Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work provides graduates with the theoretical and practical skills required to work as a professional social worker, an occupation that the Australian government predicts will continue to experience very strong growth.

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

UNE social work graduates typically work with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities using a social justice and trauma-informed framework in counselling, advocacy, and community development to enhance people's health and well-being.

Social workers address barriers, inequality and injustices faced by many groups, particularly those who are socially excluded.

UNE's social work program embraces a framework that examines the dynamic interaction of human behaviour and complex social interactions and institutions.

Covering all the core requirements of an accredited professional social work degree, the Bachelor of Social Work at UNE emphasises practice in rural and complex community environments, and focuses on rights-based practice, mental health, Indigenous peoples, child protection and the law.

The course incorporates 1000 hours of professional fieldwork placement supervised by experienced practitioners in diverse social work settings locally and overseas.

Students can suit their own learning needs and choose to study either on campus or online, with periodic compulsory intensive face-to-face classes for students who learn by distance.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Social Work aims to prepare graduates for employment as professional social workers in a variety of roles and fields, including government and non-government agencies, and community-based organisations that provide services to redress the impacts of social conflict, mental illness, social inequality and disadvantage. With a wide range of practice possibilities within Australia and internationally, in a diversity of employing organisations, the course aims to equip graduates with:(i) values, skills and knowledge for social work practice aiming to address issues of social change and social justice;(ii) evidence-informed, creative and accountable responses to people's presentations of social issues;(iii) structured learning experiences in supervised agency settings assessed against the Practice Standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers;(iv) lifelong learning skills with a firm preparation for professional and career development; and(v) capstone experience in applied research and evaluation skills for entry-level social work practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: apply and adhere to the principles of ethical practice as defined by the Australian Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics and professional Practice Standards; demonstrate knowledge of the human rights of all individuals and groups in society, and how social, economic and other factors affect the achievement of these; evidence knowledge of, and understand, injustice, inequality, and human rights, particularly the implications for marginalised groups, including Indigenous Australians; understand the impacts of disadvantage, disability and trauma upon the health and well-being of people, and its implications for practice and policy responses; demonstrate the linkage between theory and practice and how this is informed by evidence and the ability to critically reflect on their practice; develop a critical framework for effective practice, policy and organisational responses to meet individual, familial and group needs in rural and complex community settings; demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to, respond to rapidly changing social and environmental issues that influence the lives of individuals within a given community at local, natonal and international levels; and articulate an understanding of the place of research in furthering social work theory and practice. BSW with Honours students will also be able to demonstrate discipline knowledge, problem-solving and analytical skills necessary to conduct research that contributes to the social work discipline and adheres to principles of ethical practice; capacity to devise and complete all components of a thesis under supervision for an approved research proposal within an appropriate timeframe; skills and techniques necessary to advance to postgraduate research and/or further career progression; and academic writing skills necessary to produce a thesis and/or papers for scholarly publication.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline BSW: Students study theory and practice units covering increasingly complex social work practice knowledge, skills and values. Social work students are taught to practise using local and global perspectives of social work and thereby develop an understanding of disadvantage, marginalisation, and the ways in which societal structures and culture contribute to these. This will be assessed through assignment tasks. BSW Hons: Students study theory and practice units covering an increasingly complex social work practice knowledge, skills and values. Students in the honours cohort will be taught how to contribute to discipline knowledge by identifying a research problem, conduct research and complete a dissertation, which will be assessed. Social work students are taught and practise from local and global perspectives of social work. This will be assessed through assignment tasks and the course dissertation. Communication Skills BSW: Cooperative peer feedback is an essential part of tutorial/online discussions as students are taught to develop their understanding of the course materials which will be assessed and practised through a range of assessment tasks. BSW Hons: Cooperative peer feedback will be an important part of tutorial/online discussion as students are taught to develop their understanding of the course materials and their thesis work. This attribute will be assessed and practised through a range of assessment tasks related to students chosen research topics and the course dissertation. Problem Solving BSW: Many social work theory and practice units are taught using case scenarios to critically examine the biopsychosocial implications and develop practice options. This process is assessed and practised through assessment tasks. BSW Hons: Students in the honours cohort will extend, practise and be assessed on problem solving skills through the identification of a research problem, the articulation of the research methods/processes and the conduct of research related to the problem. Information Literacy BSW: All social work and practice units are taught in ways which will build information literacy and capability. Through completion of an academic literacy unit early in their course, guidance is provided so students utilise a variety of quality sources of information. Students are encouraged to embrace digital technologies to identify and locate information and analysis relevant to their particular enquiry. This attribute will be assessed through all assignments. BSW Hons: Students will demonstrate their information literacy skills through successful and relevant literature searches using a variety of sources that relate to the chosen topic of study. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility BSW: Ethical practice and social responsibility are core social work requirements that are taught, assessed and practised across the course in assessment tasks. BSW Hons: Students develop this attribute through engaging with the research project process, interacting with potential participants, agencies, peers and supervisors. Lifelong Learning BSW: Consistent with the AASW Practice Standards, students will be exposed to, taught about and expected to develop independent learning plans and strategies throughout the course and in subsequent practice. BSW Hons: This attribute will be practised through identifying and investigating a research problem and methodologies that illustrates how continuous development processes work for individuals and groups. Independence and Collaboration BSW: Social work theory and practice units are taught using case scenarios where students are expected to contribute to group analysis and learning and reflective practice. This is assessed and practised in assessment tasks. BSW Hons: Students will demonstrate this attribute during field placement and the research project process, through interacting with service users, peers, agencies and supervisors.