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 2020.
This course prepares you for employment in a diverse and changing field, in which your capacity to transfer knowledge and skills across contexts will be essential.
You can change lives for the better through a broad variety of work with vulnerable children, people with disabilities, refugees, senior citizens, victims of war or crime and families affected by drugs or alcohol.
This 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 enhance wellbeing. You will gain strong negotiating skills, a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts and sensitivity to various religious beliefs.
In the last 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 and dynamic environments.
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 |
||
| 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 equivalent to 48 credit points in the Bachelor of Social Work is 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).
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.
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 in 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.
Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course, and the specific units of study in which you enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
Please note that for some courses there are additional costs in addition to the student contribution. Some of these additional costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Please consult the University's web page for more information: https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Students
The tuition fee for international undergraduate students is an indication of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount. For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
