Bachelor of Social Work

Social workers are concerned with personal and social relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities. They seek to relieve distress, redress inequality, promote social justice and participate in the processes of social change which remove structural disadvantage and create opportunities for people to achieve their own goals.

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. 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.

Students complete core courses in social work, other specified courses in history, law, philosophy, psychology, sociology and anthropology, and electives. The program also offers you a total of 140 days (980 hours) of supervised field education placements in social work agencies or other organisations. Students undertake a placement in each of the second, third and fourth years of the program.

Professional social workers may gain employment in welfare and charitable organisations, hospitals, 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.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on ‘How to Apply for Credit’.

In order to be considered for entry into Honours, students must achieve the following high academic performance for studies:

• GPA of 5.5 or more over program
• GPA of 5.5 at the 3000/4000 level of program
• Distinction grade for SWRK3005.

Eligible students must be either invited or have had a written application approved by the relevant Pro-Vice Chancellor.

HONOURS GRADING

There are 3 classes of Honours:

• Class I- GPA of 6.0 or more in 3000/4000 level courses & average mark of 85 or more in Research Component
• Class II, Division 1- GPA of 6.0 or more in 3000/4000 level courses & average mark of 75 or more in Research Component; OR GPA of 5.5 or more in 3000/4000 level courses & average mark of 85 or more in Research Component
• Class II, Division 2- GPA of 5.5 or more in 3000/4000 level courses & average mark of 65 or more in Research Component.

Students who do not meet the criteria for Honours will be awarded an ordinary degree.

There is a compulsory 70 day placement in the third and fourth year of the degree.

The Bachelor of Social Work has been accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (Ltd).

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

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

If Field Education presents problems with access etc, please discuss with academic staff.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.