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CDU student Yulia
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Social Work

Key details

Duration

4 year/s full-time
8 year/s part-time
4 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

320

Course code

WSCWK2
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work is a professionally recognised degree that prepares you to pursue a career as a social worker, working with people to enhance their wellbeing. As a social worker you will use principles of social justice, human rights and cultural safety to promote social change and empowerment by providing a range of skills in counselling, case management and community development.

The course incorporates knowledge from social work, psychology, social policy, research and First Nations Peoples perspectives. With the Bachelor of 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.

The course includes 20 days of face-to-face classes delivered in five-day intensive blocks, prior to placements. This requirement for completion of the degree meets the professional accreditation standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Note: any travel and accommodation related expenses required to attend the intensives and placements are at the students expense.



Career opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates from this course include child protection, counselling, youth work, community development, policy, hospital and primary health, mental health, women-s and men-s

services, housing, faith-based services, addiction services, private practice, schools, aged care, corrections and on Country.

Practical experience

This course includes 1000 hours of supervised field placements.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work are eligible for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways

Pathways for VET to Higher Education
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, subject to meeting criteria. 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

Non-Commonwealth supported places

Full fee paying places are available in this course.

Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $27,640.00. This equates to $ $3,455.00 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.

CDU College of Health & Human Sciences student

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
Social Work CDU Event

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)
CDU College of Health & Human Sciences student

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
Social Work CDU Event

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 requires 4 years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) and is offered both internally and online with requirement to come on campus at least once per year. Direct practice includes working with individual, groups, communities, in remote and regional settings within a range of contexts including government, not for profit, private and on country. The course consist of 26 Core unit and two general elective units.

Course structure




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 typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units
(26 units)
300cpCompulsory Core units totalling 300 credit points as per the list of units detailed below.

HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A
SWK101 Introduction to Human Services
SWK102 Communication Skills
SWK103 Social Work Skills A (includes compulsory 5-day intensive)
SWK104 Professional Foundations of Social Work
IAS222 Global Sociology
IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary Perspectives
PSY203 Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan
SWK201 Human Service Organisations
SWK202 Dynamics of Group Work
SWK203 Social Work Skills B (includes compulsory 5-day intensive)
SWK230 Field Education A (30 credit points)
SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities
SWK302 Social Work Theory and Practice (includes compulsory 5-day intensive)
SWK311 Social Policy
SWK312 Social Research Methods
SWK313 Engaging with Individuals and Families in Partnership
SWK314 Ethics Rights and Social Justice
SWK315 Social Work Practice in Mental Health
SWK316 Building Safe Communities (previously SWK401)
SWK317 Dynamics of Loss and Grief (previously SWK404)
SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice (previously SWK405)
SWK323 Legal Issues in Social Work (previously SWK403)
SWK402 Integrated Methods in Social Work (includes compulsory 5-day intensive)
SWK470 Field Education B (30 credit points)
Electives 
(2 unit)
20cpElective units totalling 20 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University

 
 320cpTotal 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.

 

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 UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous HealthCOIAS222 Global SociologyCO
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology ACOSWK102 Communication SkillsCO
SWK101 Introduction to Human ServicesCOSWK103 Social Work Skills A (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)CO
SWK104 Professional Foundations of Social WorkCOSWK201 Human Service OrganisationsCO
Year 2
IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary PerspectivesCOPSY203 Developmental PsychologyCO
SWK202 Dynamics of Group WorkCOSWK302 Social Work Theory and Practice (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)CO
SWK203 Social Work Skills B (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)COSWK311 Social PolicyCO
SWK301 Working with and Developing CommunitiesCOGeneral Elective 1E
Year 3
SWK312 Social Research MethodsCOSWK313 Engaging with Individuals and Families in Partnership CO
SWK230 Field Education A (30cp)COSWK314 Ethics, Rights and Social JusticeCO
  SWK315 Social Work Practice in Mental HealthCO
  SWK323 Legal Issues and Social WorkCO
Year 4
SWK316 Building Safe CommunitiesCOSWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote PracticeCO
SWK317 Dynamics of Loss and GriefCOSWK470 Field Education B (30cp)CO
SWK402 Integrated Methods in Social Work (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)CO CO
 General Elective 2E 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 UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  IAS222 Global SociologyCO
  SWK101 Introduction to Human ServicesCO
  SWK102 Communication SkillsCO
  SWK201 Human Service OrganisationsCO
Year 2
HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health SWK103 Social Work Skills A (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)CO
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology ACOPSY203 Developmental PsychologyCO
SWK104 Professional Foundations of Social WorkCOSWK311 Social Policy CO
SWK202 Dynamics of Group Work COGeneral Elective 1E
Year 3
IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary PerspectivesCOSWK302 Social Work Theory and Practice (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)CO
SWK203 Social Work Skills B (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)COSWK313 Engaging with Individuals and Families in PartnershipCO
SWK301 Working with and Developing CommunitiesCOSWK315 Mental Health Social WorkCO
General Elective 2ESWK323 Legal Issues in Social WorkCO
Year 4
SWK312 Social Research MethodsCOSWK314 Ethics, Rights and Social JusticeCO
SWK230 Field Education A (30cp)COSWK317 Dynamics of Loss and GriefCO
  SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote PracticeCO
  SWK402 Integrated Methods in Social Work (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)E
Year 5
SWK316 Building Safe CommunitiesCO  
SWK470 Field Education B (30cp)CO  

 

Students commencing in Summer Semester

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    PSY150 Introduction to Psychology ACO
    SWK101 Introduction to Human ServicesCO
    SWK102 Communication SkillsCO
    SWK201 Human Service OrganisationsCO
Year 2
HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous HealthCOIAS222 Global SociologyCO  
SWK104 Professional Foundations of Social WorkCOPSY203 Developmental PsychologyCO  
SWK202 Dynamics of Group Work COSWK103 Social Work Skills A (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)CO  
General Elective 1ESWK311 Social Policy CO  
Year 3
IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary PerspectivesCOSWK302 Social Work Theory and Practice (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)CO  
SWK203 Social Work Skills B (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)COSWK313 Engaging with Individuals and Families in PartnershipCO  
SWK301 Working with and Developing CommunitiesCOSWK315 Mental Health Social WorkCO  
General Elective 2ESWK323 Legal Issues in Social WorkCO  
Year 4
SWK312 Social Research MethodsCOSWK314 Ethics, Rights and Social JusticeCO  
SWK230 Field Education A (30cp)COSWK317 Dynamics of Loss and GriefCO  
  SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote PracticeCO  
  SWK402 Integrated Methods in Social Work (contains 5-day compulsory intensive)E  
Year 5
SWK316 Building Safe CommunitiesCO    
SWK470 Field Education B (30cp)CO    
      
      

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:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

International entry pathway

Applicants who have completed CDU Foundation Studies Program; andachieved a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A; and achieved a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B; are eligible for entry.

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. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.5 with no score below a 6.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176 with no skill below 176.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyTest not accepted for this course.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA 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


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU Student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU Student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU student

Chigozie on campus

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


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Social Work
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Community Services and Social Work, Health, Allied Health Sciences

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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, NSW or TAS.

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.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
113261
Online (CSP)
113261
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
114022B

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