Bachelor of Social Work

This course provides a professional education in the field of social work.

It develops the students' ability to work within a complex, uncertain and contested social work practice environment by developing their professional competencies.

Students undertake studies in social work theory and practice, research, politics, policy, law, and ethics, with particular reference to the relevance of this knowledge to practise in regional, rural and remote settings.

The curriculum is designed to develop social workers who are able to understand and meet the Practice Standards for Social Workers (AASW, 2013).

Year 1 - Semester 1

Year 1 - Semester 2

Year 2 - Semester 1

Year 2 - Semester 2

Year 3 - Semester 1

Year 3 - Semester 2

Year 4 - Semester 1

Year 4 - Semester 2

* Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.

Admission requirement (Band 3)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Cert IV;
• Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or
• Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

International students are required to provide an English language test approved by ECU with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

1. Apply broad discipline coherent knowledge of the role and value of social work in addressing social inequalities to build sustainable communities through a variety of social work practices which are informed by human rights values and social justice.
2. Use critical thinking to explore knowledge of human behaviour and society, as well as social, cultural, political, legal, economic and global contexts of social work practice to generate and evaluate complex ideas.
3. Think creatively to apply social work knowledge effectively in practice with individuals, groups and communities in diverse contexts.
4. Use digital technologies and information literacy to evaluate relevant research knowledge which informs decision making in social work practice.
5. Communicate social work knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
6. Demonstrate interpersonal skills, global outlook and cultural awareness when collaborating in professional settings and with culturally diverse groups, including Indigenous cultural competence.
7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social work professional values and ethics in decision making in a socially sustainable way.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and social work practice development, including reflective thinking skills and innovative practice through continued professional development.