Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

This honours degree provides you with advanced knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences.

On completion, you may be eligible to further your qualification with postgraduate study, including doctoral study.

The focus of this degree is on the following four major areas of study:

social work theory social work practice and skills social policy social research You will also gain practical experience as part of the degree’s field education placement component.

This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills.

Further hands-on experience is gained in our state-of-the-art Social Work Studios, where you will take part in simulated, real-life situations.

These studios are an important part of your learning and provide a dedicated space where you can practice your skills.

What you'll need All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements.

The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed.

You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate.

Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements. The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed. You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate. Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

This honours degree provides an advanced level of knowledge of the political and behavioural sciences with a specific focus on the following four major areas of study:

• social work theory: you will develop knowledge of various social work approaches as they relate to individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations
• social work practice and skills: you will work in custom-built Social Work Studios to develop a range of skills needed to work in social practice; in this dedicated space you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations
• social policy: learn how to identify the social policies that affect people’s lives, and the strategic ways that social workers may be able to influence these policies
• social research: learn how to use, evaluate, construct and undertake research

You will also gain practical experience when you complete 1,000 hours of work placements during your third and fourth years.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

You will complete 1,000 hours of work placement during your third and fourth years in a range of local, rural and international settings. This real-world experience is a major focus of your studies and provides valuable practical experience and the opportunity for you to build important industry relationships. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights. If you think you’ve got what it takes the employment opportunities are excellent and the demand for graduates in Australia is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a wide range of fields. Careers to consider:

• child protection services social worker: in collaboration with families and community services, identify and document cases of abuse and neglect and find appropriate services in support of child welfare
• mental health social worker: provide support and referral opportunities for people experiencing poor mental health
• healthcare social worker: help people access services to improve and maintain their health
• aged care social worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living
• correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders
• domestic violence victim services officer: counsel, investigate and report on incidences of domestic violence
• disability services officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities
• social planner: a pivotal role in creating liveable, sustainable communities; social planners create strategic policy and action that policy in order to meet the needs and wants of the people
• academic in social work: combine research, teaching and administrative work to enhance the practice of social work and social work education

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a social work student you will have access to state-of-the art Social Work Studios, which are equipped with recording equipment and cameras so that you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.