Bachelor of Social Work (Whyalla)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 67.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 67.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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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
Degree overview
- Study with the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in Social Work1.
- Build pivotal networks and practical experience by completing 1,000 hours of supervised local and rural work placements.
- Choose to study this program externally and make the most of a flexible, dynamic online learning environment*.
- Study with the No.1 university in South Australia for student satisfaction in Social Work2.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Social Work3.
- Graduate career-ready with a university ranked in the Top 10 in Australia for graduate skills in Social Work4.
- Enjoy smaller class sizes, allowing you more one-on-one time with teachers.
- Develop and practice skills learnt in our custom-built Social Work and Human Services Studio.
- As a regional student you may also be eligible to apply for the Eddie Hughes Regional Education Grant ($1,000).
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities.2ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA Public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 4Ranked #8, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.*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 degree provides you with knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equips you with the skills needed to work in a range of fields in social work and human services. It has been developed around the following four major areas of study:
- social work theory
- social work practice and skills
- social policy
- social research.
You will also gain valuable 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 practical skills. If you have completed a TAFE Diploma in Community Services, you are eligible for 18 units of credit. If you have completed a TAFE Advanced Diploma in Community Services, you are eligible for 36 units of credit.
What you'll need
Students studying this degree will be required to undertake 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 degree focuses on 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 and construct research.
You will also gain valuable professional experience when you complete 1,000 hours of work 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. There may be essays, assignments and examinations. You can also expect:
- case studies
- projects
- e-portfolios
- group projects
- skills assessment
- interviews.
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.
Why Bachelor of Social Work (Whyalla)
Learn from industry experts and world-class researchers, gain practical experience in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio, and 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.
As part of your placement, you may have the opportunity to take part in UniSA’s South Australian Parliamentary Internship program.
Students undertaking their second field placement in their final year of study in an undergraduate Social Science or Social Work degree, including double degrees, are eligible to apply for this opportunity.
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:
- 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.
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)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences)
- SAIBT Diploma of Arts
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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
As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to 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 student lounges. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform.
South Australia 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 web pages for plenty of options.
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
This program will offer you a gateway to a range of exciting and rewarding careers. By studying this program, you will be introduced to a diverse array of knowledge and skills. I place a strong emphasis on explicating the links between research, theory, policy and practice. In addition to undertaking policy development and program planning as an active research focus, I also have professional experience in the 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
"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
"Practical experience in the field is a big focus for the Social Work degree. I had the opportunity to travel to Norway and complete my Social Work placement at a camp for unaccompanied asylum seeking minors. This was an experience which not only taught me a lot about myself, but also allowed me to put into practice the theoretical knowledge I was gaining."
Parisa Rowhani-Farid
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work student Jarrod shares his experience of his rural placement at the Environmental Centre in Port Pirie, supported by UniSA’s Department of Rural Health.
