Bachelor of Social Work

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Social Work
Campus	Waterfront-(Geelong)
Length	4 years full-time
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$37,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
CRICOS code	015207F Waterfront (Geelong)
Level	Undergraduate
Deakin course code	H330
VTAC codes	1400415433 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Passionate about human rights and have a strong sense of social justice? Deakin's fully accredited Bachelor of Social Work will equip you to enhance the wellbeing of others through an understanding of policy, socioeconomic factors and social equity issues. Social workers are in high demand with job opportunities expected to grow by 16.4% by 2029.^* Graduate career-ready with the skills to work effectively with individuals, families and communities to address key factors causing inequality.

With an emphasis on progressive, student-centred teaching practices, you will learn the latest approaches to enable social change and improve the lives of others. You will gain invaluable hands-on experience with 1000 hours of practice education placements in a variety of communities and workplaces in online, metropolitan, regional or rural settings ensuring you gain multiple perspectives. If you meet the eligibility requirements you may be able to progress onto the embedded honours year.

Do you want to gain the knowledge and skills to enhance the wellbeing of others through an understanding of policy, socioeconomic factors and social equity issues?

This course will empower you to become an enabler of positive social change, helping you to improve the quality of life for those who need it most. You will cover contemporary social topics including:

human behaviour
public policy
working with individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance wellbeing and human rights
social justice.

You will gain an understanding of a range of social research methods and contemporary welfare issues, allowing you to design and conduct research relevant to social work practice.

We focus on equipping our students with valuable hands-on skills and practical workplace experience. Plus, our strong links with industry and partnership organisations gives you access to a range of guest lecturers, exposing you to a broad range of professional experiences and knowledge. The practice education placements included within this course enable you to graduate with confidence, ready to launch your career in this highly rewarding industry.

The Bachelor of Social Work is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification, so you will graduate with an entry qualification into the social work profession.

Are you a current Year 12 student? If you attend a school in a regional or remote area or within the Greater City of Geelong you may be eligible to apply for this course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme using our dedicated VTAC codes. As an eligible applicant you may also receive up to a 10 aggregate point adjustment towards your entry score and make the most of your ATAR.

This course is suitable for students who hold and undergraduate degree in an unrelated study area or do not have an undergraduate degree. If you hold a related undergraduate degree then you may consider our Master of Social Work to fast-track your studies. Graduates of this course^{^} will not be admitted to the Master of Social Work, please refer to the entry requirements to determine the degree best suited to you.

Discover our health and community services courses.

^*2024 Employment Projections – for the five years to November 2029, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
^{^}Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are already eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and can practice professionally throughout Australia.

Professional recognition

Get the professional recognition you need to work in this fulfilling and growing field. Deakin’s Bachelor of Social Work is fully accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW ). Students completing the course are eligible to apply for membership of AASW and can practise professionally throughout Australia. The AASW has also singled out and commended Deakin for our 'critically reflective practice', setting us apart from other social work programs in Australia.

Note: All information regarding professional recognition is accurate at the date of publication. Enquiries regarding accreditation and professional membership should be directed to the School of Health and Social Development in order to ascertain the current status of accreditation at any future point in time beyond publication. Representations about accreditation apply only to the course, and the AASW retains discretion as to who they admit as members of their association. Deakin University cannot exercise any control over membership of an external body.

Fees and charges

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

Learn more about international student fees.

Career opportunities

Social work is a rapidly growing field within human services, offering diverse career opportunities across government, private, and non-government organisations. Graduates work in various capacities, including advocacy, policy development, and tribunal roles, addressing key societal issues. The demand for skilled social workers continues to rise, driven by the increasing need for support in community development, mental health, and other vital sectors.

By completing this course, you will be well-equipped to embark on a rewarding career, with the knowledge and skills needed to work in a wide range of social work settings. With Deakin’s strong graduate employment outcomes, you will be ready to make a meaningful impact in roles that address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

You may work in many general and specialist areas of social work such as:

activism
advocacy
child protection
child and family support
community development
consultancy
counselling
drug and alcohol counselling
education
facilitation
family therapy
health
housing
policy development and research
program management and coordination
refugee assistance and tribunal capacities
assisting groups such as the aged, women, youth or multicultural populations.

