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 award-winning researchers
• gain practical experience in our on-campus Social Work Studios
• 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 state-of-the-art recording equipment and cameras, you can review your work and learn from your experiences. Third and fourth year work placements will give you valuable real-world experience, you will experience first-hand what it's like to work in local, rural and international settings.

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 Studios 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 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.

Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights. If you think you've got what it takes the employment opportunities 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:

• 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
• correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders
• 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 and action that policy in order to meet the needs and wants of the people
• academic in social work: combine research, teaching and administrative work to enhance the practice of social work and social work education

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015