The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) aims to produce social work graduates who will be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) having attained all of the practice standards associated with the values, knowledge, and skills of the profession.
Within the social work profession, you will be committed to the actualisation of human rights globally; achieved through the acquisition of specific values, knowledge and skills. You will pursue social justice or work to redistribute social and economic resources equitably so that client groups vulnerable to the intersection of complex inequalities can enjoy social inclusion and wellbeing in the communities and societies in which they live.
As a social worker, you will achieve the pursuit of human rights, social justice, and social inclusion using seven methods of change: case management; social group work; family work; community and social development; policy practice; organisational change; and research. Within those methods of change social workers can occupy many diverse roles such as mediator, advocate, support worker, counsellor, group worker, family practitioner, social activist, officer, lobbyist, project manager or research scholar, to name a few.
This Honours level qualification involves the study of social research methods preparing you to undertake a significant research project in your final year of study where advanced knowledge of a specific social issue is acquired, the methodologies of the literature review are used, with outcomes presented to peers and academic staff.
Duration | 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time |
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Credit Points that Must be Earned | 192 |
Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
Qualification (post nominal) | BSocWk(Hons) |
AQF Level | Level 8: Bachelor Honours Degree |
Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2024
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
English Language Proficiency requirements:
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
· a secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
· tertiary diploma level qualification, or
· bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below.
· An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 overall with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
· Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
· Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
· An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
You must maintain recency of professional knowledge and skills throughout the course. In order to meet this criterion you must complete your course of study within 9 years from the date of first enrollment in the course.
If you cannot complete the course within 9 years you must apply in writing to the Head of Course for additional time. Only exceptional circumstances will be considered. Relevant documentary evidence will be required to approve the extension of enrollment beyond eight years. All students irrespective of special circumstances must complete the qualification within 10 years as per University policy.
Studies of Society
Information technology literacy
Interim Awards | CG83 - Bachelor of Human Services CG82 - Associate Degree of Human Services |
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Exit Awards | Not applicable |
Accreditation |
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Compulsory Residential School | Students are required to attend a minimum of 20 days residential school attendance throughout the course. There are compulsory three and five day residential schools attached to the following units in line with AASW accreditation requirements: 1st year residential program: SOWK11014 Contemporary Human Services (3 days) SOWK 11015 Professional Communication in Human Services (3 days) 2nd year residential program: SOWK 12009 Casework & Case Management (3 days) SOWK 12011 Social Group Work & Family Work (3 days) 3rd year residential program: SOWK 13010 Integrating Theory & Practice 1 (5 days) SOWK 13011 Community Practice ( 3 days) 4th year residential program: SOWK 14005 Advanced Professional Communication Skills (3 days) SOWK 14010 Integrating Theory & Practice 2 (3 days) |
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Click here to view all Residential Schools |
SOWK13009 - |
SOWK14009 - |
Year | Number of Students |
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2024 | 41 |
2023 | 68 |
2022 | 105 |
2021 | 170 |
2020 | 246 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
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Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.
Mandatory health requirements may include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening.
Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.
Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance, NDIS and working with children check.
Other mandatory requirements include a student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods | |||||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence | |||||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas | |||||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding | |||||||||
5. SKILLS Have technical skills to design and use research in a project | |||||||||
6. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences | |||||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||||||
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||||
10. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence | |||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Number of units: 28 | Total credit points: 192 |
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Field placements are compulsory in Years 3 and 4 of the course, available only during specified terms. Field Education 1 (SOWK13009) is offered in Term 1, beginning generally, first week of March and is 13-14 weeks duration (440 hrs). Field Education 2 (SOWK14009) is 16 weeks duration (560 hrs) starting generally in first week of July.
Both placements occur in an agency approved by the University. All field education experiences must be supervised either on site or externally by a qualified social worker with at least two years graduate experience who is eligible for membership with the AASW. Field education may be organised in international, metropolitan, urban, regional, rural and remote areas. You must complete all units in accordance with pre-requisites,and undertake a successful interview with the Professional Education Manager to determine placement readiness. You must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative, screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings. Once enrolled in any social work unit you will have direct access to detailed information about all of these requirements at Social Work Central a Moodle on-line space.