Examples of specific roles you may pursue include:

careers counsellor
case manager
child and family counsellor
child protection officer
community development access officer
community development and education officer
disability support coordinator
diversity officer
drug and alcohol case manager
family relationship adviser
mental health coordinator
specialist family violence practitioner
school counsellor
youth projects officer.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Apply a broad and coherent understanding in contemporary Australian and international contexts of the histories, aims, values, ethics, theories and practice approaches of social work. This knowledge is to cover all domains including working with individuals, families, groups, communities, management, research education and social policy. Practise social work reflectively according to the code of ethics and professional practice standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Communication	Evaluate and apply appropriate communication and interpersonal skills in a broad range of social work practice contexts and with a diversity of people, communities and organisations.
Digital literacy	Use digital technology in social work practice ethically and appropriately, including in service provision and management, information acquisition and dissemination, and research and evaluation.
Critical thinking	Analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge of social work theories, methods and skills, with an emphasis on critical social work with the goal of social change.
Problem solving	Apply social work knowledge and intervention skills to appropriately and creatively respond to the needs of individuals, groups and communities in diverse settings, client groups and geographic locations. Apply research knowledge and skills to evaluate evidence and contribute to the role of research in social work practice.
Self-management	Engage in critical reflective, reflexive and responsive practice, demonstrating an awareness of social location and positioning of self and others. Demonstrate a developing sense of identity, integrity and self-management as a professional social worker in all areas of practice. Participate in on-going professional development including engaging in professional supervision.
Teamwork	Work and learn respectfully and inclusively in collaborative intra and inter disciplinary settings.
Global citizenship	Engage in decolonising practises in order to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as Traditional Owners of Australian lands. Evaluate and apply local and global knowledge of the social, political, cultural, legal and economic contexts of social work practice to respond effectively within a human rights and social justice framework. Work and learn across diverse social, cultural and political locations.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Social Work, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
29 credit points of core units
3 credit points of open elective units
a maximum of 2 elective units may be studied at level 1.

To complete the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
31 credit points of core units
1 credit points of open elective units.

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Failure of a practice education placement will normally lead to exclusion

Course structure

Core units

Level 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

IND101

Introduction to Aboriginal Studies

ASC101

Introduction to Sociology: the Sociological Imagination

HSW101

Introduction to Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice A

HBS107

Understanding Health

Level 1 - Trimester 2

ASC102

Introduction to Sociology: the Sociology of Everyday Life

HSW111

Theories for Social Work Practice: Social Work Theory and Practice B

HSW118

Social Work Methods in Context: Social Work Theory and Practice C

plus

HBS110

Health Psychology (Behaviour Change)

HPS111

Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

Level 2 - Trimester 1

HSW216

Public Policy and Politics for Critical Social Workers

HSW221

Community-Engaged Research Practice A

HSW235

Community Development: Social Work Theory and Practice D

plus one elective

Level 2 - Trimester 2

HSW201

Human Rights and Social Justice: Values, Ethics and the Legal Context of Social Work

HSW212

Practice Skills: Social Work Theory and Practice E

HSW219

Self and Society

HSW202

Placement Readiness: Preparing for Supervised Social Work Practice

Level 3 - Trimester 1

HSW314

Social Work Field Education A

Level 3 - Trimester 2

HSW313

Doing Critical Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice F

HSW316

Critical Social Policy

HSW322

Applied Social Research in Ethical and Political Context

HSW434

Administration and Policy Development: The Organisational Context

Level 4 - Pass stream

Trimester 1

HSW402

Critical Approaches to Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice G

HSW452

Working in Uncertainty: Social Work Theory and Practice H

plus two electives

Trimester 2

HSW415

Social Work Field Education B

Level 4 - H430 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Trimester 1

HSW402

Critical Approaches to Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice G

HSW416

Social Work Honours Research Project A

HSW452

Working in Uncertainty: Social Work Theory and Practice H

Trimester 2

HSW404

Social Work Field Education B Research Focused

HSW417

Social Work Honours Research Project B

Admission criteria

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.

If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

Academic requirements

Academic requirements - Current or recent secondary education

If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

Year 12 prerequisite subjects

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL

ATAR

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

Academic requirements - Higher education study

If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

Academic requirements - VET study

If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

Academic requirements - Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

Domestic Students and International Students who have completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.)
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

International students who have NOT completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.) will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

The equivalent to Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Non-academic requirements

Inherent requirements

Students should also be aware of the inherent requirements of the course.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

Pathways

H330 Bachelor of Social Work is a qualifying degree and does not have a formal pathway to further study. Graduates of H430 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) can enrol in an HDR H803 Master in Social Work (Research) or another discipline or an HDR doctoral program.

Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (H430)

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Eligibility

This course is suitable for students who hold an undergraduate degree in an unrelated study area or do not have an undergraduate degree. If you hold a related undergraduate degree then you may consider our Master of Social Work to fast-track your studies. However, graduates of this course^* will not be admitted to the Master of Social Work, please refer to the entry requirements to determine the degree best suited to you.

^*Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are already eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and can practice professionally throughout Australia.

Workload

As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week. This may include a combination of self-paced study, lectures, seminars, simulations and online interactions. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Attendance requirements for Online students

Online students will be required to attend on campus intensive workshops depending upon units of enrolment.

2026 Intensive dates information.

Work experience

Practice Education

All students are required to complete two field education placements, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across at least 63 days) of practicum (field placement) in a health or human service organisation or program.

Students must also attend and participate in the associated pre-placement preparation seminars at the Geelong Waterfront campus in the trimester prior to the placement being undertaken - dates to be advised.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is possible for the first placement only (HSW314-Social Work Field Education A) for students who are able to demonstrate that their prior experience has provided them with the knowledge and experience that would normally be provided in the first placement. Applications for RPL are due 30 November of the year prior to students undertaking their first placement. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Further information is available in the RPL Guidelines

Deakin University does not require any student to have a driver’s licence but encourages students to obtain one if possible. Many placement providers expect students to hold a full driver’s licence and students who do not have this may be limited in the placement opportunities available to them. Organisations which require students to drive as part of their placement work should provide access to an agency vehicle and not expect students to have their own car.

Participation requirements

Students must complete two practice education units as part of the core units, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across a minimum 63 days) of practicum (field placement) in a social or community service agency or program

During the academic and placement components of a social work degree, students are expected to attend seminars and classes, and/or participate in online learning activities. In person attendance for some activities, including placement, is compulsory for all students including those enrolled as online students.

In accordance with the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) online students are required to attend on campus intensive seminars for a minimum of 20 days throughout their course. Intensive seminars are linked to individual units of study. Refer to the individual unit details in the University Handbook for more information about attendance requirements for specific units.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Any adjustments need to reflect the understanding of social work and requirements for social work education as spelt out in the ASWEAS.

Deakin seeks to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. If you have questions about adjustments that may be possible or applicable in your situation, we encourage you to reach out to Future Students - Domestic students International students or Disability Resource Centre for a confidential discussion. You will be connected to a staff member who will be able to discuss your circumstances and how the School and University can help to put reasonable accommodations in place. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career, and will not have any bearing on your application to the course

Inherent requirements

All prospective applicants should review the Inherent Requirements of the course, which describe the skills, values and behaviours that students need to achieve. Students should consider whether they may need reasonable adjustments in order to meet these requirements.

Mandatory student checks

Police Record Check

In accordance with the policies of health and human services organisations, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to undertaking professional placements in each calendar year that they are enrolled in a placement unit. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of a professional placement will not be able to undertake their mandatory placement units and this will impede progress in the course.

Working With Children Check (or State/Territory equivalent)

In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional placement. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional placement will not be able to undertake their mandatory placement units and this will impede progress in the course.

NDIS Worker Screening Check

All students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to the commencement of professional placement. This is an assessment of whether a person poses risk to NDIS participants. A placement organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if they fail to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check. This may impede progression in the course.

Immunisation Status

Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health and human service organisations where they will be undertaking their professional learning experience. A placement organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the placement organisation. This may impede progression in the course.

Note

Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining the above mandatory checks which are required prior to commencing professional placement:

Working with Children Check, (approximately $130)
An NDIS worker screen, (approximately $130)
A National Police Record Check (approximately $100)
Immunisation Status

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are those skills, values and behaviours that students must demonstrate in order to complete the Bachelor of Social Work. Learn more about inherent requirements.

Selection adjustment

Subject adjustment

A study score of 35 in Health And Human Development, any Humanities, any LOTE or Psychology equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Health And Human Development, any Humanities, any LOTE or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Access and equity

Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.