Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 5th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
The Graduate Diploma in Social Work will enable you to reflect on and formulate your practice, read about and appraise alternative practices and theories, and assess their work problems and clients' needs in new ways.
You will learn how to evaluate existing practice and provision critically, with a view to promoting change and improvement in services offered and outcomes affected in the lives and situations of clients. It offers opportunities for the analysis and investigation of theories and initiatives in social policy and their impacts.
Subject to meeting progression requirements in the graduate diploma, you may apply to transfer to the Master of Social Work.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Social Work requires:
You can progress from the Graduate Diploma to Masters in the same subject area, after successful completion of the shorter course.
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to further their careers in evaluating existing practice and promoting change and improvement in services offered and outcomes effected in the lives and situations of clients. It offers opportunities for the analysis and investigation of theories and initiatives in social policy and their impact.
