Course description
About the course
CSU is one of the leading providers of social work education in Australia and has some unique features.
If you enjoy working with people singly or in groups, problem solving and working with social issues and how they affect communities, then social work could be the career for you.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for this course through the Rural Allied Health Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme.
Where it will take you
Social workers work at the interface between people and their environments, so they are found in a wide range of settings from hospitals to local councils, and social welfare agencies to setting up their own businesses.
Graduates work professionally as social workers in government and non-government departments, with individuals, groups and communities, in emergency situations and long-term care.
You can work in areas such as:
* individual and group social counselling
* case management
* social administration and policy formation
* social action and program planning
* family work and rehabilitation
* health, community services and corrections
A growing number of social work graduates offer clinical services, education and consultation on a fee-for-service basis.
Professionals teaching you
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience.
Your course is recognised by industry
The Bachelor of Social Work is a nationally accredited and registered award in tertiary education. It has full accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Practical experience
Field education is a core element and a major part of the student’s development of a professional identity. It provides an opportunity for students to observe, question and model social work behaviour. Each practicum is integrated with a subject covering social work theory and practice.
In order to meet the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), students must complete 980 hours of supervised field education. This is undertaken in two practicums (each 490 hours) in approved agencies. Every attempt is made to accommodate students in placements close to their place of residence and to tailor the practicum to suit the schedules of individual students, but such placements cannot be guaranteed.
Graduation requirements
To graduate with Bachelor of Social Work students must complete 26 subjects and 256 points, inclusive of credits, AND successfully complete a minimum of 980 hours professional field education placements (in a minimum two distinct placements) under the supervision of a graduate social worker eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Students enrolled in Co-enrolment programs with Western Institute of TAFE (Dubbo) or TAFE NSW Riverina Institute (Deniliquin) must have also completed the requirements of the Diploma of Community Services and submitted certified copies of their transcript of results and course completion from their TAFE to be eligible to graduate.
Transfer into the Honours program
Students may apply to enter the Honours program through Wagga Wagga Campus on completion of the first year (full-time equivalent) of the Bachelor of Social Work and must have demonstrated both academic and practice competence.
Students should have completed 56 subject points towards the degree at a Credit average, or grade point average (GPA) of 5 or better. These subjects must include HCS204 Research Methods, HCS206 Social Work Theory and Practice 1, HCS207 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 and HCS303 Professional Field Education 1.
Criminal record checks
Applicants should be aware that, in many states, there is a requirement for criminal record checks before practicums can be undertaken in some agencies – including health and child-related practicums.
Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Social Work and the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Social Work can only be achieved if enrollees are eligible to undertake practicums in suitable agencies.
Upgrade program for overseas qualified students
Social workers with overseas qualifications may be eligible to complete course requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work in less than the normal time. Overseas qualifications are assessed by the University and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and a program of studies is individually prescribed for each student. On successful completion of the program the student is eligible for the award of Bachelor of Social Work.
Applicants may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language which is evidenced by an overall score of six on each of the four bands of the International English Language Test (IELT).
Australian residents with overseas social work qualifications should have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Association of Social Workers in the first instance.
Credit for prior study will be individually determined. No credit will be given for certificate level or bridging programs.
A completed TAFE Diploma of Community Services (Welfare) course will attract a credit for eight subjects (as per AASW guidelines). These subjects are: HCS103 , HCS111, PSY111, SOC102, SPE101 and three electives.
