The Bachelor of Social Work provides graduates with the theoretical and practical skills required to work as a professional social worker, an occupation that the Australian government predicts will continue to experience very strong growth. Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers. UNE social work graduates typically work with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities using a social justice and trauma-informed framework in counselling, advocacy, and community development to enhance people's health and well-being. Social workers address barriers, inequality and injustices faced by many groups, particularly those who are socially excluded. UNE's social work program embraces a framework that examines the dynamic interaction of human behaviour and complex social interactions and institutions. Covering all the core requirements of an accredited professional social work degree, the Bachelor of Social Work at UNE emphasises practice in rural and complex community environments, and focuses on rights-based practice, mental health, Indigenous peoples, child protection and the law. The course incorporates 1000 hours of professional fieldwork placement supervised by experienced practitioners in diverse social work settings locally and overseas. Students can suit their own learning needs and choose to study either on campus or online, with periodic compulsory intensive face-to-face classes for students who learn by distance.
This course is accreditated with the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Students who complete the Honours Pathway may be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Social Work with Honours. To be invited to the Honours Pathway students must have completed 96 credit points (including HSSW105, HSSW301, HSSW410 and HSSW310) towards the degree with a grade point average of 5.5 or higher.