Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Change lives for the better.
Domestic
International
Help change lives by solving problems in human relationships, promoting social change and enhancing the wellbeing of others
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2
Duration (Full Time)
4 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Careers in social work
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is a four-year, full-time degree with an integrated honours component. As a social worker, you’ll change lives by solving problems in human relationships, promoting social change and enhancing the wellbeing of others.
Our Social Work degree emphasises practical skills, with guidance from social workers and industry professionals. You’ll gain expertise in a variety of areas, including mental health, social work counselling, community work, sociology, psychology and working with Indigenous communities.
Key features
Learn the foundations
In your first year of study, you’ll complete an introduction to social work where you’ll learn the foundations of social work practice in a diverse and changing field. You’ll be guided throughout the program by social workers who are experienced in teaching, practice, research and policy.
Field education and a professional portfolio
You’lll gain hands-on experience in the field, completing two diverse placements, in metropolitan and rural Australia or overseas in our partnering countries.
Specialise in an area you’re passionate about
As a social work student, you can focus on particular contexts or methods of practice, by specialising in areas including community health, child welfare, or clinical social work. You also have the chance to gain expertise in a variety of practice areas, as well as in research in social work theory and policy studies from dynamic teachers who are experts in their field.
Research component
This degree will help you develop research skills, including research design and methodology. As part of the Honours requirement, in your final year, you’ll complete either a piece of independent research in the form of a thesis or an advanced practice portfolio.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Our program is accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2020.
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world class alumni connections
- Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2021)
Program Code
4033
CRICOS Code
000831E
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
422400
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192
Indicative Enrolments
295
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
2021 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2021 A levels
13
2021 IB Diploma
29
2021 Lowest ATAR
70.05
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- The 2021 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021.
- The 2021 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2021 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2021 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
If you’ve studied the relevant diplomas under the TAFE Community Services Training Package, you’ll receive TAFE Credit Transfer for up to 48 units of credit (UOC), which is equivalent to one-year, full-time study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) consists of 30 courses and an honours thesis. It can be completed in four-years full-time.
The program includes:
- 24 Core courses
- 4 Electives/General education courses
- 2 Professional placements
- 1 Honours thesis
Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period.
Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard four-year, full-time study plan in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).
First year
- 7 Social Work/Arts & Social Sciences core courses
- 1 Free elective/general education course
Second year
- 6 Social Work/Arts & Social Sciences core courses
- 2 Free elective/general education courses
Third year
- 4 Social Work/Arts & Social Sciences core courses
- 2 Professional placements
Fourth year
- 6 Social Work core courses
- 1 Honours thesis
Explore your options further through a sample program. For your full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Double degrees
Our double degrees enable you to broaden your opportunities and study different areas simultaneously.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2022 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$14,270*
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
2022 Indicative First Year Fee
$39,918*
2022 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$161,020*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
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Top 50WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2022.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
"I really liked that the UNSW degree was so practical. I was really excited about the way UNSW structured their degree and the diversity of topics."
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