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)