Bachelor of Social Work | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Social Work

Do you have a passion for social justice, human rights, and making a difference? This degree produces graduates equipped to work with skill and passion to enhance the social wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities, both locally and globally. The social issues people experience in an ever-changing world are often complex, and require highly-skilled approaches. This program is underpinned by principles of human rights, social justice and integrity as the foundation for professional social work practice.

In this program you will:

  • Learn through a rich combination of academic and extensive work practice knowledge
  • Develop the skills to support change ethically across a diversity of needs, forms of disadvantage, and practice contexts
  • Complete two field education placements (1000 hours in total) gaining practical experience in a range of fields including health and mental health, child protection, disability, substance abuse, family violence and more

Starting on 1 July 2025, eligible students can receive $319.50 per week during their mandatory placement.

Find out more about the Commonwealth Prac payment

Applications will be direct to UniSC. More information to come in early 2025.

Location

CRICOS code

062654D

Entry threshold

55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

4 years 4 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$13,152 - 2025 Fees CSP
CSP
A$27,900 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

011151 014151 019251 015051

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

International and Human Rights Minor, International Studies Minor and Social Theory Minor unavailable at UniSC Moreton Bay.

Online with mandatory onsite intensives. 1st year 2022, 2nd year 2023, 3rd year 2024 and 4th year 2025 There will be a Face to Face component, where students will be required to attend campus for 20 days as required by AASW accreditation standards, (Fraser Coast or Moreton Bay) in Session 5 to undertake accelerated course offerings of SWK277, SWK304, SWK306 and SWK401, in years 2 and 4 or years 3 and 4, as per recommended study sequences.

Career opportunities

  • Centrelink
  • Child protection
  • Disability
  • Disability in schools
  • Health
  • Mental health
  • Policy development

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
  • Online with mandatory onsite requirements
Total courses
28
Total units
384
Duration
4 years 4 years
CRICOS code
062654D
UniSC program code
AR362
Program coordinator

Introductory courses (7) 84 units

COU176 Group Processes and Practice
COU180 Therapeutic Communication Skills
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SWK100 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
SWK172 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services

Developing and Graduate courses (16) 240 units

SCS225 Social Research
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SWK200 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings
SWK202 Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
SWK251 Working with First Nations Peoples and Multicultural Communities
SWK277+
SWK278 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions
SWK286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1">SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1(36 units)
SWK302 Community Development and Social Action
SWK304+
SWK306+
SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2">SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2(36 units)
SWK401+
SWK407 Context Responsive Social Work Practice

PLUS select 1 course from:

COU300 Counselling for Crisis, Trauma and Loss
CRM309 Working with Victims and Offenders

Elective courses (5) 60 units

Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.

Students are encouraged to use these electives to study courses in the following discipline areas:

Behavioural Science
Counselling Skills
Criminology and Justice
Indigenous Studies
International and Human Rights^
International Studies^
Social Theory^
Sustainability

^Not currently available at Moreton Bay campus

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Entry requirements

For entry into most UniSC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that UniSC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 55.00
Moreton Bay 55.00
Fraser Coast 55.00
Online 55.00

Additional entry information

Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the  English language requirements for further information.

Recommended prior study
English

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$13,152 - 2025 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$27,900

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 011151
Moreton Bay 014151
Fraser Coast 019251
Online 015051
Top 4% globally for 'Impact' THE Impact Rankings 2024
No. 1 in Qld for teaching quality Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25
No. 1 in Qld for student support in social work Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25
Jessica Spain

Student story

“I always thought that university was out of my reach and league. But after working in travel for 10 years, I decided that I wanted to do something completely out of my comfort zone and challenge myself."

Jessica Spain Student
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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