Bachelor of Social Work

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Social Work
Award abbreviation: BSocWk
QTAC code: 011151
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-16 / Rank-67
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: AR362
CRICOS code: 062654D. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Social workers are committed to enhancing quality of life, developing the full potential of each individual, group and community in society, and pursuing social justice.

In this program you prepare for social work practice and learn to address the barriers, inequities and injustices that exist in society. It requires active involvement in situations of personal distress and crisis, and involvement in advocacy, counselling, research, policy development, analysis, management, and consultancy. Professional development covers child protection, Indigenous studies, mental health, and culturally diverse communities. Field education allows you to integrate classroom learning with practical experience, to develop social work skills and link knowledge with tools for practice.

Post-admission requirements

You are required to complete two field education placements in third and fourth year at approved agencies. A Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG) is required.

Career opportunities

Child protection, rehabilitation services, multicultural agencies, Indigenous welfare, refugee support services, women’s organisations, youth work, housing.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Accreditation

This program is provisionally accredited with the Australian Association of Social workers.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

Program Leader
Christine Morley
Tel: +61 7 5459 4723
Email: cmorley@usc.edu.au

Program structure

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 2 core courses, 20 required courses and 4 electives.
• Successfully complete 2 field education placements (SWK301 Social Work Field Education 1 and SWK404 Social Work Field Education 2).
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.

In order to commence field education placement you must:

• Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
• Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
• Travel to attend field education placements.
• Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Core courses

1 required course: 
COR109 Communication and Thought
PLUS select 1 core course from:
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

5 required courses:
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SCS172 Social Work and Human Services Practice
SCS180 Counselling for the Human Services Professional

Advanced courses

15 required courses:
SCS225 Social Research
SCS230 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SCS251 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
SCS276 Group Work
SCS277 Working With Families
SCS278 Ethics and Professional Practice
SCS285 Health, Society and Culture
SCS290 Understanding Cultural Diversity
SWK301 Social Work Field Education 1
SWK302 Community Development and Social Action
SWK401 Critical Social Policy Analysis
SWK402 Organisational Contexts for Social Work Practice
SWK404 Social Work Field Education 2
SWK407 Critical Social Work Practice

Elective courses

Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Those students interested in Critical studies in Indigenous and identity issues are strongly advised to take the following as electives:
SCS210 Indigenous Australia and the State
SCS295 Gender and Culture

Those students interested in Community Development are strongly advised to take the following as electives:
SCS211 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues
ENP236 Rural and Regional Sustainability
SCS201 International Community Development and Global Justice

Those students interested in Direct Practice are strongly advised to take the following as electives:
SCS265 Counselling Theory and Practice
SCS266 Trauma, Bereavement and Crisis Counselling

TOTAL UNITS 384

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Social Work Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Core courses (2)

Required introductory courses (5)

Required advanced courses (15)

Elective courses (4)

Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Those students interested in Critical studies in Indigenous and identity issues are strongly advised to take the following as electives:

Those students interested in Community Development are strongly advised to take the following as electives:

Those students interested in Direct Practice are strongly advised to take the following as electives:

TOTAL UNITS 384

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business