COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Social Work at JCU equips students with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and extensive field experience to begin a rewarding career in social work, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, international, and tropical communities. The program emphasizes promoting positive relationships, advocating for justice, and supporting equitable social outcomes. Core subjects include social work with families and children, cross-cultural practice, eco-social justice, psychology, and mental health. Students benefit from expert educators, state-of-the-art social research technology, and real-world case studies, with an emphasis on sustainability and advocacy. Practical experience is central to the degree, with extensive field placements in the third and fourth years that provide opportunities to work alongside leading social workers and engage with diverse communities, including rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. International field trips to locations such as India and Thailand further enhance cross-cultural competence. Graduates are confident, high-achieving professionals ready to contribute to the social work field locally and globally and are eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The program also recognizes prior learning, allowing credit for qualifications such as the Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Alcohol and Drugs, or Diploma of Mental Health. High-achieving students may pursue the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), which includes additional study, a personal research project, and a thesis, providing a pathway to higher research degrees. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a key component of the program, requiring completion of a minimum of 1000 hours through placements, fieldwork, internships, or industry-partnered projects. Students must also meet inherent requirements, which encompass the abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours necessary to successfully complete the course, maintain academic integrity, and meet professional standards. By combining rigorous academic study, immersive practical experience, and professional development, JCU’s Bachelor of Social Work prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in diverse social work settings across Australia and internationally.