You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
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 practice hands-on skills in our innovative custom-built Social Work Studios. Using recording equipment and cameras, you will be able to review your work and learn from your experiences. Work 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.
Key features
- Build your practical skills in our innovative, state-of-the-art Social Work Studios.
- Gain practical experience and build pivotal networks with supervised local, rural and international work placements.
- Learn from award-winning researchers in their field, and at a university that has been ranked number one in the state for research in psychology and social work1.
- Undertake supervised field placements totalling 1,000 hours.
12015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Why UniSA?
Building your career is our business. We are number one in South Australia for research in psychology and social work1, and you will gain real-world experience prior to graduation with local, rural and international field placements.
You’ll be taught by industry professionals. Our academics have a very practical approach to learning, and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience. We’ve also invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you’ll use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces such as our Social Work Studios.
We’re Australia’s youngest university to receive five stars in research2 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.
12015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
22017 QS Stars Ratings
UniSA offers 11 Social Work degrees
Choose your level of study
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.
Your career
The employment opportunities for social work graduates are excellent and the demand for graduates in Australia is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a wide range of fields. Careers to consider:
- social worker: work with individuals, families and groups; social workers have a broad understanding of the systems and community factors that influence the needs and conditions of clients
- aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living
- correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders
- counsellor: work with individuals and groups to help people overcome problems
- domestic violence victim 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 to meet the needs and wants of communities
1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015
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 organisations like:
- Department of Child Protection – SA Government
- SA Health
- Centacare
Industry facts
-
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.
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 Masters by 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. Click here to 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?
You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive credit (recognised prior learning) for this experience. Receiving credit will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
Credit 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 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.
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.
Study at UniSA
Hear from Christina as she shares her experiences studying at UniSA and her journey as a Bachelor of Social Work student.
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
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 Reeves
Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)
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
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.*
*QILT: Graduate Destination Survey 2014-2016 Full-time Employment Indicator
A five star university
Five stars for research, teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities, social responsibility and inclusiveness.*
*QS Stars rankings 2017