Bachelor of Social Work | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Bachelor of Social Work

Do you have a passion for social justice, human rights, and making a difference? This degree produces graduates equipped to work with skill and passion to enhance the social wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities, both locally and globally. The social issues people experience in an ever-changing world are often complex, and require highly-skilled approaches. This program is underpinned by principles of human rights, social justice and integrity as the foundation for professional social work practice.

In this program you will:

  • Learn through a rich combination of academic and extensive work practice knowledge
  • Develop the skills to support change ethically across a diversity of needs, forms of disadvantage, and practice contexts
  • Complete two field education placements (1000 hours in total) gaining practical experience in a range of fields including health and mental health, child protection, disability, substance abuse, family violence and more

Location

CRICOS code

062654D

Entry threshold

55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

4 years 4 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2024 fees (A$)

A$12,632 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP
A$26,000 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

011151 014151 019251 015051

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
International and Human Rights Minor, International Studies Minor and Social Theory Minor unavailable at UniSC Moreton Bay.

Online with mandatory onsite intensives. 1st year 2022, 2nd year 2023, 3rd year 2024 and 4th year 2025 There will be a Face to Face component, where students will be required to attend campus for 20 days as required by AASW accreditation standards, (Fraser Coast or Moreton Bay) in Session 5 to undertake accelerated course offerings of SWK277, SWK304, SWK306 and SWK401, in years 2 and 4 or years 3 and 4, as per recommended study sequences.

Career opportunities

  • Centrelink
  • Child protection
  • Disability
  • Disability in schools
  • Health
  • Mental health
  • Policy development

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
  • Online with mandatory onsite requirements
Total courses
28
Total units
384
Duration
4 years 4 years
CRICOS code
062654D
UniSC program code
AR362
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units

COU176 Group Processes and Practice
COU180 Therapeutic Communication Skills
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SWK100 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
SWK172 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services

Developing and Graduate courses (16) 240 units

SCS225 Social Research
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SWK200 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings
SWK202 Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
SWK251 Working with First Nations Peoples and Multicultural Communities
SWK277 Working With Children, Youth and Families
SWK278 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions
SWK286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1(36 units)
SWK302 Community Development and Social Action
SWK304 Direct Practice 1
SWK306 Direct Practice 2
SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2(36 units)
SWK401 Critical Social Policy Analysis
SWK407 Context Responsive Social Work Practice

PLUS select 1 course from:

COU300 Counselling for Crisis, Trauma and Loss
CRM309 Working with Victims and Offenders

Elective courses (5) 60 units

Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.

Students are encouraged to use these electives to study courses in the following discipline areas:

Behavioural Science
Counselling Skills
Criminology and Justice
Indigenous Studies
International and Human Rights^
International Studies^
Social Theory^
Sustainability

^Not currently available at Moreton Bay campus

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
  • Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Successfully complete 2 field education placements (SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1 and SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2) for a total of 1000 hours in different settings
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses in total
  • All students are required to complete a minimum of 140 hours (equivalent to 20 full days) of face-to-face classroom-based learning, the focus of which is professional practice skills. At least 35 hours (equivalent to 5 full days) of face-to-face professional skills learning must occur before the first placement.
  • Professional skill competencies that must be demonstrated in classroom learning include but are not limited to: advanced oral communication skills and professional documentation; assessment, engagement and decision-making with individuals and groups; developing the personal and professional insight and emotional intelligence required for effective use of self as a professional.
Online with mandatory on campus intensives.

1st year 2022, 2nd year 2023, 3rd year 2024 and 4th year 2025

There will be a Face to Face component, where students will be required to attend campus for 20 days as required by AASW accreditation standards, (Fraser Coast or Moreton Bay) in Session 5 to undertake accelerated course offerings of SWK277 , SWK304 , SWK306 and SWK401 , in years 2 and 4 or years 3 and 4, as per recommended study sequences. Additionally students must undertake mandatory face to face attendance at two field placements (SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1 and SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2) (500 hours each) in different settings

In order to commence field education placement you must:

  • Hold a valid 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
  • Have all required mandatory vaccines
Program notes
  • For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates.
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.

WIL notes

  • It is a Queensland Government requirement that students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. Clinical settings include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, residential disability care facilities, prison health services, youth detention health services, community health care settings, and vaccination clinics. If the Fit Testing requirement applies to placement activity within your Program, it will appear in your mandatory checks on Sonia Online. In accordance with Australian Standards, you must be clean shaven for your fit test. Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator prevents an effective seal. Therefore, it is a requirement that there is no hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface in order to achieve a fit. At this stage, there is no exemption in Queensland to this requirement for religious or other reasons and UniSC is unable to waive this requirement.
  • It is no longer a requirement that students in Bachelor of Social Work are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your placement. UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
  • For more information on mandatory requirements refer to Social Work - Placement.

 

Study sequences

Student profile

Explore the likely peer cohort in the student profile data

No admissions data available

In UniSC admitted new student{{ studentProfile.model.allStudents > 1 || studentProfile.model.allStudents[0] === '<' ? 's' : '' }} at the {{ studentProfile.getLocationByCode() }} campus
Applicant background No. of students % of all students

Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.

Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 55.00
Moreton Bay 55.00
Fraser Coast 55.00
Online 55.00

Additional entry information

Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the  English language requirements for further information.

Recommended prior study
English
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work (Qualifying) - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$12,632 - 2024 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2024)
A$26,000

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2024 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 011151
Moreton Bay 014151
Fraser Coast 019251
Online 015051
UniSC ranked in the global top 50 for Good Health and Wellbeing THE Impact Rankings 2023
5 stars for teaching quality
#1 in Queensland for student support, teaching quality and graduate outcomes (starting salary) in social work Good Universities Guide, 2023
Jessica Spain

Student story

“I always thought that university was out of my reach and league. But after working in travel for 10 years, I decided that I wanted to do something completely out of my comfort zone and challenge myself."

Jessica Spain Student
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

Back to top