Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Social Work
Award abbreviation: BSocWk
QTAC code: 011151
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-16 / Rank-67
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: AR362
CRICOS code: 062654D. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Teaching staff include practising social workers
• Opportunities for extensive field education and experience
• Accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers

Social workers are committed to enhancing quality of life, developing the full potential of each individual, group and community in society, and pursuing social justice.

In this program you prepare for social work practice and learn to address the barriers, inequities and injustices that exist in society. It requires active involvement in situations of personal distress and crisis, and involvement in advocacy, counselling, research, policy development, analysis, management, and consultancy. Professional development covers child protection, Indigenous studies, mental health, and culturally diverse communities. Field education allows you to integrate classroom learning with practical experience, to develop social work skills and link knowledge with tools for practice.

Post-admission requirements

You are required to complete two field education placements in third and fourth year at approved agencies. A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for field education.

Career opportunities

Child protection, rehabilitation services, multicultural agencies, Indigenous welfare, refugee support services, women’s organisations, youth work, housing.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 2 core courses, 20 required courses and 4 electives.
• Successfully complete 2 field education placements (SWK301 Social Work Field Education 1 and SWK404 Social Work Field Education 2).
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.

In order to commence field education placement you must:

• Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
• Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
• Travel to attend field education placements.
• Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 COR coded courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

PLUS select 1 core course from:

Required introductory courses: (5)

Required advanced courses: (15)

Elective courses: (4)
Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

TOTAL UNITS 384

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Christine Morley
Tel: +61 7 5459 4723
Email: cmorley@usc.edu.au

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