CL71 - Bachelor of Social Work

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work aims to produce social work graduates who are eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). In your pursuit of social justice, you will acquire values, knowledge and skills relevant to diverse social environments where you will be able to advocate for and support people impacted by social and structural inequalities. You will utilise approaches such as case management, social group work and family work, social policy, being research-minded and community practice to create change. These methods of change will focus on work with individuals, groups and families and communities. With knowledge of these skills and methods, social workers can occupy many diverse roles aimed at enhancing the well-being of people and communities in society.

Career Information

A social work qualification provides a wide range of employment opportunities across diverse fields of practice. Many of these will involve social workers assisting client groups to achieve social inclusion, supporting people to achieve a better quality of life and facilitate individual and community well-being. Graduates have the opportunity to practice in a large number of human services across every state and territory as well as in many overseas countries. The most prominent sectors in which social workers are found are in health, government administration, child protection, youth justice, prisons, disability, aged care, mental health, and working with people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. Social workers are employed at federal, state and local levels of government. Non-government agencies in the community sector are also large employers of social work graduates where the work can include counselling, case-management, early intervention strategies with families at risk, advocacy, mediation and community development. Agencies include Relationships Australia, Anglicare, Baptist Care, Red Cross, Women's Health and many others. A growing trend for social workers with several years experience is moving into private practice focusing on the mental health issues experienced by their clients.

Course Details
Duration 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time
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
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $16,992
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $23,202
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,788
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $22,281
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,520
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $34,350
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,006
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $11,320

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 2 - 2026

Online

Term 1 - 2026

Online

Term 2 - 2025

Online

Term 1 - 2025

Online

Term 2 - 2024

Online

Term 1 - 2024

Online

Term 2 - 2023

Online

Term 1 - 2023

Online

Term 2 - 2022

Online

Term 1 - 2022

Online

Term 1 - 2021

Online

Term 1 - 2020

Online
Show All

International Availability

Term 2 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 62 | ATAR 62
Entry Requirements

English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent

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 within the last 5 years of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), 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:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each subset; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBt - 94 or better overall and no score less than 24 for listening and reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking; or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic  (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 65 with no sub-score less than 65.

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.

If you are an International Student, please visit International students english requirements for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge

Studies of Society / Humanities 

Community work

Information Technology literacy

Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards CG83 - Bachelor of Human Services CG82 - Associate Degree of Human Services
Exit Awards CG83 - Bachelor of Human Services CG82 - Associate Degree of Human Services
Accreditation
  • Core

    This course will be accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers. CQU received full accreditation of the BSW(Hons) in 2018.

    In discussion with the Education Manager of the Australian Association of Social Workers there will be no need for a further accreditation process of this course until 2023 as the development of this course is a recommendation of the AASW Accreditation Panel in their 2018 report. 

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School Students are required to attend a minimum of 20 days (4 x 5 days of residential school) throughout the course. Residential schools are connected to specific social work units in the course. These can change from time to time. These are currently scheduled as follows: Year 1 Residential Program SOWK11015 Professional Communication in Human Services (Term 2) Year 2 Residential Program SOWK12009 Casework & Case Management (Term 1) Year 3 Residential Program SOWK13010 Integrating Theory & Practice 1 (Term 1) Year 4 Residential Program SOWK14010 Integrating Theory and Practice 2 (Term 2) Residential dates and requirements are available in the CQUni Handbook.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

SOWK14009 - Field Education 2 (SOWK 14009) is the final integrated learning placement. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Field Education Coordinators and with the supervision by a qualified social worker. Field education may be organised in international, metropolitan, urban, regional, rural and remote areas. Students must complete all units in accordance with pre-requisites, and undertake a successful interview with the Field Education Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings.
SOWK13009 - This is the first work integrated learning placement. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Field Education Coordinators and with the supervision by a qualified social worker. Field education may be organised in international, metropolitan, urban, regional, rural and remote areas. Students must complete all units in accordance with pre-requisites, and undertake a successful interview with the Field Education Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 241
2023 241
2022 219
2021 181
2020 93
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

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.

