Bachelor of Social Work - CL71
Make a difference in your community, and explore your passion for helping others as a qualified social worker with CQUniversity's Bachelor of Social Work.
Online
SR:62 ATAR:62
28/192
English (Units 3 and 4, C)
Studies of Society, Community work, Information Technology literacy
Completing this Bachelor of Social Work enables you to be recognised as a professional and eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Over the course of four years, you will develop an understanding of the practice methods, skills, knowledge and values of the social work profession. With an emphasis on problem-based learning, you will gain valuable experience in critical and reflective thinking and practice.
You will have the opportunity to complete two field education placements where you will begin to apply your developing knowledge and skills and see in-practice examples of theory.
Whether you seek a career in policy, research, direct practice with families groups or communities, this degree will ensure you are equipped with the skills, knowledge and values to assist the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our communities to achieve the best outcomes.
| Core Units | 28 | Major Units | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electives | None | Minor Units | None |
Course structure
You are required to complete 28 core units.Unit information
For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.Credit transfer information
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.Your career
Complete the Bachelor of Social Work and become a professionally qualified social worker, eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).You will experience a rewarding career with the opportunity to practise in many human services across every state and territory in Australia as well as in many overseas countries. Social workers are employed in health, government administration, child protection, youth justice, prisons, disability, aged care, mental health.
Whether you seek a career in policy, research, direct practice with family groups or communities, you will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and values to assist the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our communities to achieve the best outcomes.
Real-world-opportunities
Throughout the Bachelor of Social Work, you will gain valuable experience in critical and reflective thinking and practice.You will have the opportunity to complete two field education placements where you will begin to apply your developing knowledge and skills and see in-practice examples of theory. Your first placement is a 13-week placement, totalling 440 hours and takes place in Term 1 of your third year. Your second placement is a 16-week placement, totalling 560 hours and takes place in the final term of your studies. Your field education placements are supervised by a qualified social worker and allow you to gain insights and experience in real cases with real clients.
Your placements will expose you to real scenarios and issues, where you can apply your discipline knowledge and be guided by your supervising social worker as you do so.
Your online experience
Delivered online, this course offers you the flexibility to study when and how you like.As an online student, you can enjoy an outstanding online learning experience with access to a range of support services, virtual platforms to connect with your peers and lecturers and student systems that are easy to navigate.
Residential Schools
In line with AASW accreditation requirements, you will be required to attend a minimum of 20 days on campus throughout the course. Your residential schools are scheduled as four, five-day residential schools.
Online Availability
| Term 1 - 2024 | Available Online |
| Term 2 - 2023 | Available Online |
| Term 2 - 2024 | Available Online |
| Unit Name | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork Education 1 | SOWK13009 | This is the first work integrated learning placement. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Field Education Coordinators and with the supervision by a qualified social worker. Field education may be organised in international, metropolitan, urban, regional, rural and remote areas. Students must complete all units in accordance with pre-requisites, and undertake a successful interview with the Field Education Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings. |
| Fieldwork Education 2 | SOWK14009 | Field Education 2 (SOWK 14009) is the final integrated learning placement. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Field Education Coordinators and with the supervision by a qualified social worker. Field education may be organised in international, metropolitan, urban, regional, rural and remote areas. Students must complete all units in accordance with pre-requisites, and undertake a successful interview with the Field Education Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings. |
Rank Threshold |
A rank threshold is the minimum competitive rank that applications will be considered for entry to this course. The rank threshold for this course is: SR 62 | ATAR 62.0 |
Student Profile
If you would like to know more about entry scores for applicants with recent education and the student profile for this course view our Course and Entry Score Profile for Term 1, 2022.Institute profile
To find out about CQUniversity's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2022 view our Institute Profile.When applying, you must demonstrate that you have met the listed Entry Requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements.
After you have applied and enrolled in this course, you will need to be able to meet the Security and Health Requirements as these generally relate to work-integrated learning activities that form part of your course. You will be provided with more information about security and health requirements after enrolling in the relevant units that these relate to.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
The COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory to be eligible to attend a WIL placement for this course. Students will be required to provide evidence of having completed a COVID-19 vaccination schedule by the closing date prior to a WIL placement. The vaccine received must be a vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia.Entry Requirements
English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University. Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
Completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 in each subset; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBt - 94 or better overall and no score less than 24 for listening and reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking; or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 65 with no sub-score less than 65.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
If you are an International Student, please visit International students english requirements for further information.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Security Requirements
All field education contexts will require relevant state based working with children clearances. State based criminal background checks and Federal police checks are required. Where issues emerge with these checks the Head of Course will implement a formal process of internal and/or external ethical consideration.
Health Requirements
Some field education contexts require evidence of Hepatitis B immunity.
Assumed Knowledge
Studies of Society / Humanities
Community work
Information Technology literacy
A social work qualification provides a wide range of employment opportunities across diverse fields of practice. Many of these will involve social workers assisting client groups to achieve social inclusion, supporting people to achieve a better quality of life and facilitate individual and community well-being. Graduates have the opportunity to practice in a large number of human services across every state and territory as well as in many overseas countries. The most prominent sectors in which social workers are found are in health, government administration, child protection, youth justice, prisons, disability, aged care, mental health, and working with people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. Social workers are employed at federal, state and local levels of government. Non-government agencies in the community sector are also large employers of social work graduates where the work can include counselling, case-management, early intervention strategies with families at risk, advocacy, mediation and community development. Agencies include Relationships Australia, Anglicare, Baptist Care, Red Cross, Women's Health and many others. A growing trend for social workers with several years experience is moving into private practice focusing on the mental health issues experienced by their clients.
| 2023 Indicative Fees | |
|---|---|
| Fee Type | Fees |
| Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee | $10,006.00 |
Indicative first-year fee
The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is eight units over two terms). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth support and government assistance loans
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.
Other study costs
Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.
| Tasmania | ONL: 150552 |
| Northern Territory | ONL: 150552 |
| New South Wales | ONL: 160552 |
| Victoria | ONL: 150552 |
| South Australia | ONL: 150552 |
| Western Australia | ONL: 150552 |
| Queensland | ONL: 851505 |
If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way. Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy. Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.
Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.
What’s the best way to apply?
- Option 1: Ideal for most situations, whether you have completed high school recently or some time ago.
- Option 2: Ideal if you are studying with one of our partner study hubs.
- Option 3: Ideal if you have previously studied with CQUni.
Option 1: Ideal for most situations, apply via a tertiary admission centre
View the table below for the best application option based on where you live.| If you live in | Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)* |
| Queensland | Apply via QTAC |
| New South Wales; Australian Capital Territory | Apply via UAC |
| All other states | Apply via ApplyCQUNI |
*Please note that you may be required to pay a fee when applying via a TAC.
Option 2: Want to study with one of our partner study hubs? Apply via ApplyCQUni
Benefit from local teaching and learning support with one of our delivery partners.| If you are studying with: | Study Support |
| Pilbara Universities Centre | Supported online study which may include local tutorial support, access to local study facilities and attending residential schools in Port Hedland. |
| Uni Hub Spencer Gulf | Supported online study which may include local tutorial support, and access to local study facilities. |
Across Australia, you can access local spaces, technology and facilities offered by any one of our Regional University Centre partners.
Option 3: If you have previously studied with CQUni, apply direct.
As a past CQUni student, you may be eligible to apply directly to CQUniversity for this course. To apply direct, your prior study with CQUni must be a completed or partially completed CQUni course or unit including:- CQUni’s Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS), Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP), or Start Uni Now (SUN) units.
- A CQUni certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or research higher degree, or a unit within these courses.