Bachelor of Social Work

If you'd like to help others resolve social problems, and you are passionate about human rights, social justice and social development, then VU's social work degree could be for you.

This social work course will give you in-depth understanding of:

• interpersonal and group work
• community development
• policy analysis
• social research
• social action.

You'll gain the skills and knowledge to develop the potential of individuals, groups and communities - and during your course, you'll put these insights to use across two social work placements.

This training and expertise will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in a number of settings - from federal and state government to hospitals, non-government organisations or community services.

You'll graduate as a professional social worker, equipped with the skills to truly change people's lives for the better, and you will be eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

VU graduates typically find employment within not-for-profit and charitable organisations, as well as the community and government sectors.

Roles include:

• social worker
• community health centre counsellor
• youth worker
• drug and alcohol worker
• homelessness policy officer.

Employment for social workers in Australia rose very strongly over the last five years; check the latest job information and salaries at Labour Market Insights.

VU's Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, (AASW), the professional body representing social workers in Australia. The course is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.

Upon completion of this degree, graduates will be eligible for membership of the AASW. Please note that for International students there are additional requirements for membership of the AASW.

To attain the Bachelor of Social Work, students will be required to complete:

• 384 credit points of Core studies.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
• Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

All applicants must complete an A305 - Additional Information for Bachelor of Social Work.

Find out more about applying for our courses.