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Program handbook

Description

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.

Domestic students who commence full time in Semester 2 should expect to complete the program in a minimum of 4.5 years.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods
  • demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship
  • communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
  • technical skills to design and use research in a project
  • cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding
  • cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas
  • cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
  • demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
  • demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence
  • demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
  • knowledge of social welfare arrangements, their history and organisation and of the law in Australia
  • demonstrated understanding of society, how it has developed and how it is organised.
  • knowledge of individual behaviour and development within contexts
  • knowledge and skill in the range of social work interventions: interpersonal practice, advocacy, group work, community work, social action, research and social policy
  • the ability to analyse macro, meso and micro causal impacts on human life
  • skills in reflective and critical thinking and analysis, data collection and management
  • competence in interpersonal, communication, negotiation and mediation skills.
  • skills in recognising and analysing ethical issues and adherence to the AASW code of ethics
  • skills in the assessment of social work practice situations and ability to make informed judgements about appropriate interventions and responses
  • the ability to analyse the social, political, economic, historic, cultural and ecological factors impacting upon social work practice contexts, giving particular attention to dimensions of power and disadvantage

Details

Information correct as atMar 29, 2024 1:08 am
Program code12317
AQF level

Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
  • International students - 4 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Ourimbah62.00-
Newcastle City Precinct62.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Recommended studiesHSC English (Standard) or English (Advanced), Society & Culture, Community and Family Studies, Languages.
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD36,315 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code027437D

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Credit transfer

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, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.


Compulsory program requirements

This degree requires students to participate in placements in NSW services or facilities, including NSW Health facilities. There are two compulsory placements of 70 days each, one in the third year and one in the fourth year of the program. Placements may extend beyond normal semester times and students must meet their own associated travel and accommodation costs, where applicable. During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility. Students must meet all the Social Work Placement Requirements including a National Criminal Record Check, NSW Working with Children clearance and meet all the NSW Health Verification requirements .

Post-admission requirements

  • NSW Health Verification Requirements

    Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met. More information is available here.

Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress

In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.

SWRK4400 - Field Practicum 2

SWRK4300 - Social Work Theory and Practice

SWRK2001 - Social Work Theory and Practice A

SWRK3002 - Social Work Theory and Practice C

SWRK3300 - Field Practicum 1

SWRK2003 - Interpersonal Skills for Professional Practice

SWRK4009 - Social Work Honours Project

SWRK2200 - Social Work Theory and Practice B

SWRK4500 - Social Work Research


Professional recognition

Australian Association of Social Workers

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) 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.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

320 units

Program duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 10 years maximum.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program requires students to successfully complete 320 units, which is comprised of: 

  • 290 units of core courses; 
  • 10 units of courses chosen from the Course List; and
  • 20 units of electives. 

Students must complete a minimum of 40 units at each level (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000).  

Students must not exceed 120 units at 1000 level.

Students must only complete courses that form part of the program and must not complete more than 320 units.

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) has accredited the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program with a sequential course enrolment pattern. The courses are sequenced to provide foundational knowledge as students move through each year of study.

All SWRK core courses have requisites. This means to enrol students must successfully complete the previous course or courses in sequence. This sequence is detailed in the students relevant Program Plan.


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Transition arrangements

Please note that Directed course lists are now referred to as Course Lists.

Important information for students who commenced the program prior to 2021:

In 2021 there is an increase in the number of core course requirements in the program. Core courses have increased from 270 units to 290 units, with a reduction in the number of electives, from 40 units to 20 units.

  • SWRK1001 Introduction to Social Work 1 (10 units) has been replaced by SWRK1010 Introduction to Social Work 1 (20 units).
  • SWRK1002 Introduction to Social Work 2 (10 units) has been replaced by SWRK1020 Introduction to Social Work 2 (20 units).
  • Students who have not completed SWRK1001 and SWRK1002 prior to 2021 will complete 290 units of core courses inclusive of SWRK1010 and SWRK1020 plus 10 units of directed courses and 20 units of electives.
  • Students who have completed SWRK1001 but not SWRK1002 prior to 2021 will complete 280 units of core courses inclusive of SWRK1020 plus 10 units of directed courses and 30 units of electives.
  • LEGL3009 replaced LEGL3008 from 2019, if you have not already completed LEGL3008 then please complete LEGL3009.

Transition Arrangements 2018:

  • HUSE3006 replaced SPSW3070 from 2018, if you have not already completed SPSW3070 then please complete HUSE3006.
  • SWRK2005 replaced PHIL3580 from 2018,  if you have not already completed PHIL3580 then please complete SWRK2005.

Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.

Core Courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
ABOR1110Introduction to Aboriginal Studies
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC1010Psychology Introduction 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC1020Psychology Introduction 2
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
SOCA1010Society and Culture: an Introduction to Sociology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
SWRK1010Introduction to Social Work 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
SWRK1020Introduction to Social Work 2
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
SWRK2001Social Work Theory and Practice A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
SWRK2003Interpersonal Skills for Professional Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
SWRK2005Violence, Abuse and Trauma : Theory and Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
SWRK2200Social Work Theory and Practice B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
HUSE3006Social Policy and Planning in Regional Contexts
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
LEGL3009Law for Social Work and the Social Sciences
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
SWRK3002Social Work Theory and Practice C
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
SWRK3007Social Work Ethics
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
SWRK3300Field Practicum 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
30 units
SWRK4009Social Work Honours Project
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
SWRK4300Social Work Theory and Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
SWRK4400Field Practicum 2
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
30 units
SWRK4500Social Work Research
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Course List

Choose 10 units from the following course list.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
SCRN1000Media Literacy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
SOCA1020What is Anthropology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
HUSE2001Shaping Human Services: Social Policy and the Political Process
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units

Electives

Electives 20 unit requirement

Complete 20 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

20 units

Suggested electives

A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.

CodeTitleUnits
CRIM2020Criminal Psychology10 units

Honours

All students who complete the requirements of the program will be eligible for ungraded Honours. Graded Honours is determined by the cumulative WAM and results in the research courses.

The criteria for the determination of an Honours grade is detailed in the Bachelor Honours Policy.


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

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.


International students

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 our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens 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. More information is available online.

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

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

UAC Code , Program Code 12317

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 12317

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 12317

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 12317

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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