Why study with us?
Our internationally recognised social work program is led by faculty members who are experts in their fields.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th 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 for students commencing their studies in 2021 and 2022.
Students commencing this course in 2021 and 2022 can commence their studies remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Remote study is not available for some units of study and/or placements essential to this course and you will be required to attend in-person on campus from Semester 2, Year 2.
About this course
This course prepares you for a diverse, changing field, in which your capacity to transfer knowledge and skills across different social contexts will be essential.
Our internationally recognised four-year program allows you to qualify as a professional social worker while also taking two years of tertiary studies in other areas of interest such as sociology, diversity studies or gender studies.
Combining studies in social policy and social work, you will develop skills to promote social change, problem solve in human relationships, and empower and liberate people to support wellbeing. You will gain strong negotiating skills, a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts and sensitivity to various religious beliefs.
In the final two years of the degree you will undertake two fieldwork placements over 140 days, supervised by highly skilled and experienced practitioners. These placements provide the opportunity to apply your knowledge and gain hands-on experience working in different, dynamic environments.
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (February)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Closing dates
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 15 January 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 apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (February)
Mandatory work component = 980 hours.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
Bachelor of Social Work candidates complete 60 days of fieldwork in Year 3 and 80 days in Year 4. Field education is a core component of the University of Sydney Social Work program. The field education learning expectations are developed across the program aiming to develop values, skills and knowledge from a beginner to a practitioner capable of meeting the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Practice Standards.
Bachelor of Social Work
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Introduction to Sociology | Social Justice Practice | 12 credit points of 1000-level units of study, chosen from Table A or Table S | |
| 2 | Introduction to Sociology | Introduction to Human Services | 12 credit points of 1000-level units of study, chosen from Table A or Table S | ||
| 2 | 1 | Research Skills for Social Change | Australian Social Policy | Life Course Perspectives on Development | 6 credit points of 2000-level or 3000-level units of study, chosen from Table A or Table S |
| 2 | Social Perspectives on Mental Health | Indigenous Australians and Social Work | 12 credit points of 2000-level or 3000-level units of study, chosen from Table A or Table S | ||
| 3 | 1 | Issue-Based Learning Unit 1 | Issue-Based Learning Unit 2 | Professional Practice | |
| 2 | Field Education 1 | ||||
| 4 | 1 | Issue-Based Learning Unit 3 |
Field Education 2A |
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| 2 | Integrative Studies 402 |
Issue-Based Learning Unit 4 |
Field Education 2B |
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This is an indicative study plan only, students may choose other units.
Honours is available to meritorious candidates in the Bachelor of Social Work. Admission to Honours in Social Work requires a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 75 across particular units of study. To be eligible for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) award, students must complete the requirements for the pass degree but include the alternative 24 credit point Honours pathway described in the table of units of study for the degree.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Credit for previous study
Credit up to 48 credit points in the Bachelor of Social Work may be given for a full year of undergraduate study in any field or for a completed Diploma in Community Services or equivalent. Further credit is assessed individually.
Inherent requirements for programs in social work
To assist students to make informed choices about their study, the Sydney School of Education and Social Work has identified inherent requirements for coursework-award courses in social work. In order to successfully complete such a course, students must possess these qualities and skills (PDF).
This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
Our graduates can be found across a broad range of careers and roles, including:
Examples include employment in fields including housing, health, international development, aged care, children and families, programs for people with disabilities, and services for migrant and refugee communities. Examples of employers include local, state and Commonwealth government, community-based organisations, and advocacy and human rights organisations.
