Social work courses

Be the voice for those who can’t always speak for themselves

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Introduction to Social work

Social work courses are for those who care deeply about making a difference. If you're passionate about standing up for others and creating meaningful change, this could be your calling.

You might work with children, adults, or families navigating disadvantage or tough life situations—supporting them to live fuller, more connected lives. Through your studies, you’ll learn how to build trust, advocate for people’s needs, and connect them with the right services.

Explore online social work courses from leading Australian universities and take your first step toward a truly rewarding career.

Explore social work courses
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Debbie studied community development with Murdoch University, through Open Universities Australia

Discover social work courses

Online social work subjects and short courses

University of New England
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 20 Oct 2025
View all subjects

Online social work degrees

Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Social Work

UndergraduateSCU-SWK-DEG

Get professionally accredited and become a social worker

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
University of New England

Bachelor of Social Work

UndergraduateUNE-SWK-DEG

Become an accredited social worker and empower individuals and communities

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

Support people with injuries, disabilities, and mental illness

Study method
100% online
Flinders University

Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry)

PostgraduateFLI-MSW-MAS

Start your career as a social worker

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

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Social work study FAQs

What is social work, and why is it important?

Social workers provide support to people who are facing challenging circumstances or structural disadvantages.

For example, you may work with people who are experiencing mental health issues, family violence or homelessness. You could also work with people with disability or those from a refugee or asylum seeker background, or with First Nations communities.

Your role will be to connect people with the services they need and provide support to help them improve their lives. Social workers play a crucial role in making our society more equal, inclusive and just.

What will I learn in a social work course?

Your social work course will likely cover topics including:

  • Sociology

  • Mental health

  • Human services

  • Human rights

  • Inequality

  • Cross-cultural competency

  • First Nations perspectives

  • Interpersonal communication

  • Ethics

  • Social policy

  • Law in relation to social work

While you can complete all your theory online, many online social work degrees also require practicum placements in a human services organisation. This workplace learning will help you gain the skills you need to succeed in the profession.

What are the entry requirements for studying social work?

Entry requirements for social work courses vary depending on the level of study and the university offering the program. For undergraduate degrees, you’ll typically need to have completed Year 12 with a certain ATAR score or hold a relevant Certificate or Diploma qualification. Some universities may also consider previous tertiary study or work experience in a related field.

For postgraduate social work degrees—such as a Master of Social Work—you’ll usually need a recognised bachelor degree in any discipline, which includes at least one year of study in social or behavioural sciences like psychology, sociology, or human services. Some universities offer bridging qualifications, like a graduate certificate, to help you meet these academic requirements.

It’s always best to check the specific entry criteria for the course you’re interested in, or speak with a student advisor for personalised guidance.

How long does it take to complete a social work course?

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide: 

Course

Duration

Single subject

10-18 weeks

Short course

10-18 weeks

Undergraduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Diploma

1 year (if full time) 

Associate degree

2 years (if full time) 

Bachelor degree

3 years (if full time)

Graduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Graduate diploma

1 year (if full time)

Masters degree

2 years (if full time)

If you study a degree in social work through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.

Are there any practical placement requirements for social work courses?

As social work is a career that has people at its heart, it’s important to gain in-person experience. Many online social work courses enable you to complete all your theory online, and pair this with a practical workplace component.

Courses accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) require you to complete two workplace placements of 500 hours each. In these supervised placements at a human services organisation, you’ll be able to put your learning into practice and gain vital professional skills.

What career opportunities can I explore after completing a social work course?

After graduating from your social work course, you can explore roles such as:

  • Social worker

  • Counsellor

  • Case manager

  • Mental health clinician

  • Community worker

  • Housing worker

  • Policy development advisor

  • Youth worker

  • Child protection officer

  • Outreach coordinator

  • Community development coordinator

  • Domestic violence advocate

How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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