COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Social Work program is structured over four years and provides students with a comprehensive education in social work theory, practice, research, and professional development. In the first year, students complete a series of compulsory onboarding modules along with eight core courses designed to establish foundational knowledge. These courses include Australian Society in a Global Context (HUSO1207), History and Trends in Social Work (HWSS2090), Sustainable Futures (ENVI1153), Power and Governance (POLI1025), Ethics and Reflexive Practice (HWSS2164), Social Work Practice (HWSS2091), Self, Identity and Agency (HUSO2164), and Intercultural Communication (SOCU1025), all delivered at the City Campus. This first-year curriculum introduces students to the social, cultural, and ethical frameworks essential for effective social work practice.In the second year, students deepen their knowledge through seven core courses, including Critical Approaches to Social Work (HWSS1133), Indigenous Studies (HUSO1296), Group Work Theory and Practice (HWSS2093), Working with Violence and Abuse (HWSS2158), Mental Health and Wellbeing (HUSO1298), Public Policy (POLI1066), and Casework and Advocacy (HWSS1135). Students also select one program option course or a university elective, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests or career goals.The third year focuses on research, fieldwork, and advanced practice. Students complete 84 credit points from courses such as Foundations of Social Research (HUSO2166), Social Work Field Education 1 (HWSS1137), Contemporary Organisational Practices (HUSO1213), Critical Social Work with Families (HWSS2092), and Law for Social Work Practice (HWSS2163). They also complete 12 credit points from either program options, university electives, or Designing Social Science Research (HUSO1222), strengthening research skills and applied knowledge.In the fourth year, students can choose between an Applied Research Pathway or a Thesis Pathway. Both pathways include Community Work (HWSS1139), Program Management and Evaluation (HWSS1141), Influencing Policy (POLI1038), and Social Work Field Education 2 (HWSS1143). The Applied Research Pathway also includes Research for Social Work Practice (HWSS2253) and Trauma Informed Social Work Practice (HWSS2254), while the Thesis Pathway includes Social Work Honours Thesis 1 (HWSS2222) and Social Work Honours Thesis 2 (HWSS2223). This final year ensures students integrate advanced research, practice, and policy knowledge, preparing them for professional social work practice or further postgraduate study.