Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Impact where it’s needed most
Domestic
International
Changing lives for the better starts here. Challenge yourself and make a real difference by promoting social change and enhancing the relationships and well-being of those around you.
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 degree when studied full time, with an integrated honours component.
Becoming a social worker is a genuinely transformative experience. Not only will you be able to significantly change and enhance others’ lives, but you’ll also be actively shaping happier, healthier relationships and communities.
This bachelor’s degree focuses on the very real and very important outcomes of social work – giving you the practical skills to make a difference, with direct guidance from industry professionals and current social workers. You’ll gain experience across diverse human services such as mental health, social work counselling, community work, sociology, psychology, and working with Indigenous communities.
Key features
A solid foundation
In your first year of study, you’ll begin building the stability to adapt within a diverse field that is constantly changing. Discover new interests and contexts while developing the foundations of your future social work practice. You’ll have guidance throughout the program from social workers experienced in teaching, practice, research, and policy.
Field education
Work experience is essential to learning and experiencing the world beyond the classroom. This degree includes two work placements to develop your insights, confidence, and essential practical skills. You’ll gain distinct experience working in metropolitan and rural Australia or in one of our partnering countries overseas.
Fuel your passion
Dive deeper into the area where you’re driven to have the most impact. You’ll be able to focus your efforts and interpersonal skills in fields such as community health, child welfare, or clinical social work. You’ll also have opportunities to gain expertise in various areas of practice and in research fields such as social work theory and policy studies.
Research for your future
Social work careers evolve with society’s changing needs. With advanced research and analysis skills, your professional development can adapt to future changes with confidence. In your final year, you’ll produce a thesis or advanced professional portfolio based on your independent research.
Accreditation
Empower yourself with an education that meets formal accreditation standards. Upon graduation, you’ll meet the benchmarks set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (the professional body for social workers) and be eligible for their membership.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Join a supportive, open, and inclusive community
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Practical classes and two work placements
- Benefit from strong social work industry connections
- Increased employability with an honour’s qualification
- Accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
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
2022 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2022 A levels
13
2022 IB Diploma
29
2022 Lowest ATAR
69
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- The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.
- The 2022 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 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2022 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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
For your full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
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 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
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$15,140*
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.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$39,600*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$161,245*
*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.
"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."
