Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
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Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 80.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): NA
TAFE/RTO: AdvDIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 80.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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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.
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 12-month 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
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Students commencing mid-year may require more than 4 years to complete their program due to the program structure and Honours requirements, with some semesters undertaken at a maximum load of 0.8 FTE. International students should contact the international student enquiries team for details.
Degree overview
- Study with the No.1 university in SA for graduate careers in Social Work1.
- Study with a Top 5 university in Australia for student satisfaction in Social Work2.
- Choose to study this program externally and make the most of a flexible, dynamic online learning environment*.
- In your final year, develop your own original research under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.
- Take advantage of workshops and additional resources available to better prepare students for their final Honours year.
- Build your practical skills in our innovative on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio.
- Build pivotal networks and practical experience by completing 1,000 hours of supervised local and rural work placements..
- This program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Social Work3.
- Study at our Magill campus or our rural campuses in Whyalla and Mount Gambier.
- Increase your employment prospects by graduating in an Honours program which focuses on developing your research skills, which are highly regarded by industry.
- Further your education after graduation with a postgraduate qualification, including doctoral study
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities. 2Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). *Students studying this program externally will be required to complete 20 days of on-campus, face-to-face learning across the duration of their degree. This a requirement of the accrediting body, the Australian Association of Social Workers to ensure practical skills competency.
Snapshot
This honours degree in Social Work 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. This degree has been developed around 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 this degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance your hands-on, practical skills. You will also have the opportunity to solve real-world issues by partnering with a community organisation and develop research to create real impact.
Further hands-on experience is gained in our state-of-the-art Social Work and Human Services Studio, 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.
In your final year, you will focus on developing your research skills, with the opportunity to publish your own research with your supervisor.
What you'll need
Students studying this degree will be required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS), a National Police Record Check, and complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to being accepted for work placements. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence and or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.
What you'll learn
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 and Human Services Studio 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 two 500-hour field education placements during your third and fourth years.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
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, as well as to 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.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- projects
- e-portfolios
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- research project
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Honours
This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance. You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year will prepare you for future leadership roles and higher degrees.
Why Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.
In this degree you will:
- Learn from industry experts and world-class researchers
- Gain practical experience in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio
- Build industry networks during field education placements
- Develop your own research project, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor, with the opportunity to publish post-completion.
Learn from industry experts and world-class researchers, gain practical experience in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio, build workplace networks during field education placements.
In our custom-built studios you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations. Using recording equipment and cameras, you can review your work, receive feedback and learn from your experiences. Third and fourth year work placements will enable you to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your practical skills in a real-world scenario.
This could be you
Are you ready to enhance the wellbeing of others through advocacy, social change, relationship building and empowerment? Explore a degree in social work and discover the meaningful role social workers serve in building communities.
Your career
As a social worker, you may provide support, counselling and service referrals, conduct research, and practice advocacy, to improve individual wellbeing and promote a fair, inclusive society. If you have a passion for human rights and a strong commitment to social justice, there are a number of employment opportunities in an array of sectors, including:
- 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.
- Domestic violence 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 of the people.
- Academic in social work: combine research, teaching and administrative work to enhance the practice of social work and social work education.
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Industry facts
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
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work)
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.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces 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 also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a social work student you will have access to our state-of-the art Social Work and Human Services Studio, which are equipped with recording equipment and cameras so that you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.
Your program director
I work as a lecturer and researcher in Social Work. My research to date has focussed on the experiences of women leaving prison, the connection between gendered violence, mental health and substance use and the experiences of women who are studying in the social sciences who are first in family to study at university.
I aim to create a community in my classroom and use multiple, creative and interactive methods to encourage learning. I model good social work practice and principles when working alongside students in the classroom and, while I have high expectations of my students, this is reciprocal in that I create topic content that is organised, detailed and engaging. I am respectful of the lived experiences students bring to the classroom and value the process of seeking and incorporating student feedback to improve my teaching.
I am confident this program will equip you with the critical thinking and analytical skills required to build a career in the social work field.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
While studying, I secured a job supporting children with disabilities at an organisation that provides respite service and life skill development programs. Studying at UniSA has given me a strong sense of purpose, and reassurance that I am on a career path that is suited to my strengths.
Lauren Harrington
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Community Support Worker | Disability Living
I had such a positive experience studying at UniSA. I can see now how so much of what I have learnt, really does apply to what I am currently doing everyday in my role as a social worker.
Katerina Economou
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Social Worker | Department for Child Protection, South Australia
