Social work

Why study Social work?

Social workers help people thrive in their environment, promote positive relationships and work toward a socially just and equitable society. They work with individuals, groups, communities and societies and advocate for positive change. If you want to make a difference in your community, assist people to maximise their potential and are passionate about social justice and human rights, social work will be a rewarding career. Our course is widely regarded by employers as offering a contemporary and highly sought after qualification.  We have well-established networks with prospective employers and you will have opportunities for practical work experience. We offer undergraduate degrees in social work at four campuses.

Career opportunities

Social work is a rapidly growing profession and qualified social workers find employment in a range of government and non-government human services agencies. You can expect to work in areas including child and family services, community health centres, counselling, government departments, child protection. disability, aging,  mental health, refugees and settlement, youth, substance abuse, schools, hospitals, mediation and rehabilitation. According to an annual survey of graduates conducted by our School of Social Work and Social Policy, 90-95% of graduates find employment in their field within six months of graduation. Many gain employment from their final practical placement.

Courses

Local students

Social work courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Mildura
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work continued…

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.
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).
Extra requirements
Current Year 12 applicants with work experience must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form. Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form 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.
Selection
ATARs (2012) Melbourne: ATAR 61.00 Bendigo: 53.15 Albury-Wodonga: 51.30 Mildura: RC Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
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 Pi form. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
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.
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
VTAC/UAC
Professional recognition
The School of Social Work and Social Policy has provisional accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
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 are also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Social work international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work (045898C/ 062796A) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Mildura
4 years Semester 1 (February) $23 120

Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work continued…

Year
2012
Course description
This course allows students to complement social work studies with an understanding of welfare agencies and the welfare needs of individuals, families and groups. Based on a philosophy of social justice, it gives students the knowledge and skills to practise as a social worker and to work effectively in complex organisations. A key feature is the practical placement component, which allows students to gain practical skills in the field.
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; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 250 with a score of 6 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 96 with no individual score less than 24; or Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 70 Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 60.10 International Baccalaureate - 24 GCE A Levels - 8 Hong Kong A Levels - 7 HKDSE - 10,4 (the student must meet the higher than the standard English language requirement) Sri Lankan A Levels - FA STPM - 8 MICSS (UEC) - FA Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - FA Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - FA Sweden Slutbetyg - FA All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - FA Vietnam (Year 12) - 8 Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.8 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.
Special requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the: Health Sciences website for important information. All students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15) and Working with Children check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.
Additional costs
Approximate costs include A$100 for course readings (available from the La Trobe Co-op bookshop), which remain students' personal property, and A$15.50 for a National Police Check. Accommodation costs for clinical placements vary according to venue.
Additional information
This course is currently subject to CRICOS approval.
Professional recognition
This course has been developed in accordance with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation guidelines. The School of Social Work and Social Policy is seeking provisional accreditation from the AASW.
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.

Ms Cloe Chenevier,

Finding a supervisor

One of the most important aspects of your research study will be finding a supervisor in Social work.

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