Bachelor of Social Work Deakin

To complete the Bachelor of Social Work, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:

• DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period

• 29 credit points of core units

• 3 credit points of open elective units

• a maximum of 2 elective units may be studied at level 1.

To complete the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:

• DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period

• 31 credit points of core units

• 1 credit points of open elective units.

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Failure of a practice education placement will normally lead to exclusion.

Core Units

Level 1 - Trimester 1

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

DAI001

Introduction to Aboriginal Studies

IND101

Introduction to Sociology: the Sociological Imagination

ASC101

Introduction to Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice A

HSW101

Understanding Health

HBS107

Level 1 - Trimester 2

Introduction to Sociology: the Sociology of Everyday Life

ASC102

Theories for Social Work Practice: Social Work Theory and Practice B

HSW111

Social Work Methods in Context: Social Work Theory and Practice C

HSW118

plus

Health Psychology (Behaviour Change)

HBS110

Or

Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

HPS111

Level 2 - Trimester 1

Public Policy and Politics for Critical Social Workers

HSW216

Community-Engaged Research Practice A

HSW221

Community Development: Social Work Theory and Practice D

HSW235

plus one elective

Level 2 - Trimester 2

Human Rights and Social Justice: Values, Ethics and the Legal Context of Social Work

HSW201

Practice Skills: Social Work Theory and Practice E

HSW212

Self and Society

HSW219

Placement Readiness: Preparing for Supervised Social Work Practice

HSW202

Level 3 - Trimester 1

Social Work Field Education A

HSW314

Level 3 - Trimester 2

Doing Critical Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice F

HSW313

Critical Social Policy

HSW316

Applied Social Research in Ethical and Political Context

HSW322

Administration and Policy Development: The Organisational Context

HSW434

Level 4 - Pass stream 

Trimester 1

Critical Approaches to Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice G

HSW402

Working in Uncertainty: Social Work Theory and Practice H

HSW452

plus two electives

Trimester 2

Social Work Field Education B

HSW415

Level 4 - H430 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Trimester 1

Critical Approaches to Social Work: Social Work Theory and Practice G

HSW402

Social Work Honours Research Project A

HSW416

Working in Uncertainty: Social Work Theory and Practice H

HSW452

Trimester 2

Social Work Field Education B Research Focused

HSW404

Social Work Honours Research Project B

HSW417

Work experience

Practice Education

All students are required to complete two field education placements, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across at least 65 days) of practicum (field placement) in a health or human service organisation or program.

Students must also attend and participate in the associated pre-placement preparation seminars at the Geelong Waterfront campus in the trimester prior to the placement being undertaken - dates to be advised.

Deakin University does not require any student to have a driver’s licence but encourages students to obtain one if possible. Many placement providers expect students to hold a full driver’s licence and students who do not have this may be limited in the placement opportunities available to them. Organisations which require students to drive as part of their placement work should provide access to an agency vehicle and not expect students to have their own car.

Career outcomes

Social work is a rapidly growing field within human services, offering diverse career opportunities across government, private, and non-government organisations. Graduates work in various capacities, including advocacy, policy development, and tribunal roles, addressing key societal issues. The demand for skilled social workers continues to rise, driven by the increasing need for support in community development, mental health, and other vital sectors.

By completing this course, you will be well-equipped to embark on a rewarding career, with the knowledge and skills needed to work in a wide range of social work settings. With Deakin’s strong graduate employment outcomes, you will be ready to make a meaningful impact in roles that address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

You may work in many general and specialist areas of social work such as:

• activism

• advocacy

• child protection

• child and family support

• community development

• consultancy

• counselling

• drug and alcohol counselling

• education

• facilitation

• family therapy

• health

• housing

• policy development and research

• program management and coordination

• refugee assistance and tribunal capacities

• assisting groups such as the aged, women, youth or multicultural populations.

Examples of specific roles you may pursue include:

• careers counsellor

• case manager

• child and family counsellor

• child protection officer

• community development access officer

• community development and education officer

• disability support coordinator

• diversity officer

• drug and alcohol case manager

• family relationship adviser

• mental health coordinator

• specialist family violence practitioner

• school counsellor

• youth projects officer.

Professional recognition

Get the professional recognition you need to work in this fulfilling and growing field. Deakin’s Bachelor of Social Work is fully accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Students completing the course are eligible to apply for membership of AASW and can practise professionally throughout Australia. The AASW has also singled out and commended Deakin for our 'critically reflective practice', setting Deakin University apart from other social work programs in Australia.