Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Sydney is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in social welfare, community development, and social justice. This program equips graduates with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding needed to work effectively with diverse populations and complex social issues. Throughout the course, students will explore core areas such as human development, social policy, community practice, mental health, and ethical practice, gaining both theoretical insights and practical experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, cultural competence, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address the challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities in various settings.

Students will undertake a mix of coursework, field placements, and research projects that foster hands-on learning and real-world application of social work principles. Field placements are integral to the program, providing students with supervised experience in social service agencies, hospitals, schools, and community organizations. These placements allow students to develop practical skills, establish professional networks, and understand the complexities of social work practice within Australian and broader contexts. Ethical practice and professional standards are central themes, with a focus on advocacy, empowerment, and social justice.

The program aims to produce socially responsible graduates capable of making positive contributions in diverse environments, including government departments, non-governmental organizations, healthcare, education, and policy development sectors. Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work are eligible for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which is a requirement to practice as a qualified social worker in Australia. The university provides a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty, modern facilities, and strong industry connections, ensuring students are well-equipped to commence their professional journey upon graduation. Whether interested in community mental health, Indigenous services, child and family welfare, or policy advocacy, students will find this program prepares them for a rewarding career dedicated to social betterment and human rights.

The Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Sydney offers a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in social services. This degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enable graduates to effectively support individuals, families, and communities facing diverse challenges. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, human rights, and ethical practice, ensuring students are equipped to advocate for vulnerable populations and contribute to positive societal change. Throughout the program, students engage in a variety of learning experiences, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and field placements. These placements are integral to the course, providing real-world experience within community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit sectors. The program covers a wide range of topics such as human behavior and development, social policy, intervention techniques, mental health, child and family welfare, Indigenous social work, and multicultural practice. Students will also develop essential skills in communication, assessment, case management, and research methods. The program emphasizes a person-centered approach, ensuring that future social workers are empathetic, culturally competent, and ethically aware. Additionally, students learn how to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and build strong, trusting relationships with clients. The Bachelor of Social Work at Sydney University is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), ensuring graduates meet national standards for professional practice. Upon graduation, students are prepared for diverse roles in child protection, mental health services, disability support, community development, and policy advocacy. The program also offers pathways for further study, including postgraduate qualifications like the Master of Social Work, to enhance professional opportunities and specialization. Overall, this degree provides a solid foundation for those committed to making a meaningful difference in people's lives and contributing positively to society through compassionate, knowledgeable, and ethical social work practice.

The Bachelor of Social Work program at The University of Sydney is designed to prepare students for professional practice in social work and related fields. The program typically encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical considerations necessary for effective social work practice. Students are expected to complete a combination of core coursework, elective subjects, and supervised practical placements to fulfill degree requirements. The core curriculum covers foundational topics such as human development, social justice, community development, mental health, family dynamics, and policy analysis. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, cultural competence, and ethical decision-making aligned with professional standards set by accrediting bodies.

In addition to coursework, students are required to undertake a significant amount of practical placement experience, usually amounting to hundreds of hours, to apply their learning in real-world contexts. These placements are arranged in collaboration with community organizations, healthcare services, government agencies, and non-profit sectors, offering students exposure to diverse client populations and social issues. To graduate, students must demonstrate competency in key areas including communication skills, intervention techniques, case management, advocacy, and critical thinking. Assessment methods include essays, case studies, presentations, and practical evaluations.

The program also emphasizes research literacy and encourages students to engage with current social work scholarship and evidence-based practice. It fosters a strong professional identity and understanding of the social policies impacting vulnerable populations. Completion of this program qualifies graduates for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), a critical step for practicing professionally in Australia. The program is structured to meet accreditation standards and prepares students for lifelong learning in a dynamic and evolving field. Overall, the Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Sydney aims to produce competent, compassionate, and ethically responsible social workers equipped to make a positive difference in society.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Sydney offers a range of financial support options for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work program. Domestic students are encouraged to explore government funding opportunities such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Abstudy, which provide financial assistance based on eligibility criteria. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available for eligible students, offering subsidized tuition fees that significantly reduce the financial burden. Students can also access the HECS-HELP loan scheme, enabling them to defer their tuition fee payments until after graduation when they are earning above a certain income threshold.

For international students, tuition fees are generally paid upfront or via installment plans, with the possibility of scholarships or bursaries to alleviate costs. The university offers various scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, leadership, or financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees and provide additional financial support during the course of studies.

Apart from government and university scholarships, students are encouraged to seek external funding from private organizations, foundations, or industry-specific grants related to social work and community development. The university also provides financial planning resources and advice to help students budget and manage their expenses effectively throughout their studies.

Part-time work opportunities on or near campus are available to assist students in earning income while balancing their academic commitments. The university's career services network provides guidance on internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities in the social work sector, which can provide valuable professional experience and financial support.

Overall, the university emphasizes a comprehensive approach to financing studies, combining government support, scholarships, loans, and employment options to assist students in managing the financial aspects of their education in social work. Students are advised to regularly check the university’s financial aid website and contact the university’s student support services for personalized assistance and the latest information on available funding opportunities.

The Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Sydney is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to make meaningful contributions in the field of social work. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing social justice, human rights, and ethical practice. Throughout the course, students engage with various key areas such as community development, mental health, child and family welfare, disability services, and indigenous social work. The curriculum is crafted to foster critical thinking, cultural competence, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates to work with diverse populations and complex social issues.

Students have the opportunity to undertake supervised placements in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, which serve as vital components of the program. These placements enable students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional skills, and understand the operational aspects of social work practice. The program also emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to engage with current theories and evidence-based practices to inform their interventions.

The Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Sydney is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), ensuring that graduates meet professional standards and are eligible for registration as social workers. The program is suitable for students interested in making a positive difference in people's lives through advocacy, counseling, and policy development. Graduates are well-prepared for employment in a variety of sectors, including health, education, justice, and community services, as well as for further postgraduate study in social work, social policy, or related fields. The university’s commitment to social justice and community engagement forms a core part of the program’s ethos, encouraging students to become compassionate, ethical, and effective practitioners capable of addressing complex social challenges on both individual and systemic levels.