General Information

The Bachelor of Social Work (CL71) at CQU incorporates key principles outlined in the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), ASWEAS (2021), and the Profession Specific Graduate Attributes. Students pursuing this degree must meet the inherent requirements necessary to ensure they can effectively contribute to the social work profession.

Students with disabilities or other special circumstances may be provided with reasonable adjustments to enable them to meet the inherent academic requirements of the Bachelor of Social Work, provided the adjustment is:

  1. Logistically reasonable: The adjustment should not impose an unjustifiable hardship on the educational institution, nor compromise the academic integrity of the course.
  2. Likely to result in the student being able to perform the skills adequately and in a timely manner: The adjustment should enable the student to achieve the required level of competence while preserving the learning outcomes and professional standards of the course.

It is essential to maintain the professional standards and requirements set by the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and ASWEAS (2021) while providing adjustments to students. This ensures that students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their social work career and contribute effectively to the welfare of individuals and communities.

CQU is committed to providing support and assistance to students with disabilities or special circumstances, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to achieve success in their academic pursuits while preserving the integrity and standards of the Bachelor of Social Work course.

Inherent Requirements:

  1. Ethical Behaviour: Students must demonstrate knowledge of, and engage in ethical behaviour in practice, adhering to the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and ASWEAS (2021).
  2. Communication: Students must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse populations, understand and respond to verbal and non-verbal cues, and accurately record and comprehend information.
  3. Reflective Skills: Students must be able to accurately reflect on their professional performance, accept feedback, and manage personal issues that may impact their progress in the course.
  4. Observation and Sensory Skills: Students must be able to observe and monitor their environment, interpret client appearance, posture, movement, and speech, and conduct group work.
  5. Physical Capacity: Students must be able to attend field education placements in various settings and geographical locations (within reasonable proximity to their place of residence), and meet ongoing immunisation requirements.
  6. Intellectual Abilities: Students must be able to gather, comprehend, and organise information, integrate theory and knowledge, develop and assess options, engage in rational and ethical reasoning, and complete tasks in a safe and reasonable timeframe.
  7. Behavioural Stability: Students must be able to behave in a consistent and stable manner, work effectively in uncertain environments, accept responsibilities, respond to constructive feedback, participate in group discussions, manage their physical and mental health, respect personal and professional boundaries, and manage interpersonal conflict.

By meeting these inherent requirements, students can effectively engage in the Bachelor of Social Work course at CQU and contribute to the social work profession upon graduation.

Ethical Behaviour
Examples are:

  • Demonstrating knowledge of, and engaging in ethical behaviour in practice, adhering to the AASW Codes of Ethics.
  • Demonstrating appropriate behaviour with confidential information in classroom and field placement settings.
  • Reflecting on ethical dilemmas and issues, and taking responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
  • Appropriately acknowledging sources in the preparation of written assignments.

Why is ethical behaviour an inherent requirement?

Compliance with the relevant social work codes, guidelines, and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage, supporting their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Knowledge of and compliance with the AASW Code of Ethics are requirements of course accreditation and graduate standards as mandated in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the ethical behaviour requirement must ensure the codes and standards are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour.

Behavioural Stability
Examples are:

  • Managing emotions and behaviour effectively, even under stress.
  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive and critical feedback.
  • Demonstrating the capacity to develop and maintain professional relationships with diverse clients, colleagues, and supervisors.

Why is behavioural stability an inherent requirement?

Behavioural stability is necessary for working individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Social work students will be exposed to highly complex and potentially distressing situations in field placement settings, and will be required to have the behavioural stability to manage these settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the behavioural stability requirement must support stable, effective, and professional behaviour in both academic and field placement settings. These inherent requirements serve as a guide for prospective and current students in the Bachelor of Social Work course. The university is committed to making reasonable adjustments to support students with disabilities or other special circumstances, as long as the adjustments are logistically reasonable and likely to result in the student being able to perform the skills adequately and in a timely manner.

Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Understanding and adhering to relevant legislation, regulations, and professional standards required in social work practice.
  • Complying with university and field placement organisation mandatory checks and screening requirements eg. working with children checks, Federal and State police history checks.
  • Respecting and upholding clients' rights in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and regulations.
  • Recognising and reporting incidents or situations that may require mandatory reporting, such as child abuse, elder abuse, or harm to self or others.
  • Maintaining accurate and complete documentation, as required by legislation, policy and professional guidelines.

Why is legal compliance an inherent requirement?

Legal compliance is an essential aspect of social work practice, as it ensures that students and practitioners act within the bounds of the law and adhere to the professional standards that govern the profession and the organisations they work within. Failure to comply with legal requirements may result in harm to clients, liability for the practitioner or the organisation, and potential disciplinary action.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the legal compliance requirement must not compromise the student's ability to understand and comply with the relevant legislation and professional standards required in social work practice.

Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Comprehending spoken English delivered at conversational speed (including in noisy environments).
  • Understanding and responding to verbal communications accurately, appropriately, and in a timely manner.
  • Communicating clearly, audibly, and intelligibly in Standard Australian English.
  • Reading and comprehending information presented in various formats.
  • Recording information accurately and making coherent notes.
  • Reading body language and responding appropriately (in context).
  • Communicating respectfully with people of different abilities, genders, sexualities, ages, and backgrounds.

Why are communication skills an inherent requirement?

Effective communication is essential for social workers to establish rapport, gather information, make assessments, provide support, and collaborate with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Social work students need to demonstrate effective communication skills in various contexts, including academic and field placement settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the communication skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to communicate effectively in academic and field placement settings, particularly when related to client and student safety needs.

Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Gathering, comprehending, and organising information relevant to social work practice.
  • Integrating theory and knowledge from various sources to inform decision-making.
  • Developing options, assessing their merits, and making evidence-based decisions.
  • Accurately recalling information without reference and applying it in practice.
  • Engaging in rational and ethical reasoning, and understanding different perspectives.

Why are cognitive skills an inherent requirement?

Cognitive skills are essential for social work students to process and synthesise complex information, make informed decisions, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. These skills enable students to think critically, analyse situations, and develop appropriate interventions for diverse client populations. The ability to engage in ethical reasoning and consider multiple perspectives is fundamental to effective social work practice.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the cognitive skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of cognitive ability in both academic and field placement settings.

Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Observing and interpreting client appearance, posture, movement, and speech.
  • Monitoring the broader environment, including observing multiple people and events simultaneously.
  • Comprehending spoken English delivered at conversational speed, even in noisy environments.
  • Reading and comprehending information presented in a variety of standard formats.

Why are sensory abilities an inherent requirement?

Sensory abilities are vital for social work students to accurately observe, assess, and respond to the needs of clients and situations they encounter in classroom and field placement settings. Visual, auditory, and tactile abilities enable students to effectively gather information, ensure safety and well-being of clients and communities, make informed decisions, and engage in appropriate interventions in diverse practice settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the sensory abilities requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of sensory ability in both academic and field placement settings.

Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Establishing and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
  • Responding empathetically and effectively to clients facing difficulties or expressing diverse values and perspectives.
  • Demonstrating respect and openness towards people of different abilities, gender, sexuality, age, and from diverse cultural, religious, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
  • Working effectively in teams and managing interpersonal conflicts.

Why are relational skills an inherent requirement?

Relational skills are essential for social work students to effectively engage with clients, colleagues, and supervisors in both classroom and field placement settings. These skills enable students to build trust, foster positive working relationships, and collaborate effectively in diverse practice environments.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the relational skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of relational skills in both academic and field placement settings.

Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Accurately reflecting on professional performance.
  • Accepting feedback on professional practice and responding constructively.
  • Identifying when a practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise or when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions.
  • Identifying and managing the impact of personal issues, including health conditions, to facilitate progress through the course.

Why are reflective skills inherent requirements?

