Bachelor of Social Work

A Bachelor of Social Work from JCU provides you with the practical skills and experience to begin a rewarding career, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, International and tropical communities.

Learn how to effectively promote positive relationships and champion a just and equitable society. You will study core subjects including social work with families and children, cross-cultural practice, eco-social justice, psychology and mental health. You'll benefit from the expertise of passionate educators, state-of-the-art social research technology and real-world case studies with an emphasis on sustainability and advocacy, as you learn to become a social worker in Queensland, or within rural, remote or metropolitan areas across Australia.

Apply your theoretical knowledge to extensive field placements in your third and fourth years. Learn from leading social workers and build effective relationships with diverse cultures, including rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You could also participate in field trips to India and Thailand.

JCU Social Work graduates are confident, high-achieving professionals with the skillset to succeed in a rewarding global workforce.

Graduates of this course are eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Additional information

Gain credit with a Diploma qualification:
Diploma of Community Services – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
Diploma of Alcohol and Drugs – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
Diploma of Mental Health - 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
Apply for credit at https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/enrolment/study-credit.

View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects, as well as pre-placement requirements.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work.

Honours

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees.

Work Integrated Learning

This course requires work-integrated learning (WIL) activities, such as placements, fieldwork, internships or industry-partnered projects. During the course, you will be required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of WIL.

JCU Social Work graduates are equipped to advocate for social justice and change in a broad range of environments.

Graduates pursue careers in Australia and overseas in aged care, public housing, child welfare, government agencies, drug and alcohol support, domestic violence, Indigenous health, not-for-profit groups, education, private and public hospitals, and more.

You could find employment as a child protection officer, mental health counsellor, health policy officer, health services manager, social worker, youth worker, or school counsellor.

Social workers can be involved in supporting individuals, groups and communities to respond and adapt to a changing climate.

Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.