in Australia that integrates Honours into your entire Undergraduate degree. Our leading academics guide you through a dynamic, evidence-informed and synergistic program built to help you make a positive impact at all levels of society. From counselling and advocacy to community work, research and policy development, learn how to make a real difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.

An Enriching Learning Experience

Our dynamic and accredited Social Work program brings you a rich, interactive experience to put you at the forefront of employment opportunities in human services. Students undertake 1,000 hours of core education in real-world contexts, offering you nurturing yet transformative professional experiences. You'll gain the critical skills to nurture people’s strengths and resources within and beyond their social and cultural environments.

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“The social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being… Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.”

(International Definition of Social Work, IFSW, 2004)

Become a Driver of Change in Your Community

Studying Social Work at UNSW opens the door to a range of career options across a multitude of sectors, including private and government agencies, social welfare support organisations and community groups. Our strong partnerships and placement opportunities elevate your recognition and employability upon graduation.

Key specialisations of practice include:

Building and sustaining communities
Caring for elders and the elderly
Addressing gendered violence
Empowering people from diverse cultures
Promoting mental health and wellbeing
Supporting victims of crime and violence
Counselling individuals and families
Social planning and social development
Including people with disabilities
Delivering justice in corrective services
Developing social policy
Collaborating with Indigenous communities
Protecting children
Excelling in health services
Strengthening families
Preventing human trafficking and sexual slavery

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Undergraduate

Bachelor Of Social Work (Honours)

The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours offers an innovative, accredited program leading to eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Drawing on the extensive expertise of qualified Social Work practitioners, we deliver a unique combination of world-class theory and practice-based learning. We also emphasise practical skills to enhance your employment prospects by offering two separate field placements in Years 3 and 4 of the degree of 1,000 hours in total.

TAFE Credit Transfers

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) who have completed specific diplomas under the TAFE Community Services Training Package CHC508 are eligible for credit transfer.

Honours

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, all students will graduate with Honours (AQF Level 8). As part of the Honours requirement, every student completes either a piece of independent research by way of a thesis or an advanced practice portfolio.

Postgraduate

Master of Counselling Social Work

The Master of Counselling Social Work offers postgraduate opportunities for qualified Social Workers to study advanced practice in the field of counselling. This program is designed for Social Workers who want to consolidate and extend their knowledge and skills in counselling practice. This degree will develop your understanding of counselling frameworks consistent with a strengths-based and family-sensitive approach of clinical skills and social work research process.

Other Degrees

Other relevant Master degrees for Social Workers offered in the School of Social Sciences include:

Postgraduate Research

UNSW Arts & Social Sciences offer our postgraduate research candidates the opportunity to undertake higher-degree research. This research is supervised by leading scholars to produce an original body of research work. In the subject area of Social Work, students can choose from a Professional Doctorate or a Doctor of Philosophy and Masters by Research.

Professional Doctorate

The Professional Doctorate is a postgraduate research degree designed for Social Workers. It provides the opportunity to combine postgraduate coursework study in an area of advanced social work practice with doctoral research. This degree builds social work knowledge, which leads to a final presentation of a doctoral thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy & Masters by Research

UNSW Arts & Social Sciences offer our postgraduate research candidates the opportunity to undertake supervised research with leading academics to produce an original body of research work. In Social Work, students can choose from a Doctor of Philosophy or a Masters by Research.

Find your Research Supervisor