Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Social workers and psychologists often work side-by-side in organisations where a 'balancing act' of expertise is required from both areas.

The program is designed to provide professional education for psychology and social work practice in the contemporary human service industry.

With a working knowledge of the fields of social science, psychology and social work, you will be prepared for a wide range of human service or community jobs.

Specifically, as a graduate of the program you will be able to:Apply appropriate interdisciplinary knowledge about Australian society, social issues and social problems Apply appropriate interdisciplinary knowledge about human development, human needs and human problems, especially in regard to individual and family functioning Undertake professional practice in interpersonal, intra-familial, group, organisational, community and policy contexts Utilise research in professional practice Illustrate successful completion of extensive field education (work integrated learning).

All courses listed may not be available each semester

Year One of Program

Complete the following Seven (7) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) of the following Courses:

AND

Year Two of Program

Complete the following Eight (8) Courses:

AND

Year Three of Program

Complete the following Five (5) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from any:

AND

Year Four of Program

Complete the following Seven (7) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from any:

AND

Year Five of Program

Complete the following Five (5) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from any:

Academic entrance requirements: Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school studies, or RMIT Foundation Studies program, or a recognised post secondary diploma or certificate in a relevant discipline. Applicants with post secondary work experience in this field will also be considered.

VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.

International English language requirements:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL (Paper based): 580 (TWE 4.5)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test – iBT): Overall score of 92 with minimum of 20 in any sections
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE(A)): 58 (no band less than 50)
• Cambridge English – Advanced (CAE): CAE Grade B
• RMIT English Worldwide (REW) – English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs: Advanced Plus certificate

Extra requirements Non year 12 and international applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History Online or an applicant statement if they wish other information to be considered. Applicants should explain their reasons for wanting to study the course and include details of any relevant work or other experience.

These graduate capabilities are derived from guidelines set by APAC (the accreditation body for Psychologists) and the AASW (the accreditation body for Social Workers) and consultation with key stakeholders. The BSW/BSocSci (Psych.) program will equip you with the capacity for: Critical Analysis and Problem Solving Demonstrated by your ability to:

• analyse issues of social disadvantage, oppression and marginalisation from a socio-political and economic framework recognising the impact of capitalism on social relations (SW)
• analyse the strengths and limits of the state’s policy, legislative and institutional arrangements on the context and practices for addressing social disadvantage (SW)
• apply knowledge to diagnose and solve problems in situations that range from simple and discrete to complex and ill-defined. (Psych)
• work independently and with others to identify and resolve problems of mutual concern in constructive and creative ways. (Psych)
• critically analyse and interpret the scientific literature for the purpose of problem solving solutions to psychological problems. (Psych)

Life-Long Learning Demonstrated by your ability to:

• show commitment to engage in life-long learning and on-going professional development. (SW)
• participate robustly in contemporary and changing ideological and political debates impacting on society, in an informed, flexible and grounded manner. (SW)

Informed Professional Social Work Practice Demonstrated by your ability to:

• work with and for society’s most vulnerable and marginalised individuals, families, groups and communities (SW)
• acquire relevant interdisciplinary knowledge required for practice (SW)
• apply interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in range of practice settings reflecting the contexts and challenges of contemporary social work (SW)

Ethical Practice Demonstrated by your ability to:

• promote ethical, respectful, accountable and transparent practice processes (SW)
• promote social justice and human rights within a global and international perspective (SW)
• apply knowledge and practice skills in a manner that confronts structural disadvantage arising from cultural and religious difference, patriarchy, racism, disability, age and discrimination of the basis of sexual preference (SW)
• recognise and work constructively with power differentials between human service organisations, practitioners and vulnerable marginalised individuals, families, groups and communities (SW)

Reflective Practice Demonstrated by your ability to:

• show understanding of appropriate and relevant fundamental and applied evidence-based knowledge (Psych)
• recognize limitations in knowledge and to use ongoing learning and self-development to improve personal and professional practice (Psych)

Evidence Based Practice Demonstrated by your ability to:

• employ a variety of approaches and procedures to inquiry and research that permit judgements and decisions to be clearly substantiated (Psych)
• ask the "right" questions and identify the information required that ensures practices are supported by appropriate evidence (Psych)
• gather, synthesise and evaluate information that places practice within a global and local context (Psych)

Communication Demonstrated by your ability to:

• engage in dialogue with a diverse range of people such as professionals and community stakeholders. (Psych)
• communicate in a range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) and to tailer the style and means of communication to the circumstances of the situation and capabilities of the audience (Psych)

Personal and Professional Awareness Demonstrated by your ability to:

• appreciate environmental, social, legal and international aspects of actions and decisions (Psych)
• understand and adhere to professional expectations and ethical requirements (Psych)
• maintain tolerance and respect for individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and holding diverse values (Psych)
• clearly articulate and apply an ethical position that guides personal behaviour in all aspects of professional practice. (Psych)

Facilitation Demonstrated by your ability to:

• build networks of collaborative partnerships with colleagues, other professionals and the community. (Psych)
• build capacity of others (Psych)
• develop open and flexible relationships that promote the capacity to adapt to evolving needs and aspirations. (Psych)