Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work is a professionally recognised course that prepares you to pursue a career as a social worker, working with people to achieve changes to enhance their wellbeing. You will work collaboratively with individuals, families, groups and communities to meet their identified goals across various fields of practice.
As a social worker you will provide support, counselling, case management, and/or community development, advocating for social change to create a more socially just society. Using principles of social justice, human rights and respect for diversity you will be promoting social change and empowerment.
With the Bachelor Social Work, you will gain the knowledge and practical skills required to work with individuals, families, groups and communities in a safe and inclusive way with those in crisis, or impacted by poverty and social disadvantage.
Key areas of your coursework include multi-disciplinary practice, cross-cultural practice, working in virtual contexts and based on the entry/application requirements of human service organisations.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work qualify for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $25,832.00. This equates to $3,229.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study social work at CDU?
Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #4 Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
- Flexibility and support to study full-time or part-time, on campus or online
Why study social work at CDU?
Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
Why study social work at CDU?
Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #4 Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
- Flexibility and support to study full-time or part-time, on campus or online
Why study social work at CDU?
Study Social Work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
What will I study?
The course is a 4 year full-time program comprised of core, common and elective units including introductory units in social work, psychology and sociology, direct practice with individuals and groups, community work and community development, theories of social work practice, legal issues, social policy and remote and regional practice. The core units include practical skill development combined with theoretical knowledge. Students will undertake two 500 hour practicums, across two years of their degree, where they will have direct practice experience with service users and social policy/research roles.
Course structure
The BSW is offered both internally and online. As part of the requirements for completion of the degree students are mandated to attend 20 days of face to face classes, which meets the professional accreditation standards of the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers).
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Common Units (2 units) | 20cp | Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability (compulsory) Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. |
| Core Units (25 units) | 290cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 290 credit points as per the list of units detailed below. PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced PSY140 2022) |
| Specialist Electives (0 units) | 0cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 0 credit points There are no specialist elective units for this course |
| Electives (1 unit) | 10cp | Elective units totalling 10 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University
|
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
PSY140 has been replaced by PSY150. Students that completed PSY140 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY150.
PSY202 has been replaced by PSY203. Students that completed PSY202 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY203.
Study plan
All students are required to attend compulsory intensive workshops.
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
♦ ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
♦ maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
♦ check the assumed knowledge and pre-requisites for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. SWK201.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced PSY140) | CO | IAS222 Global Sociology (replaces SOC145 from 2020) | CO |
| IAS123 Sociological Perspectives (replaces SOC140 from 2020) | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | SWK103 Social Work Skills A (contains 5-day intensive) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary Perspectives (replaces ATI200 from 2020) | CO | PSY203 Developmental Psychology (replaced PSY202) | CO |
| SWK201 Human Service Organisations | CO | SWK202 Dynamics of Group Work | CO |
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | SWK203 Social Work Skills B (contains 5-day intensive) | CO |
| SWK311 Social Policy | CO | SWK302 Social Work Theory and Practice (contains 5-day intensive) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | SWK314 Ethics, Rights and Social Justice | CO |
| SWK313 Engaging with Individuals and Families in Partnership | CO | SWK330 Field Education A (30cp) | CO |
| SWK315 Social Work Practice in Mental Health | CO | ||
| SWK323 Legal Issues and Social Work (previously SWK403) | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| SWK402 Integrated Methods in Social Work (contains 5-day intensive) | CO | SWK316 Building Safe Communities (previously SWK401) | CO |
| SWK430 Field Education B (30cp) | CO | SWK317 Dynamics of Loss and Grief (previously SWK404) | CO |
| SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice (previously SWK405) | CO | ||
| Elective 1 | E | ||
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
♦ ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
♦ maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
♦ check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. SWK201.
Elective units may be selected from any undergraduate higher education units on offer (in any discipline).
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | ||
| IAS222 Global Sociology (replaces SOC145 from 2020) | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| SWK103 Social Work Skills A (contains 5-day intensive) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | PSY203 Developmental Psychology (replaced PSY202) | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced PSY140) | CO | SWK202 Dynamics of Group Work | CO |
| IAS123 Sociological Perspectives (replaces SOC140 from 2020) | CO | SWK203 Social Work Skills B (contains 5-day intensive) | CO |
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | SWK302 Social Work Theory and Practice (contains 5-day intensive) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary Perspectives (replaces ATI200 from 2020) | CO | SWK314 Ethics, Rights and Social Justice | CO |
| SWK201 Human Service Organisations | CO | SWK330 Field Education A (30cp) | CO |
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | ||
| SWK311 Social Policy | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | SWK316 Building Safe Communities (previously SWK401) | CO |
| SWK313 Engaging with Individuals and Families in Partnership | CO | SWK317 Dynamics of Loss and Grief (previously SWK404) | CO |
| SWK315 Mental Health Social Work | CO | SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice (previously SWK405) | CO |
| SWK323 Legal Issues in Social Work (previously SWK403) | CO | Elective 1 | E |
| Year 5 | |||
| SWK402 Integrated Methods in Social Work (contains 5-day intensive) | CO | ||
| SWK430 Field Education B (30cp) | CO | ||
Students Commencing in Summer Semester
The Summer Semester Study Plan will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
~Air Force: Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
~Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
~Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either:
- undertaking previous Overseas Secondary Schooling education from standard list of English speaking countries; or
- by undertaking minimum 2 years of qualification at AQF level 4 or above from the extended list of English-speaking countries; or
- by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.5. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176 with no skill below 176. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score less than 58 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 22. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2022
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 50.90 | 60.45 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 71.53 | 86.90 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 79.10 | 77.85 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU Student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU Student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2022.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2022) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 21 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 25 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 5 | .0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | 5 | .0 |
| All students | 56 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about social work at CDU
Sam is from China studying a Bachelor of Social Work at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about social work at CDU
Sam is from China studying a Bachelor of Social Work at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC or UAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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