University of New South Wales (UNSW) Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Content
A one-of-its-kind accredited social work program
UNSW School of Social Sciences offers one of the only accredited social work programs in Australia that integrates Honours into the undergraduate degree. Our leading academics guide students through a dynamic, evidence-informed and collaborative program designed to help them make a positive impact at all levels of society. From counselling and advocacy to community work, research and policy development, students learn how to make a real difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
The social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance wellbeing… Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.
International Definition of Social Work, IFSW, 2004
An enriching learning experience
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) offers an innovative, accredited program leading to eligibility for membership by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Drawing on the extensive expertise of qualified social work practitioners, it delivers a unique combination of world-class theory and practice-based learning. The program offers students a practical and interactive experience to put students at the forefront of employment opportunities in human services. It imparts the critical skills to enhance people’s strengths and resources within and beyond their social and cultural environments.
Engaged in a nurturing and transformative experience, when students have completed all program requirements, they graduate with honours (AQF Level 8). As part of the Honours requirement, students complete either a piece of independent research as a thesis or an advanced practice portfolio.
Through two field placements in the third and fourth years of the degree, students complete 1000 hours of field education to gain practical skills that enhance graduate employability.
Becoming a driver of change in communities
Studying social work at UNSW opens the door to a range of career options across many sectors, including private and government agencies, social welfare support organisations and community groups. Our strong partnerships and placement opportunities elevate graduates’ industry recognition and employability upon graduation.
Specialisations of industry practice include:
- building and sustaining communities
- caring for elders and the elderly
- addressing gendered violence
- empowering people from diverse cultures
- promoting mental health and wellbeing
- supporting victims of crime and violence
- counselling individuals and families
- social planning and social development
- including people with disabilities
- delivering justice in corrective services
- developing social policy
- collaborating with Indigenous communities
- protecting children
- contributing to health services delivery
- strengthening families
- preventing human trafficking and sexual slavery.
Postgraduate offerings
Master of Counselling Social Work
The Master of Counselling Social Work offers the opportunity to consolidate and advance knowledge and skills in counselling practice. This degree develops understanding of counselling frameworks consistent with a strengths-based and family-sensitive approach to clinical skills and the social work research process.
Other master degrees offered in the School of Social Sciences relevant for social workers include the:
Postgraduate Research
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture offers several higher-degree research opportunities. Leading scholars supervise research candidates to produce an original body of work. In the subject area of social work, students can choose from a Professional Doctorate or a Doctor of Philosophy and Masters by Research.
Professional doctorate
The professional doctorate is a postgraduate research degree designed for social workers. It provides the opportunity to combine postgraduate coursework study in an area of advanced social work practice with doctoral research. This degree builds social work knowledge and leads to the final presentation of a doctoral thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy and Masters by Research
The Doctor of Philosophy and Masters by Research programs offer postgraduate research candidates in social work the opportunity to produce an original body of work under the supervision ofresearch leading academics.
Program Head: Dr Maree Higgins