Bachelor of Social Work
Course code K41
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About this Course
Social workers champion eco-social justice, equality and human rights. We stand alongside individuals and communities to improve society’s overall wellbeing, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
In this course you’ll develop professional and relational skills for a career that can take you in many directions, including working in mental health, community development, child protection or social research. Are you ready to stand for something and create real change?
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code K41
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $12,200
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | FT PT | FT PT |
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Social workers champion eco-social justice, equality and human rights. We stand alongside individuals and communities to improve society’s overall wellbeing, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
In this course you’ll develop professional and relational skills for a career that can take you in many directions, including working in mental health, community development, child protection or social research. Are you ready to stand for something and create real change?
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code K41
CRICOS code 060864K
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,500
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | FT | FT |
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
In accordance with the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), international applicants for this accredited course are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement. Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:
- IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
- Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
- TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:
• 24 for listening
• 24 for reading,
• 27 for writing, and
• 23 for speaking
Note: English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings.
Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test;
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
In accordance with the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), international applicants for this accredited course are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement. Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:
- IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
- Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
- TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:
• 24 for listening
• 24 for reading,
• 27 for writing, and
• 23 for speaking
Note: English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings.
Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test;
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at South West or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at South West or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at South West or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at South West or Online
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK1115 | Social Inclusion and People with Intellectual Disabilities | 15 |
| PSY1115 | Psychology of Motivation and Emotion | 15 |
| SWK1110 | Introduction to Professional Practice | 15 |
| SWK1112 | Introduction to Social Research | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| RPS1130 | Rural, Regional and Remote Community Development | 15 |
| SWK1102 | Philosophy, Knowledge and Ethics | 15 |
| SWK1103 | Culture and Daily Life | 15 |
| SWK1107 | Introduction to Australian Society | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK2104 | Human Behaviour in the Social Environment | 15 |
| SWK2111 | Aboriginal Histories of the Present | 15 |
| SWK2116 | Gender, Families and Professional Practice | 15 |
| Plus, complete 1 unit from the following: | ||
| SWK2108 ^ | Addictions and Practice | 15 |
| ADS1151 ^ | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK2010 | Theory and Practice for Child Protection | 15 |
| SWK2112 | Australian Politics and Policy | 15 |
| SWK2114 | Community Health and Well-being | 15 |
| SWK2115 | Human Rights and Social Justice | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| RPS3110 | Applied Research Methods | 15 |
| SWK3110 | Organisational Contexts | 15 |
| SWK3112 | Social Work Theory and Practice 1: Advanced Interpersonal Skills | 15 |
| SWK3113 | Social Work and Mental Health | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK3116 | Field Placement 1 | 45 |
| SWK3121 | Social Work Theory and Practice 2: A Focus on Theories | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK4106 | Social Policy | 15 |
| SWK4110 | Legal and Ethical Practice | 15 |
| SWK4111 | Social Work Theory and Practice 3: Collective Interventions | 15 |
| SWK4120 | Social Work Project | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK4116 | Field Placement 2 | 45 |
| SWK4121 | Social Work Theory and Practice 4: Activism and Social Change | 15 |
^ Core Option
K41|7
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Students who elect to study online will be required to attend for face-to-face, classroom-based activities for a minimum of 20 days (140 hours) spread over the four years of the course. This is a requirement set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for accredited programs that are offered online. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership to AASW.
-
Students are required to undertake two 14-week social work field placements.
-
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline coherent knowledge of the role and value of social work in addressing social inequalities to build sustainable communities through a variety of social work practices which are informed by human rights values and social justice.
- Communicate social work knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and social work practice development, including reflective thinking skills and innovative practice through continued professional development.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills, global outlook and cultural awareness when collaborating in professional settings and with culturally diverse groups, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Think creatively to apply social work knowledge effectively in practice with individuals, groups and communities in diverse contexts.
- Use critical thinking to explore knowledge of human behaviour and society, as well as social, cultural, political, legal, economic and global contexts of social work practice to generate and evaluate complex ideas.
- Use digital technologies and information literacy to evaluate relevant research knowledge which informs decision making in social work practice.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social work professional values and ethics in decision making in a socially sustainable way.
