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

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.

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).
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.
Selection
ATARs (2013)
Melbourne: 60.3
Bendigo: 51.35
Albury-Wodonga: 50.6
Mildura: 55.45

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.
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
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
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
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

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Social work international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work (045898C/074028J) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Mildura
4 years Semester 1 (March) $24 800

Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work continued…

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
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.
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.
Special requirements
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 official University semester dates.

This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website.
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.
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).
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
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.

Browse all events