Social work requires a dedication to pursuing social justice, human rights and equality. Social workers seek to promote change in communities and at policy levels.
As a challenging and essential profession, there is an increasing demand for social workers in Australia.
If you are passionate about social justice and social change, here are 15 top universities in Australia to explore for a degree in social work:
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
UNSW’s Social Work degree emphasises practical skills, with guidance from social workers and industry professionals. You’ll gain expertise in a variety of areas, including mental health, social work counselling, community work, sociology, psychology and working with Indigenous communities.
Griffith University
Griffith’social work degrees have been designed to develop high-quality practitioners with competence in all core areas. You’ll develop critical thinking skills grounded in the values and ethics of the profession—promoting social justice, diversity, equity, and a commitment to the rights and needs of the people with whom you work.
Edith Cowan University
The social work programs at Edith Cowan focus on working alongside regional, rural and remote communities, and integrating sustainability into social work practice. With the professional skills you’ll develop, your career can take you in many directions. This might include working in mental health, community development, child protection or social research.
University of Newcastle
The Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Newcastle is an experience-based degree program that will prepare you for a professional career as a social worker. You will learn about supporting and resolving personal and social relationship issues between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities.
James Cook University
A focus on professional practice experience encourages JCU students to develop a deep understanding of social justice and sustainable societies. A Bachelor of Social Work from JCU provides you with the practical skills and experience to begin a rewarding career.
Deakin University
Deakin’s work-integrated learning allows you to put your skills into practice while still under the supervision of qualified social work practitioners. These field education placements are conducted in a variety of communities and workplaces in metropolitan and regional settings, giving you the chance to work through a wide range of scenarios.
Curtin University
This course gives you the skills you need to work in these areas. You will study in-depth human behaviour and complex social processes; and draw on knowledge from a range of disciplines including sociology, psychology, politics, philosophy, health and economics, to learn how people engage with one another, their communities and society.
Charles Darwin University
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.
Western Sydney University
Through a mix of world-class research and theory, Western’s Bachelors program gives you the valuable skills and knowledge you need to help people deal with personal and social problems, either directly or by planning and carrying out programs that will benefit groups or communities.
Monash University
The Master of Social Work at Monash trains you to work with people and communities and make impactful change. This AASW accredited degree helps you develop the essential knowledge, context, practical skills, ethical framework, and professional work experience to practice as a qualified social worker.
Charles Sturt University
The Bachelor of Social Work from Charles Sturt University gives you the skills you need to help people from all walks of life understand and improve their personal and social wellbeing. As a qualified social worker, you will make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups and communities.
The University of Sydney
This course prepares you for a diverse, changing field, in which your capacity to transfer knowledge and skills across different social contexts will be essential. Combining studies in social policy and social work, you will develop skills to promote social change, problem solve in human relationships, and empower and liberate people to support wellbeing.
LaTrobe University
La Trobe’s Bachelor of Social Work gives you the clinical knowledge and hands-on skills to launch your career. You’ll learn from world-renowned academics about promoting human rights and the importance of social justice.
The University of Western Australia
Social Work and Social Policy is part of UWA’s School of Allied Health’s leading research, teaching and service organisation. As a student, you will find teaching groups that allow interactive teaching methods, and highly qualified, award-winning staff, who are passionate about teaching and learning.
Flinders University
Flinders Social Work provides career-ready skills and knowledge to those people who are driven to create a society that is fair, supportive, and inclusive. Flinders degrees provide hands-on study and real-world placements to ensure graduates are prepared for a challenging, rewarding career.