Professional Recognition
CourseAccredited by: Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at South West
Semester 2: Study full-time at South West
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK1115 | Social Inclusion and People with Intellectual Disabilities | 15 |
| PSY1115 | Psychology of Motivation and Emotion | 15 |
| SWK1110 | Introduction to Professional Practice | 15 |
| SWK1112 | Introduction to Social Research | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| RPS1130 | Rural, Regional and Remote Community Development | 15 |
| SWK1102 | Philosophy, Knowledge and Ethics | 15 |
| SWK1103 | Culture and Daily Life | 15 |
| SWK1107 | Introduction to Australian Society | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK2104 | Human Behaviour in the Social Environment | 15 |
| SWK2111 | Aboriginal Histories of the Present | 15 |
| SWK2116 | Gender, Families and Professional Practice | 15 |
| Plus, complete 1 unit from the following: | ||
| SWK2108 ^ | Addictions and Practice | 15 |
| ADS1151 ^ | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK2010 | Theory and Practice for Child Protection | 15 |
| SWK2112 | Australian Politics and Policy | 15 |
| SWK2114 | Community Health and Well-being | 15 |
| SWK2115 | Human Rights and Social Justice | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| RPS3110 | Applied Research Methods | 15 |
| SWK3110 | Organisational Contexts | 15 |
| SWK3112 | Social Work Theory and Practice 1: Advanced Interpersonal Skills | 15 |
| SWK3113 | Social Work and Mental Health | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK3116 | Field Placement 1 | 45 |
| SWK3121 | Social Work Theory and Practice 2: A Focus on Theories | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK4106 | Social Policy | 15 |
| SWK4110 | Legal and Ethical Practice | 15 |
| SWK4111 | Social Work Theory and Practice 3: Collective Interventions | 15 |
| SWK4120 | Social Work Project | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SWK4116 | Field Placement 2 | 45 |
| SWK4121 | Social Work Theory and Practice 4: Activism and Social Change | 15 |
^ Core Option
K41|7
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Students who elect to study online will be required to attend for face-to-face, classroom-based activities for a minimum of 20 days (140 hours) spread over the four years of the course. This is a requirement set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for accredited programs that are offered online. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership to AASW.
-
Students are required to undertake two 14-week social work field placements.
-
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline coherent knowledge of the role and value of social work in addressing social inequalities to build sustainable communities through a variety of social work practices which are informed by human rights values and social justice.
- Communicate social work knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and social work practice development, including reflective thinking skills and innovative practice through continued professional development.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills, global outlook and cultural awareness when collaborating in professional settings and with culturally diverse groups, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Think creatively to apply social work knowledge effectively in practice with individuals, groups and communities in diverse contexts.
- Use critical thinking to explore knowledge of human behaviour and society, as well as social, cultural, political, legal, economic and global contexts of social work practice to generate and evaluate complex ideas.
- Use digital technologies and information literacy to evaluate relevant research knowledge which informs decision making in social work practice.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social work professional values and ethics in decision making in a socially sustainable way.
Professional Recognition
CourseAccredited by: Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $12,200 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
There are many areas you can seek employment in with this qualification. Possible future job titles could be Community Activist, Community Development Officer, Mental Health Worker, Human Service Manager, Child Protection Officer, Policy Research Officer, Hospital Social Worker, Community Health Worker, Family Support Worker, Disability Advocate, or Counsellor.
Possible future job titles
Community Development Officer, Mental Health Worker, Human Service Manager, Child Protection Officer, Policy Research Officer, Hospital Social Worker, Community Health Worker, Family Support Worker, Disability Advocate, Counsellor
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Students who have achieved a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent of higher in the first five semesters may be invited to undertake Honours by transferring to the Bachelor of Social Work Honours.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $39,500 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
There are many areas you can seek employment in with this qualification. Possible future job titles could be Community Activist, Community Development Officer, Mental Health Worker, Human Service Manager, Child Protection Officer, Policy Research Officer, Hospital Social Worker, Community Health Worker, Family Support Worker, Disability Advocate, or Counsellor.
Possible future job titles
Community Development Officer, Mental Health Worker, Human Service Manager, Child Protection Officer, Policy Research Officer, Hospital Social Worker, Community Health Worker, Family Support Worker, Disability Advocate, Counsellor
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Students who have achieved a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent of higher in the first five semesters may be invited to undertake Honours by transferring to the Bachelor of Social Work Honours.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Social Work?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.