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At Edith Cowan University (ECU), the Bachelor of Social Work prepares you for a career focused on supporting individuals, families, and communities through social justice, human rights, and wellbeing. The program builds strong professional, ethical, and practical skills needed to work in complex social settings and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, you are introduced to core ideas in social work practice, human behaviour, and society through units such as Social Inclusion and People with Intellectual Disabilities, Psychology of Motivation and Emotion, Introduction to Professional Practice, and Introduction to Social Research. These units help you build a strong foundation in social systems, research, and professional communication.
Year 2
In the second year, you focus on community and social systems with units including Community Development, Human Behaviour in the Social Environment, Theory and Practice for Child Protection, and Human Rights and Social Justice. You also study Australian society and policy to better understand real-world social issues and practice contexts.
Year 3
In the third year, you move into advanced professional learning through units such as Applied Research Methods, Social Work and Mental Health, Social Work Theory and Practice 1: Advanced Interpersonal Skills, and Social Work Theory and Practice 2: A Focus on Theories. This year also includes your first major field placement, where you apply classroom learning in real practice settings.
Year 4
In the final year, you focus on advanced practice, leadership, and social change through units like Social Policy, Legal and Ethical Practice, Social Work Project, and Social Work Theory and Practice 3: Collective Interventions. You also complete a second major field placement along with Social Work Theory and Practice 4: Activism and Social Change, preparing you for professional practice.
Focus areas
Social justice, community development, mental health, child protection, policy and advocacy, human rights, social research, ethical practice, Indigenous cultural competence
Learning outcomes
Understanding and applying social work theories and values, critical thinking in social policy and human behaviour, ethical decision-making, strong communication and collaboration skills, research and data literacy, cultural awareness including Indigenous perspectives, and professional practice in diverse community settings
Professional alignment (accreditation)
Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW); AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification
Reputation (employability rankings)
ECU is recognised for strong teaching quality and student experience, with consistently high national ratings in undergraduate learning and graduate satisfaction indicators. The program is professionally accredited, supporting strong employability in social work practice roles across Australia.
At Edith Cowan University (ECU), the Bachelor of Social Work program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn about social work concepts but also apply them in real-world settings. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance their learning experience and prepare them for a successful career in social work.
Through a combination of classroom learning, group projects, internships, and field trips, you will develop essential skills that are crucial for effective practice in the social work field. Here are some of the key experiential learning opportunities available to you in the Bachelor of Social Work program at ECU:
- Field Education Placements: Gain invaluable experience through supervised placements in various social work settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-life situations.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with fellow students on projects that simulate real-world social work challenges, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Digital Tools: Utilize software such as SPSS for data analysis and other digital platforms that enhance your research and practice capabilities.
- Workshops and Seminars: Participate in interactive workshops led by industry professionals, providing insights into current practices and trends in social work.
- Research Laboratories: Access dedicated spaces for research projects, where you can engage in studies that contribute to the field of social work.
- Library Resources: Benefit from extensive library collections, including access to social work journals, databases, and other academic resources that support your studies.
- Community Engagement: Take part in community-based projects that allow you to connect with local organizations and understand the social issues affecting diverse populations.
These experiential learning opportunities are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your future career as a social worker. If you're ready to take the next step in your education, consider applying to the Bachelor of Social Work at ECU.
Choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work at Edith Cowan University (ECU) opens the door to a rewarding career dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Graduates are well-prepared for various roles, including social worker, community development officer, and mental health support worker. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and industry connections, ECU equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the field:
- University Services: ECU offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with industry professionals to help you secure employment after graduation.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: The employment rate for ECU social work graduates is impressive, with many finding work shortly after completing their degree. The average salary for social workers in Australia is around $70,000, with potential for growth as you gain experience.
- University–Industry Partnerships: ECU has established strong partnerships with local organizations and government agencies, providing students with valuable placement opportunities and real-world experience during their studies.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), ensuring that your qualification is recognized and respected in the industry.
- Graduation Outcomes: ECU graduates are known for their high employability and readiness to tackle the challenges of the social work profession, with many securing positions in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, and community organizations.
Further Academic Progression: After completing your Bachelor of Social Work, you have the option to further your studies with a Master of Social Work, which can enhance your expertise and open up advanced career opportunities. Additionally, ECU offers various postgraduate courses and specializations that allow you to tailor your education to your interests and career goals. This pathway not only deepens your knowledge but also positions you for leadership roles within the field.
By choosing ECU, you're not just earning a degree; you're investing in a future filled with possibilities and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
The Bachelor of Social Work is available at South West (full-time in Semester 1 and Semester 2).English language Requirement: IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) or TOEFL iBT: minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speakingInternational Baccalaureate (IB): Diploma required with minimum 24 pointsAlternative pathways include AQF Certificate IV, Undergraduate Certificate, or completion of at least 0.25 EFTSL of bachelor-level study (or equivalent).GCE A Levels or equivalent (including International A Levels) required; based on 2–3 A Level subjects with grading A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1; standard entry minimum score 5, higher entry minimum score 8.India: Higher Secondary Certificate (from a recognised board; Punjab and Haryana State Boards not accepted) or equivalent required; standard entry minimum 70%, higher entry minimum 80%.China: National College Entrance Exam (Gao Kao) or one year of tertiary study required; standard entry minimum 65.6% overall score, higher entry 70% overall score.USA: High School Diploma required with ACT (standard 24, higher 29 with no section below 20) or SAT (pre-2016: 1500/2400 standard, 1875 higher; post-2016: 1090/1600 standard, 1330 higher with required section minimums), or AP pathway (minimum 2 AP subjects with 7 points for standard entry or 8 points for higher entry; English AP score 3 required in Language or Literature).Community ActivistCommunity Development OfficerMental Health WorkerHuman Service ManagerChild Protection OfficerPolicy Research OfficerHospital Social WorkerCommunity Health WorkerFamily Support WorkerDisability AdvocateCounsellor
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Edith Cowan University
