Become an agent of change.
The current political context presents challenges for social workers but our professionally accredited program is designed to assist students to become critically reflective agents of change in the struggle for a more democratic, equitable and sustainable world. Social work at USC has a critical analysis of social inequalities in ethnicity, social class, gender, sexuality, age, and other forms of social division.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year courses at Gympie or Fraser Coast.
- Only first-year courses are offered at Gympie and Fraser Coast. The remainder of the program must be completed at Sippy Downs.
- ^Semester 2 commencement not available at Gympie
- In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year courses at Gympie or Fraser Coast.
- Only first-year courses are offered at Gympie and Fraser Coast. The remainder of the program must be completed at Sippy Downs.
- ^Semester 2 commencement not available at Gympie
The current political context presents challenges for social workers but our professionally accredited program is designed to assist students to become critically reflective agents of change in the struggle for a more democratic, equitable and sustainable world. Social work at USC has a critical analysis of social inequalities in ethnicity, social class, gender, sexuality, age, and other forms of social division.
The program equips students with innovative knowledge and skills to undertake social action, counselling, community development, policy analysis and development, advocacy and research to work with people individually and collectively for change. Students complete two field education placements (1000 hours in total), enabling integration of classroom learning with practical workplace experience in a huge range of fields including: health and mental health, child protection, disability, sexual assault, working with young people, refugees and Indigenous communities. Employment opportunities are extremely diverse both locally and internationally.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete two field education placements in third and fourth year at approved agencies. Blue Card CCYPCG is required.
Career opportunities
Many community-based and Government roles including: health, mental health, disability, schools, policy development, Centrelink and child protection.
Membership
Australian Association of Social Workers.
Accreditation
This program is accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Program structure
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
COR109 Assessment in Mental Health
SCS101 Advanced Health Assessment
SCS110 Special Project: Evaluating Practice Knowledge
SCS130 Special Project: Translating Knowledge into Practice
SWK172 Research Project A
Developing and Graduate courses (16) 264 units
SCS225 Research Project B
SCS230 Research Project C
SCS235 Research Project F
SCS251 Group Processes and Practice
SCS290 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SWK266 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
SWK277 Therapeutic Communication Skills
SWK278 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SWK285 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SWK301 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services(48 units)
SWK302 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SWK303 Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
SWK401 Community Development and Social Action
SWK402 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings
SWK404 Working With Children, Youth and Families(48 units)
SWK407 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Recommended electives include:
COU101 Theories of Counselling: From Freud to Integrative Practice
COU176 Group Processes and Practice
COU180 Therapeutic Communication Skills
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
ENP236
SCS201 International Development and Global Justice
SCS210
SCS216
SCS295
SWK286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Successfully complete 2 field education placements (SWK301 Social Work Field Education 1 and SWK404 Social Work Field Education 2) in the third and fourth years of the program
In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid 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
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)