Social work
Why study Social work?
You can make an actual difference in communities here and abroad by assisting people to thrive in their environment and work towards a socially just and equitable society; using your passion for social justice, human rights and the practical skills and knowledge you will gain from our course.
The strong human rights and social justice focus of our accredited course will prepare you for range of leadership roles both here in Australia and internationally.
Our course is widely regarded by employers as offering a contemporary and highly sought after qualification.
Our well-established networks with prospective employers mean a greater diversity of practical work placement here in Australia and abroad. For over 10 years we have been placing students internationally with our community services partners in the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and across Europe.
We provide consultancies to various government agencies and help to train department agencies in specialist areas such as child and family practice.
Since 1977 our commitment to human rights and social justice has remained stronger than ever.
This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
Career opportunities
90-95% of graduates find employment in their field within six months of graduation.*
You can expect to work in schools, hospitals, community health centres and government departments in the areas of child and family services, counseling, child protection, disability, aging, mental health, refugees and settlement, youth, substance abuse, mediation and rehabilitation.
*Annual survey of graduates conducted by our School of Social Work and Social Policy
Social Work Graduates
Courses
Local students
2013
Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Albury-Wodonga 50.6
- Bendigo 51.35
- Melbourne 60.3
- Mildura 55.45
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Social workers work creatively to bring about positive change for individuals, families, groups and communities - directly, through research, and through work on policy, organisational and program planning, and community development. This course aims to make students reflective, responsive and flexible social work professionals, able to excel in the constantly changing social care sector.
The curriculum explores ideas about how individuals, families, communities and societies operate and develop; the ethical and legal frameworks behind social work; research and its interpretation; and the ways in which organisations operate and respond to different areas of social need. It integrates theory and practice to provide a thorough understanding of the organisational context in which social workers do their work.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions - Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.
NSW HSC: any two units of English (Band 3). - Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Re-ranking is based on relevant paid and unpaid work experience during and/or subsequent to secondary school. Current Year 12 students must provide this information using the VTAC Personal History online. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
- Costs
- Approximate costs include A$100 for course readings (available from the La Trobe Co-op bookshop), which remain students' personal property. A National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50 and a Working with Children Check (no cost) are required for the professional experience placements in clinical and community settings in this course. Prior to commencing clinical or community placements, students must provide proof of immunisations. Costs may vary depending on previous immunisations, approximately A$250 - $470. Accommodation and travel costs for professional practice placements may vary depending on the venue. Please note: costs are approximate and subject to change.
- Additional information
- Please note that professional placements are unpaid and may be located in metropolitan or rural areas, interstate or overseas. Students may be required to do their placement outside semesters.
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website. - How to apply
- Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 2013.
- Professional recognition
- This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
- Full course details
- Human Services/Social WorkMelbourne
Human Services/Social WorkBendigo
Human Services/Social WorkMildura
Human Services/Social WorkAlbury-Wodonga
Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
2013
Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work (045898C/074028J)
- Duration :
- 4 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 24 800
- Campus
- Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Social workers work creatively to bring about positive change for individuals, families, groups and communities - directly, through research, and through work on policy, organisational and program planning, and community development. This course aims to make students reflective, responsive and flexible social work professionals, able to excel in the constantly changing social care sector.
The curriculum explores ideas about how individuals, families, communities and societies operate and develop; the ethical and legal frameworks behind social work; research and its interpretation; and the ways in which organisations operate and respond to different areas of social need. It integrates theory and practice to provide a thorough understanding of the organisational context in which social workers do their work.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura - English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS PG2a (75%)) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;
TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;
TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 85 per cent final result in a course;
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 70
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 61.00
International Baccalaureate - 25
GCE A Levels - 10
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 3x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BBC
STPM - 8.67
MICSS (UEC) - 4.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 70
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 70
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.2
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura - Additional costs
- Approximate costs include A$100 for course readings (available from the La Trobe Co-op bookshop), which remain students' personal property. A National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50 and a Working with Children Check (no cost) are required for the professional experience placements in clinical and community settings in this course. Prior to commencing clinical or community placements, students must provide proof of immunisations. Costs may vary depending on previous immunisations, approximately A$250 - $470. Accommodation and travel costs for professional practice placements may vary depending on the venue. Please note: costs are approximate and subject to change. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura
- Professional recognition
- The La Trobe University Department of Social Work and Social Policy has provisional accreditation of the degree from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura
- Full course details
- Human Services/Social WorkMelbourne
Human Services/Social WorkBendigo
Human Services/Social WorkMildura
Human Services/Social WorkAlbury-Wodonga
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Alternative pathways
We offer flexible entry and exit pathways to current and prospective students. You may enter the program at different year levels depending upon your qualifications.
Social work placements
Working alongside experienced professionals is a critical part of your Social Work education. In each of the final two years of your course you will complete a 70 day block placement. Here you will be supervised by a qualified and experienced social worker and will work towards developing the skills required for professional practice. You will have the opportunity to work in diverse and challenging fields of practice including community development, advocacy, research, mental health, education, child and family, disability, health and youth.
Overseas study opportunities
You may be eligible for our student exchange program.
You can apply to take one placement overseas. We have partnerships with a number of international organisations in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia and China.
Find out about the experiences of one of our students.
My goal is to become a social worker because I have the need to help others.
Finding a supervisor
One of the most important aspects of your research study will be finding a supervisor in Social work.
Social work events
There are no upcoming Social work events. Browse other events.
