Bachelor of Social Work

Embark on a transformative journey with the Bachelor of Social Work, where a deep understanding of human behaviour is the foundation. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise gained through field education placements, you'll graduate ready to address complex social issues and create positive change in diverse communities

About ACAP: The Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) is a nationally registered training organisation and institute of higher education with over 40 years in experience in delivering accredited vocational education and training and higher education courses. We build knowledge that’s useful, usable and applicable to real-life solutions and real-world change. Our deep understanding of people and our human-centred teaching philosophy helps develop the enterprise skills that students require in the real world to ensure a healthy career and ongoing career success.

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On Campus at Melbourne and Sydney

Next Intake - May 2024

Accredited by Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

4 Years (full time)/Part Time Equivalent

28 Units

Payment Options & FEE-HELP Available

Course Summary

Duration

4 Years (full time)/Part Time Equivalent

Units

28 Units

This program is your gateway to honing foundational social work skills, offering a unique advantage with small classes and personalised mentorship. Delve deep into the complexities of social work principles and techniques, gaining expertise that sets the stage for a rewarding career in the dynamic field. Explore key areas such as psychology of health and wellness, development psychology, social work theories, cultural diversity, international social work, interpersonal, family, and structural violence, mental health, indigenous social work, and aging and disability social work. With hands-on experience through field education placements, you'll refine your skills, contribute to real-world projects, and graduate ready to make a positive impact in diverse communities.

What you'll learn:

Starting at the foundational level, the bachelor's degree systematically builds expertise in social work principles and techniques. Engage in practical training through field education placements and collaborative learning. Graduate equipped with applied skills, a comprehensive understanding of social issues, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

Psychology of Health and Wellness: Understand the interplay of mental and physical well-being, mastering skills to address holistic health within a social work context.
Development Psychology: Explore human growth across the lifespan, mastering developmental theories to guide individuals through different life stages.
Social Work Theories: Master diverse theoretical frameworks for critical analysis and application in addressing societal challenges.
Cultural Diversity: Delve into diverse cultures, mastering culturally competent social work for inclusive community support.
International Social Work: Develop a global perspective, mastering skills to address international social issues and engage in cross-cultural intervention.
Interpersonal, Family, and Structural Violence: Identify, understand, and address various forms of violence, mastering skills for social change advocacy.
Mental Health: Explore mental health intricacies, mastering assessment and intervention strategies for effective support.
Indigenous Social Work: Develop cultural competence and specialized skills for engagement in Indigenous communities.
Ageing and Disability Social Work: Master specialized skills to advocate for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, contributing to their enhanced quality of life.

Assessment:
Assessment methods vary for each unit and may encompass a range of formats such as reports, formal essays, critical reflections, group work, practical sessions, and supervised work placements.

Placement:

In the second year, students must undertake 500-hours of supervised field education, with formal supervision provided by a qualified social work Field Educator.
In the final year, students must undertake 500-hours of supervised field education, with formal supervision provided by a qualified social work Field Educator.

Further Study:
Eligible graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work, with a GPA over 6.0 can apply for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).

Course Detail

The Bachelor of Social Work is a dynamic program consisting of 28 units spread across four levels—100, 200, 300, and 400. Whether you choose the full-time track or the flexible part-time option, the course structure is meticulously designed to provide a well-rounded education. This comprehensive program equips students with essential knowledge and skills at each level, preparing them for a rewarding career in the field of social work.

Course Duration:

Full Time Duration - 4 Years
Get in touch with an education consultant for more information.

Part-time option available - up to 8 Years
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.

Recognition of Prior Learning/Credit

This course acknowledges the potential for students to receive credit for their prior studies or work experience, which could result in exemptions from specific units within the Bachelor of Social Work program. This recognition allows eligible students to expedite their qualification, completing the course in a shorter duration. It's important to note that applicants must be enrolled students before applying for Credit for Prior Learning. For more detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning and the application process, please refer to policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Social Work is broken up into four years and, each year consisting of three trimesters designed to give you the best theoretical, experiential, and skills-based learning.

Year 1
First trimester
SWSP1003 Introduction to Human Services
SWSP1053 Introduction to Contemporary Society
MULT1015 Applications in Context
Second trimester
SWSP1013 Social Work Theories
MULT1035 Personal, Professional and Global Sustainability
Third trimester
SWSP1023 Professional Practice 1
PSYC1052 Foundational Psychological Processes
COUN2231 Lifespan Development
Year 2
First trimester
SWSP2003 Critical Social Work Theories
SWSP2023 Professional Practice 2
COUN2261 Advanced Mental Health and Wellness
Second trimester
SWSP2033 Individuals, Children and Family
SWSP3103 Social Media and Social Change
Third trimester
SWSP2013 Field Education 1
Year 3
First trimester
SWSP3003 International Social Work
SWSP3033 Group, Teamwork and Organisational Learning
Elective 1
Second trimester
SWSP3013 Influencing Policy and Practice
Elective 2
Third trimester
SWSP3053 Social Work Theory and Practice
SWSP3923 Disability and Social Work Practice
Elective 3
Year 4
First trimester
SWSP3913 Ageing and Aged Services
SWSP3043 Interpersonal, Family and Structural Violence
Elective 4
Second trimester
SWSP3023 Professional Practice 3
SWSP4023 Ethical Social Work and First Nations People
Third trimester
SWSP4013 Field Education 2

Completion

Entry requirements

Start date

Domestic students must meet the following criteria:

Participate in a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required); and
Be 21 years or above at the date of commencement; or
Completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or equivalent); or
Completion of a Certificate IV or above (or equivalent); or
Admission to an undergraduate degree at an Australian University (or equivalent)
It is a condition of progression in this course that students complete a national police record check prior to the enrolment into the second unit of study.

Payment Options

Course Fees

Indicative Annual Course Fees* (based on 1.0 EFTSL)

$21,360 AUD Year 1
$21,360 AUD Year 2
$21,360 AUD Year 3
$21,360 AUD Year 4
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) up to $326 per year based on 1.0 EFTSL

Indicative Total Course Fee* (based on 4.0 EFTSL)

$85,440 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) up to $1304 based on 4.0 EFTSL

* The Indicative Total Course Fee & Indicative Annual Course Fees reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.

Speak to our Education Consultants to know more about Payments Options & FEE-HELP Availability.

Call 1300 009 924 to find out more.

Career outcomes

Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue a rewarding career in social work.

Industry Insights

Employed: A total of 35,000 professionals are currently working in the social work industry, offering a snapshot of the sector's workforce.
Weekly Earnings: Professionals in the social work industry earn an average weekly income of $1,736, providing financial stability and job security.
Full-Time Share: Approximately 63% of professionals in the social work industry work on a full-time basis, reflecting the industry's commitment to robust and consistent contributions.
Female Share: The sector is predominantly female-oriented, with women making up 84% of the workforce.
Average Age: The industry thrives with a diverse age range, as the average age of professionals stands at 42.

Source: Labour Market Insights

Navitas Professional Institute Pty Ltd trading as Australian College of Applied Professions. TEQSA Provider Category: Institute of Higher Education, TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12009, National CRICOS Provider Code: 01328A, RTO: 0500, ABN: 94 057 495 299