Bachelor of Social Work

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply social work values, knowledge and skills in practice and research processes to address client needs, organisational goals and social policy change. Honours pathway: Be able to create research outputs that demonstrate research design skills, critical thinking, initiative and judgement in developing new understanding.
2. Ensure that clients’ needs are addressed holistically and creatively, drawing on relevant theory, research and practice wisdom.
3. Promote and implement policies and practices to achieve a fair, equitable and efficient allocation of social resources, and identify inappropriate or inequitable policy goals and outcomes.
4. Ensure that client needs, organisational goals and community expectations of social work services are met in the most appropriate manner, using social work knowledge, skills and resources.
5. Demonstrate a commitment to continually increase professional knowledge and skills and to continuing education and lifelong learning.
6. Effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders , including clients, colleagues and managers including within a multi-disciplinary team environment
7. Apply knowledge of organisational and societal systems and processes to identify inequality and ensure appropriate action is taken so that social barriers, inequality and injustice are reduced.

The Bachelor of Social Work is an entry-level, professionally-accredited qualification to practise as a social worker. The course provides a foundation in sociology, politics, human development and social research, covering essential theories and methods for social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.

The course prepares students for practice in the fields of mental health, child protection, cross-cultural work and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There is an embedded Honours program if you are interested in pursuing research.

This high job growth area offers a variety of careers in client service roles, service management, research, strategy and policy development

Recommended study pattern

TBA

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Social Work, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

• the equivalent of 26 core units (336 credit points), and
• one shared minor (48 credit points), or
• 4 electives (48 credit points)

Honours

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

• 23 core units (288 credit points), and
• the equivalent of 8 honours units (96 credit points)

Students must also maintain a credit average across the degree to be eligible for this award. 

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Human Services Studies after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) comprising a minimum of 12 core units (144 credit points) and 4 minor or elective units (48 credit points). 

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Human Services Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising a minimum of 4 core units (48 credit points) and 4 minor or elective units (48 credit points)

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $30,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

Explore SCU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR: 60 or Equivalent

f your ATAR is not high enough for the course you desire, you can complete one of our fee-free pathway programs – Preparing for Success Program (three-month course) or Transition to Uni (six-week intensive course over summer). These provide excellent preparation for university, equipping you with the academic and study skills you need to succeed. 

If you successfully complete a pathway course – delivered through SCU College – you may then apply for entry to a range of Bachelor degrees

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

• Reading: 7.0
• Writing: 7.0
• Listening: 7.0
• Speaking: 7.0

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

Students complete 1,000 hours of supervised placement in a human service organisation as part of your course. Please note, students must obtain a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check.

Professional Experience Learning / Field Education

This course includes professional experience learning via field education. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.