Year 1 Term 1
Add elective unit (6 credit points) from across the University. NB selection of this elective unit may determine which advanced level electives can be undertaken in the final year of the course due to prerequisite requirements.
Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC11010 | Fundamentals of Psychology 1: Understanding Human Behaviour | |
SOCL11055 | Sociology of Australian Society | |
SOWK11014 | Contemporary Human Services |
Year 1 Term 2
Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC11009 | Fundamentals of Psychology 2: Psychological Literacy | |
SOWK11015 | Professional Communication in Human Services | |
SOWK11016 | Human Services and the Law | |
INDG11013 | First Nation and Non-Indigenous History: The Interface |
Year 2 Term 1
Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SOWK12008 | Theories of Change for Professional Practice I | |
SOWK12009 | Casework and Case Management | |
SOWK12012 | Organisational Practice | |
SOWK12015 | Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Professional Practice |
Year 2 Term 2
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SOCL19069 | Social Research Methods | |
SOWK12010 | Theories of Change for Professional Practice II | |
SOWK12011 | Social Group Work and Family Work | |
SOWK12014 | Ethical Professional Practice |
Year 3 Term 1
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SOWK13009 | Fieldwork Education 1 | |
SOWK13010 | Integrating Theory and Practice 1 |
Year 3 Term 2
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SOWK13011 | Community Practice | |
SOWK13012 | Professional Practice and Mental Health | |
SOWK13013 | Professional Practice with Children, Youth and Families | |
SOWK13014 | Contemporary Social Policy |
Year 4 Term 1
Add two advanced level elective units (6 credit points each) offered by CQUniversity.
Year 4 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SOWK14005 | Advanced Direct Practice | |
SOWK14006 | Professional Leadership in Human Services |
Year 4 Term 2
Year 4 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SOWK14009 | Fieldwork Education 2 | |
SOWK14010 | Integrating Theory and Practice 2 |
This course is in teach out mode and not accepting new enrolments
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at CQUniversity offers you highly experienced teaching staff and excellent online resources, designed to guide and support you throughout the course.
Structure and assessment
Your learning is further supported by one on campus residential school per term. This combination of face-to-face learning and regular online activities will equip you with advanced level of skills including critical reflection, self-directed research and learning, problem solving and teamwork
The fourth year of the course has an embedded honours, and will prepare you should you wish to contribute to societal change through a professional career in social work research.
The final term of the four year course gives students an opportunity to combine both field education with research with the co required courses of Field Education and Theory and Practice. You are required to complete a total of 28 units.
Students should note that this is a course work honours degree and the Weighted Grade Point Average is based on the final two years of the course.
Flexibility
Benefit from the flexibility to study full-time or part-time and either on-campus or by distance education for first and second year. Choose from a number of elective units to individually tailor your learning to suit your professional needs.
Students can undertake 1 elective from any level or course within the University and 2 advanced electives from any course of 2nd year and above from any course within the University.
Residential
Students are required to attend a minimum of 20 days residential school attendance throughout the course.
On-campus learning and residential schools are compulsory, non-negotiable components of the course. If you are unable to attend these compulsory on-campus components, a course advisor can assist you with study and career options.
CQU campus residential school locations may vary from year to year and unit to unit and therefore students enrolling in the course should check the handbook and must be able to attend compulsory residential schools in order to meet the accreditation requirements of this entry level degree.
Honours Calculations
Honours classes are based on grades received for most units positioned in the final two years of the curriculum:
SOWK13010, SOWK13011, SOWK13012, SOWK13013, SOWK14004, SOWK14005, SOWK14006, TWO x electives, and SOWK14010.
However, the following units are removed from calculations:
SOWK13009 and SOWK14009 are not included as PNs are not counted
A second attempt at any of those units is not counted
A credit in from another institution for any of those units is not counted
A cross institutional enrolment in lieu of any of the above units is not counted.
Grades of P-HD are given numeric weightings of 1-7 and then divided by/averaged by the number of eligible units to be counted.
Honours Classes are then awarded based on:
First Class Honours in the range 85-100% (GPA ≥ 6.00)
Second Class Honours, Division A in the range 75-84% (GPA 5.50 to 5.99)
Second Class Honours, Division B in the range 65-74% (GPA 5.00 to 5.49)
third Class Honours in the range 50-64% (GPA 4.00 to 4.9)