Study Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 80.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): NA
TAFE/RTO: AdvDIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 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.

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 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
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
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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.

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) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public universities. ²ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2020-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Undergraduate). 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.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Provision	WELF 1014	4.5
Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	WELF 1019	4.5
The Social World	SOCU 1003	4.5
Please select one of the below options
Child Development	WELF 1020	4.5
OR
MINOR		4.5		Rule(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Governance and Citizenship in Australia	POLI 1008	4.5
Applied Psychology	BEHL 1005	4.5
Group Work	BEHL 2009	4.5
Working with Community	WELF 2010	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Intervention	WELF 2012	4.5
Australian Social Policy	POLI 1012	4.5
Social Research Methods	HUMS 2047	4.5
Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services	WELF 2020	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing	WELF 2019	4.5
Preparation for Field Placement	WELF 2009	4.5	Note(s): 3
Human Service Workers and the Law	JUST 2005	4.5
Please select one of the below options
Elective		4.5
OR
MINOR		4.5		Rule(s): 5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	WELF 2015	4.5
Social Work Field Education 1	WELF 3011	13.5		Rule(s): 1,2,3,4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice	WELF 3030	4.5
Policy Practice	POLI 2027	4.5
Working with Human Service Organisations	WELF 3023	4.5
Please select one of the below options
Child Centred Practice	WELF 4030	4.5
OR
MINOR		4.5		Rule(s): 5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Applied Social Research (Honours)	WELF 4033	4.5
Social Work Honours Research Project 1	WELF 4035	9
Please select one of the below options
Leading and Managing in Human Service Organisations	WELF 4032	4.5
OR
Trauma Informed Practice	WELF 3031	4.5
OR
MINOR		4.5		Rule(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Social Work Field Education (Honours)	WELF 4034	13.5		Rule(s): 1,2,3,4
Social Work Honours Research Project 2	WELF 4027	4.5

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

Children, Families and Society
Rules & notes

Rules

1. Within the first 6 months of enrolling in the program all students are required to have obtained a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and, a Working with Children, Aged, NDIS and Vulnerable People clearance through the Department of Human Services (DHS).

2. Field Education consists of 1000 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken during the third and fourth years. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 3 and 5 days per week. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake one rural placement.

3. Prior to commencing placement, all students must have successfully completed a 1-day Child Safe Environments Course.

4. Most placements will require students to hold a current driver's licence and to be willing to drive an agency car. Some agencies will require a recognised First Aid Certificate. Not having a current driver's licence will limit your placement choices.

5. Students choosing to undertake a minor must take the specified minor attached to this program.

Notes

1. The program is designed to graduate professional social workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.

2. The program is four years of full-time study but may also be studied part-time and while there are two 13.5 unit courses both can be taken in part time mode in negotiation with the Field Education Course Coordinator and the Honours Coordinator.

3. Students are required to pass the Interview assessment to enrol in placement. Students failing the Interview will be given the chance to retake the assessment.

4. Students studying externally will be required to attend a minimum of 20 days on campus spread over the four years of the program to meet the Australian Association of Social Workers accreditation requirements around attendance.

5. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work are eligible to apply to transfer to the 4 year Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (MHSW) program if they have achieved a GPA of 5.0 or higher. Transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (MHSW) program for students is encouraged at any point in the first three years of the program but is highly encouraged in the first two years to ensure a smooth transition prior to the first placement.

6. The first year and a half of the Bachelor of Social Work is in common with the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services). Transfer between the degrees is possible. Transferring by mid-year of second year ensures smooth transition between the degrees and avoids any problems in relation to field education, the minor, and AASW field education requirements.

7. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.

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.

Real-world connections

You will complete two 500-hour field education placements 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.

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.

Career outcomes

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

Employment for Welfare Support Workers is expected to increase by 25.2 per cent by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021

By 2024, employment for counsellors in Australia is projected to increase by 24.8 per cent.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment 2019

How to apply

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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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 campus

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

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.

Dr Fatin Shabbar

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Fatin Shabbar

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

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