Reflective skills are essential for social work practice, as they enable students to learn from their experiences and enhance their professional development. Social work students need to develop self-awareness and the ability to effectively manage their reactions to situations that may arise during academic and field placement settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the reflective skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of capacity in this area.

Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Maintaining focus and concentration during lengthy tasks, meetings, or training sessions.
  • Effectively managing time and workload to meet deadlines and complete tasks within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Adapting to varying workloads and adjusting priorities in response to changing demands.
  • Demonstrating resilience and managing stress in high-pressure situations, such as during challenging field placements or when dealing with emotionally intense client situations.

Why is sustainable performance an inherent requirement?

Sustained performance is crucial for social work students to consistently meet academic and professional demands in both classroom and field placement settings. It enables students to manage their workload effectively, remain focused and engaged during lengthy tasks, and demonstrate resilience under pressure.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the sustained performance requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of sustained performance in both academic and field placement settings.

Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)
Examples are:

  • Engaging in physical activities during field placements, such as home visits or community outreach.
  • Performing basic physical tasks required in some social work settings, such as getting in and out of vehicles when conducting home visits or transporting children when placed in child and family practice settings, or assisting clients with mobility needs.
  • Adapting to various work environments, which may require standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods.
  • Manoeuvring within different environments, such as navigating stairs or uneven terrain.

Why is strength and mobility an inherent requirement?

Strength and mobility are essential for social work students to perform various physical tasks and adapt to different work environments they may encounter during field placements. These abilities enable students to effectively engage with clients, ensure the safety needs of themselves, colleagues and clients and participate in community-based interventions, ensuring they can provide appropriate services in diverse settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the strength and mobility requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of strength and mobility in both academic and field placement settings.

Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Establishing and maintaining rapport with clients, colleagues, and supervisors in a professional manner.
  • Demonstrating empathy, active listening, and understanding when interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Communicating effectively and respectfully with people of different abilities, gender, sexuality, age, cultural, religious, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
  • Collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contributing to group discussions.

Why is interpersonal engagement an inherent requirement?

Interpersonal engagement is a fundamental aspect of social work practice, as it allows students to build meaningful and supportive relationships with clients, colleagues, and supervisors. The ability to engage effectively with others is essential for students to provide appropriate services, work collaboratively within teams, and facilitate positive change in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the interpersonal engagement requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of interpersonal engagement in both academic and field placement settings.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Utilising software programs and online platforms for word processing, record keeping, presentations, and data management.
  • Accessing, navigating, and utilising online resources for research, communication, and collaboration.
  • Employing electronic communication tools, such as email and video conferencing, in a professional and timely manner.
  • Adhering to privacy and security protocols when using ICT tools and managing digital data.

Why are ICT abilities an inherent requirement?

ICT abilities are essential in contemporary social work practice, as they enable students to effectively access, manage, and communicate information in various formats. Students must demonstrate the ability to use ICT tools to complete assignments, engage in online learning, and collaborate with peers, academic staff, and field placement supervisors. Moreover, social work professionals must stay current with evolving technologies and be able to integrate new tools and systems into their practice.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the ICT abilities requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of ICT competence in both academic and field placement settings.

Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements

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. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Advice

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.    

Security Requirements

Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance, NDIS and working with children check.

Other Compulsory Requirements

Other mandatory requirements include a student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Describe the cultural origins, assumptions and theoretical underpinnings of the profession that have led to contemporary social work practice
  • 2. Demonstrate social work knowledge, skills and values required for professional practice
  • 3. Explain how social work knowledge, values and skills enhance professional interventions with people vulnerable to social exclusion and inequalities
  • 4. Apply professional values to the inter-disciplinary practice of social work
  • 5. Appraise the ethical issues associated with implementing change in social work practice
  • 6. Apply strategies for change in the pursuit of self-determination and social justice
  • 7. Communicate ethically, professionally and sensitively in diverse contexts
  • 8. Apply social work knowledge to practice across a diverse range of social environments.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
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
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 28 Total credit points: 192

This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. 

