Bachelor of Social Work

If you'd like to help others resolve social problems, and you are passionate about human rights, social justice and social development, then VU's social work degree could be for you.

This social work course will give you in-depth understanding of:

• interpersonal and group work
• community development
• policy analysis
• social research
• social action.

You'll gain the skills and knowledge to develop the potential of individuals, groups and communities - and during your course, you'll put these insights to use across two social work placements.

This training and expertise will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in a number of settings - from federal and state government to hospitals, non-government organisations or community services.

You'll graduate as a professional social worker, equipped with the skills to truly change people's lives for the better, and you will be eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Additional information

To be eligible for placement students must meet requirements of placement agencies and submit mandatory documentation including:
National Police Checks (which are required for the year in which the students undertake placement so a minimum of 2 checks will be required over 2 years),
International Police check for students who, after the age of 16 have been a citizen or permanent resident of any country other than Australia or resided continuously in any country other than Australia for 12 months or longer
Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years)
NDIS Worker Screening check
Evidence of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated
Evidence of meeting immunisation requirements for a health placement which includes Hepatitis B, MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, Varicella, Tuberculosis and Influenza.

It is possible that individual placement agencies will require additional site specific documentation and pre-placement preparation.

It is important to plan for potential loss of income during placement. Students may need to reduce or cease their usual employment during their social work placements since each placement equates to 500 hours over a continuous period.

Under certain circumstances there may be a fee associated with a clinical placement. For placement fee details relevant to your course refer to https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/your-course/fees/additional-fees-....

Accreditation & professional recognition

VU's Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, (AASW) (external link), the professional body representing social workers in Australia. The course is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.

Upon completion of this degree, graduates will be eligible for membership of the AASW. Please note that for International students there are additional requirements for membership of the AASW.