Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 2
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 422400
- Program code 4033
- CRICOS code 000831E
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- 80.0 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $16,500*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $69,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $50,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $212,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Field experience
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AASW accreditation
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Fourth-year thesis
Join us at Info Day
Thursday, 18 December | 12–4pm | Kensington campus
Join us on campus to get personalised advice on your study options before UAC preferences close. Info Day is the perfect opportunity to get all of your last minute questions answered, the day ATARs are released.
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Careers in social work
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
If you want to build a career that transforms lives, the UNSW Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) gives you the skills to become a social worker in Australia and make a real difference to the lives of individuals and communities. This four-year degree with integrated honours combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing you to address complex social challenges across diverse communities.
Learn from industry professionals and practising social workers who guide you through real-world scenarios in mental health, community development, counselling and Indigenous services. The program emphasises on-the-job learning through field placements, case studies and collaborative projects, ensuring you graduate with both the credentials and confidence to practice effectively from day one.
UNSW's strong industry connections open doors to diverse career paths in government agencies, healthcare settings, non-profit organisations and private practice. With social work employment projected to increase by 7.8% each year, (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025), graduates enter a profession experiencing significant demand and opportunity for advancement. Our alumni consistently secure meaningful roles where they drive policy change, lead community programs and provide direct support to individuals and families facing life's most challenging circumstances.
Key features
Build expertise through industry-guided learning
Learn from social workers experienced in teaching, practice, research and policy who'll guide you through foundational knowledge to specialised areas like community health, child welfare or clinical social work. In your final year, you'll complete independent research through a thesis or advanced professional portfolio, developing the analytical skills needed as social work evolves with society's changing needs.
Gain real-world experience through field placements
Apply your knowledge in professional settings through two essential work placements that develop your confidence and practical skills. You'll experience diverse contexts working in metropolitan and rural Australia or expand your global perspective through placements in one of our partnering countries overseas.
Graduate career-ready with accredited qualifications
This degree meets formal accreditation standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), making you eligible for professional membership upon graduation. The integrated honours component increases your employability and prepares you for advanced practice or research roles in this growing field.
Why study at UNSW?
Learn at Australia's #1 university for social sciences
UNSW ranks #1 in Australia and #23 globally for social sciences and management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). You'll benefit from research-informed teaching within our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community at a global top 20 university.
Graduate with proven employability advantage
UNSW has been recognised for producing Australia’s most employable graduates for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025). Our strong social work industry connections and integrated honours qualification give you a competitive edge in this growing profession.
Access professional-standard education and support
Benefit from accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and practical learning through hands-on classes and work placements. This combination of academic rigour and real-world application ensures you're ready to make an impact from day one.
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
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- The 2025 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025.
- The 2025 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. 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 2025 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2025 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.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)
Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined.
Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit UNSW Portfolio Entry.
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
TAFE Pathways Program
This degree is eligible for the TAFE Pathways Program. If you've completed a qualification under a relevant TAFE Training Package, you may be eligible for credit transfer. For more details, including this program's TAFE Pathway study plan, visit UNSW TAFE Pathways Program.
University Preparation Program
If you want to study at UNSW but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider the University Preparation Program.
The University Preparation Program is a one-year pathway to a UNSW degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.
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
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
A year 12 or equivalent secondary school level qualification or higher qualification in the English language consistent with the requirements for admission to AQF Level 7 Degree courses in Australia OR An overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 7.0 in each component, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, or the equivalent level in a comparable English language test.
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, UNSW assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC
Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 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
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
English Language Proficiency Requirement
A year 12 or equivalent secondary school level qualification or higher qualification in the English language consistent with the requirements for admission to AQF Level 7 Degree courses in Australia OR An overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 7.0 in each component, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, or the equivalent level in a comparable English language test.
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is a 4-year degree that blends theoretical foundations with the practical experience necessary to prepare you for professional social work. You'll progress through 24 core courses covering essential areas like human development, social policy, community development, mental health and Indigenous services, while choosing from four electives to broaden your perspective.
Two supervised professional placements provide real-world experience, culminating in an independent honours thesis that develops your research and analytical capabilities. This integrated approach ensures you graduate not just with academic knowledge, but with the hands-on skills, professional networks and critical thinking needed to make an immediate impact as a social worker.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 192 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 4 years of full-time study.
The UNSW Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) can be completed as a single degree or a double degree alongside bachelor's degrees in criminology and criminal justice, arts, social sciences or law.
Single degree mode – 192 UOC
Core courses – 168 UOC
- 24 core social work courses covering foundational theory, practice methods, policy analysis and specialised areas
- Includes two supervised professional placements
- Honours thesis or advanced professional portfolio
Breadth component – 24 UOC
- Free electives – 12 UOC (two courses) to be taken either within or outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- General education – 12 UOC (two courses) which must be taken outside of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Double degree mode – 168 UOC
Core courses – 168 UOC (24 courses)
Breadth component completed through the double degree program. Double degree options include:
Future careers
Social work is a fast-growing profession, with employment projected to increase 7.8% each year, (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). This growth reflects society's increasing recognition of mental health support, child protection, community development and social justice advocacy as essential services.
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at UNSW prepares you to meet this growing demand through hands-on experience, strong academic foundations and extensive industry connections. From much-needed mental health support to human rights advocacy and policy development, the potential for true change and impact as a social worker is limitless. You'll launch your career with expertise and skills that position you for diverse, well-established career paths across government, healthcare, not-for-profit and private sectors.
A career as a social worker offers plenty of growth potential with the average social worker earning $98,000 per year (Seek, 2025).
To help you choose if social work is the right path for you, find out how to become a social worker in Australia, the qualifications you need and where your career might take you.
Potential careers
- Case manager
- Community development worker
- Counsellor
- Policy analyst
- Project manager
- Research officer
- Social policy adviser
- Social research officer
- Social worker
- Special care worker
- Welfare worker
- Youth worker
Accreditation
Upon graduation, you'll be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and ready to make an immediate impact in communities across Australia and internationally. Whether you're drawn to direct client support, research, policy development or community leadership, your UNSW qualification opens doors to a profession where every day brings the opportunity to transform lives.
Our alumni
"Everything I learnt in my degrees has been beneficial. From theoretical knowledge to classroom tutorials and role plays. I think something that was unexpected that I learned was the importance of interpersonal skills in connecting with people, so skills like active listening and being empathetic to build trust and relationships with others."
Sofia Moysiadis
Domestic and Family Violence Caseworker
The Benevolent Society
Accreditation
Australian Association of Social Workers, Graduates with the degree of Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from UNSW are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Double degrees
Combine your interests for a unique career that is connected to your talents and passions. In a double degree you focus on two areas of expertise to graduate with more knowledge, skills, and career options. And because you only study the core courses, a double degree is less work and faster than studying two full degrees.
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 details, visit the international admissions 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. For details, visit the under 18 international students page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
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.
*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 here.
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.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
I really liked that the UNSW degree was so practical, structured and had diverse topics.