Residential Schools

The Bachelor of Social Work is an accredited program and must adhere to the education and accreditation standards as outlined in the ASWEAS (2020). As a flexible delivery program, students must attend mandatory residential schools to complete the minimum 20 days of face to face teaching required for completion. These residential schools are connected to several core units in the program. Students must be able to participate in residential schools allocated to the various units when planning their study. Residential school locations vary dependent on staffing and university needs. Further information about residential schools are provided in the CQUni handbook.

Field Education

Field Education placements are compulsory in Year 3 and 4 of the course and are available in fixed terms. Students are unable to participate in field education units without satisfactorily meeting the pre-requisites and all associated screening and inherent requirements.

Field Education 1 (SOWK 13009), a third year unit is only offered in Term 1 of third year by application. SOWK13009 commences according to term dates and all aspects of the placement must be compliant with the ASWEAS (2020) requirements of hours and duration. The social work program academic staff and field education unit determine the suitability and readiness for field education in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and the ASWEAS (2020).

SOWK13009 Field Education 1 must be undertaken with the co-requisite SOWK13010 Integrating Theory and Practice 1.

SOWK14009 Field Education 2 a fourth year unit is only offered in Term 2 and commences according to term dates and must be compliant with the ASWEAS (2020) requirements of hours and duration.

SOWK14009 Field Education 2 must be undertaken with the co-requisite SOWK14010 Integrating Theory and Practice 2.

If eligible, a student may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) for SOWK13009. This process requires completion of a portfolio of work submitted in the first instance to the Field Education Unit to demonstrate adherence to the ASWEAS (2020) requirements. Applications for RPL for SOWK13009 are only accepted when the student is eligible to apply for enrolment to SOWK13009. Should a student be successful in an RPL for this unit, they are required to undertake SOWK13010 the same term placement was scheduled. RPL for SOWK14009 not available.

Both placements occur in an agency approved by the social work program and University. All field education placements 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. You must meet all inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative, screening and legal obligations to undertake field education. Field education units are an academic unit of study and are assessed according to university and course policies including the Field Education Handbook (located in Moodle).

Once enrolled in any social work unit you will have direct access to detailed information about all of these requirements at Social Work Central and the Field Education Hub, located in Moodle.


Year 1 Term 1

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
SOWK11014 Contemporary Human Services
SOCL11055 Sociology of Australian Society
SOWK11017 Scope of Social Work Practice in Australia
PSYC11010 Fundamentals of Psychology 1: Understanding Human Behaviour

Year 1 Term 2

Students are required to undertake a maximum of 1 Level 1 elective unit (6 credit points) from across the University. The below units are recommended:

  • CRIM11001 Foundations of Criminology and Criminal Justice 
  • PSYC11009 Fundamentals of Psychology 2: Psychological Literacy 
  • SOCL11059 Introducing Social Change 
  • SOCL11060 Being Bad 
  • HRMT11010 Organisational Behaviour 
  • SCIE11018 Introduction to Forensic Science 

Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
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
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
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
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
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

Students are required to undertake 1 Advanced elective unit (6 credit points) from across the University. The below units are recommended:

 

  • SOWK13015 Violence Against Women: Key Themes
  • SOCL19065 Rural Communities and Health
  • INDG19015 Aboriginal Cultures and Country
  • HLTH12030 Drugs in Society

Year 4 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
SOWK14005 Advanced Direct Practice
SOWK14006 Professional Leadership in Human Services
SOWK14004 Reconciliation in the Workplace and Community

Year 4 Term 2

Year 4 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
SOWK14009 Fieldwork Education 2
SOWK14010 Integrating Theory and Practice 2
More Details

This course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which requires all students to attend 20 days minimum face-to-face residential schools. Locations of these schools vary from year to year; however, they are generally based at Brisbane and Rockhampton campuses. Please check with timetabling for dates and locations. Geraldton University Centre students may attend the residential schools at GUC for year 1 and year 2; however, they must attend the Brisbane-based residential school in years 3 and 4. All students must complete a maximum of 1000 hours of field education over two years of the course. Once students satisfy entry requirements, recognised prior learning (RPL) may be available for the first field education placement.