Is social work for you?

Social workers are concerned with personal and social relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities. They work to relieve distress, redress inequalities and promote social justice. Read more ...

What you will study

This is an experience-based learning program, which integrates theory, practice and social work values within the degree. Emphasis is placed on self-directed learning and well planned supported field education placements. Read more ...

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. Read more...

A career in social work

As a professional social worker, you may gain employment in not-for-profit welfare and charitable organisations; hospitals and health centres; social security and welfare departments; probation and parole services and local government. Read more ...

Achiever profiles

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Read profiles ...

Is social work for you?

Social workers are concerned with personal and social relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities. They work to relieve distress, redress inequalities and promote social justice. They participate in processes of social change which tackle structural disadvantage and create opportunities for people to achieve their own goals. If you are motivated by these aims then social work is for you.

Why study with us?

In our degree, theory, practice and social work values are integrated and emphasis is placed on well planned and supported field education placements.

You will complete core courses in social work, Aboriginal studies, philosophy, psychology, sociology and anthropology and a directed course in law. The degree also offers you over 1000 hours of supervised field education placements in social work agencies or other organisations. You will undertake a placement in the third and fourth year of the degree.

What will you study?

This is an experience-based learning degree, which integrates theory, practice and social work values within the degree. Emphasis is placed on self-directed learning and well planned supported field education placements. The degree helps you prepare for practice as a professional social worker, working with organisations, groups, families and individuals to address inequality and promote the well-being of people in society.

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. You can develop and carry out research on a topic of interest, potentially leading to further academic study such as a PhD.

To graduate the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours, you must achieve high academic performance for all of your studies. This includes achieving a minimum GPA of 5.5 throughout the degree and a GPA of 5.5 at the 3000 and 4000 level of the degree. You must also receive a Distinction grade in SWRK3005 Social Work Research and approval by the Pro Vice-Chancellor.

There are three classes of Honours:

Class I - GPA of 6.0 or more in 3000/4000 level courses and average mark of 85 or more in the research component.

Class II, Division 1 - GPA of 6.0 or more in 3000/4000 level courses and average mark of 75 or more in Research Component.

OR GPA of 5.5 or more in 3000/4000 level courses and average mark of 85 or more in Research Component.

Class II, Division 2 - GPA of 5.5 or more in 3000/4000 level courses and average mark of 65 or more in Research Component.

To calculate your GPA click here.

Please note: Honours is currently under review and is subject to change.

To find out more about Honours, contact the Enquiry Centre, (02) 4921 5000.

A career in social work

As a professional social worker, you may gain employment in not-for-profit welfare and charitable organisations; hospitals and health centres; social security and welfare departments; probation and parole services and local government. Many social workers are also employed in public and social administration or as policy makers in a wide range of government organisations.

Practical experience

There are compulsory 70 day placements in the third and fourth year. You will be responsible for your own travel and accommodation costs for these placements.

Be recognised

This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

As an undergraduate student you can join the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as an associate member and become a full member when you graduate.

Achiever profiles

Milena

Present: Research Assistant – Social Work, The University of Newcastle and Social Worker, the Maitland Hospital

Bachelor of Social Work

"I am currently working as a research assistant at the University of Newcastle and as a social worker at Maitland Hospital. My degree was very valuable, both in sparking my passion for research and in preparing me for practice.”

Milena’s favourite part of her degree was meeting other students, researchers, social work practitioners, and clients. During her studies, Milena had the opportunity to work in a range of social work agencies. In one organisation Milena was given the chance to research and write a briefing paper for the Australian Human Rights Commission. She has also facilitated community development activities such as the creation of a vegetable garden by children at a Family Support Service.

Milena’s advice for students studying the social work degree is to:
“Make the most of every opportunity and view each new experience as a possibility for reflection and learning. Knowledge presents itself in many different forms."

Anna

Bachelor of Social Work

Coming from Sweden, I had a friend that recommended the University of Newcastle as a great place to study. The Bachelor of Social Work offers great hands-on experience and the class sizes are small so you get that one on one interaction with the tutors and students. I hope to eventually work in child protection.

Heidi

Bachelor of Social Work

I chose to study at university to provide myself with better career opportunities in the future. The social work program offers a greater understanding of wider society. I am also able to interact with some great people, in a great atmosphere. If you are thinking about studying at Newcastle Uni, I say, go for it!

Mitchell

Bachelor of Social Work

My passion for social work, lead me to study it further at uni. The program is developing my personal awareness and I am building a strong knowledge base for my future career in community development.