Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
UniSA uses cookies to remember your preferences, analyse traffic, track usage patterns, and personalise content. In some instances, UniSA shares personal information collected by cookies with UniSA's third party service providers and Adelaide University (as UniSA's future successor). See our privacy notification for further details. To adjust your cookie settings, click 'More information'. By clicking 'Accept and continue', you consent to our use of cookies.
You're considered an International student if you are:
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
Program Code
MHSW
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
Admissions
Student Profile
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
081883M
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.
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. 3Your study will include 20 days of on campus, face-to-face learning in selected courses across the duration of your degree which is in accordance with AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) requirements to ensure practical skills competency. Your degree will also include supervised placements. 42018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
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:
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.
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.
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:
You will also gain practical experience when you complete two 500-hour field education placements during your third and fourth years.
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 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.
You can also choose to study your degree externally to suit your lifestyle, work and family commitments1.
1Your study will include 20 days of on campus, face-to-face learning in selected courses across the duration of your degree which is in accordance with AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) requirements to ensure practical skills competency. Your degree will also include supervised placements.
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:
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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.
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.