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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Social Work?
Our social work degrees provide you with a sound knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equip you with the skills needed to work in a diverse range of fields in social work and human services.
Practical learning is a major focus of these degrees and you will practise hands-on skills in our innovative custom-built Social Work and Human Services Studio. Using recording equipment and cameras, you will be able to review your work and learn from your experiences.
Industry placements will also provide valuable practical experience and learning opportunities where you will benefit from the close supervision of experienced practitioners and regular support from the University.
Our social work degrees are also accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, so graduates will be well-equipped for their future social work career with a recognised qualification.
Key features
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Join the No. 1 university in SA for graduate careers in Social Work1, and teaching quality in Social Work2.
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Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Social Work3.
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Build your practical skills in our innovative, state-of-the-art Social Work and Human Services Studio.
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Gain practical experience and build pivotal networks with supervised local, rural and international industry placements totalling 1,000 hours.
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Learn from award-winning researchers in their field.
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Choose to study this program externally and make the most of a flexible, dynamic online learning environment4.
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Our social work degrees are accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
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Study a program ranked in the Top 10 in Australia for graduate skills in Social Work5.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities. 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 4Students 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. 5Ranked #8, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
- You will have access to the latest technologies and learn in state-of-the-art facilities and teaching spaces.
- We’ve had 100% of our research rated at or above world-class2, and this excellence shines through our teaching. Our people are inspired by challenges and opportunities. We partner with local icons and international industry professionals to focus on real-world projects.
- You will gain real-world experience prior to graduation with local, rural and international industry placements.
- Access hands-on learning opportunities and connect with industry professionals right from day one.
- Choose from flexible learning options to suit your needs and lifestyle including online, on-campus, full-time and part-time study.
- Explore our wide range of grants and scholarships to support your studies.
- We are consistently recognised and awarded for our excellence in teaching, the quality of our degrees and satisfaction of our students – there's never been a better time to study at UniSA.
- Our Social Work degrees are accredited by the Australian Association of Social workers and graduates are eligible for membership to this accreditation body.
1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
UniSA offers the following Social Work degrees
Choose your level of study
Meet the Unstoppables
Meet some of UniSA's unstoppable graduates and explore how you can unlock your unstoppable career in Social Work with our world-class degrees.
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
As the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers for 17 years running1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready. A career in social work may entail offering support such as counselling and service referrals; conducting research; and practicing 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 a wide range of fields including:
- homelessness
- correctional services and juvenile justice
- child protection
- domestic violence
- aged care
- health
- mental health
- leadership and Management
- refugees and asylum seekers
- schools
- disability
- policy, project work and research
- community work.
1Graduate Destinations Survey 2007-2015 and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-23 (Domestic Undergraduate Full-time Employment Indicator for SA public universities).
Global networks
We are a globally connected university, and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Our students have had placements and internships with a broad range of organisations including:
- Department of Child Protection – SA Government
- SA Health
- Centacare
- schools
- community centres.
Industry facts
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.
Study at UniSA
Hear from Katerina Economou and Associate Professor Michelle Jones as they share what its like to study Social Work at UniSA and where this degree could take you.
What others are saying
"I like that this degree is comprehensive - we’re not just studying about helping people with their social functioning but also about social policies, issues and the implications they might have. It encourages us to put our critical lenses on, which I think is really important."
Rubina Chitrakar
Master of Social Work
Community Rehabilitation Support Worker, Neami National
I like the amount of opportunities I have to do meaningful, extra-curricular activities internationally. I have participated in the Hawke Ambassador Program, giving me the opportunity to volunteer for six months with World Vision in Brazil, and I was selected as a Global Voices delegate, allowing me to attend the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York.
Kyle Reeve
Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)
Public Servant, Commonwealth Treasury
"After working in the human services sector, I knew I wanted to become a social worker. The highlights of my time at UniSA include the flexible learning options, interactive workshops and my overseas study in Canada."
Christina Handley
Bachelor of Social Work
Family Practitioner, Department of Human Services SA
Further study qualified me to work in an allied health professional stream in government – it helped to diversify my career options and I’m so glad I did it. My role is focused on working with young offenders and their families to try and reduce offending behaviour, and includes making home visits, attending court and writing court reports. I enjoy helping young people strive to make positive choices, which can have significant long-term outcomes.
Steven Goss
Master of Social Work
Youth Treatment Orders Project Officer | Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
