Bachelor of Social Work

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work at the University of New England prepares you to become a qualified social worker who can support individuals, families, and communities through real-life social and emotional challenges. It is designed for students who want a meaningful, people-centred career in areas such as mental health, child protection, community services, and social justice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a strong foundation in health, society, and human behaviour while also being introduced to core ideas in social work practice. You study units such as Information and Evidence in Health and Social Care (HLTH101), Interprofessional Practice in Health and Social Care (HLTH102), Communication for Health Professionals (HLTH103), and The Context of Health and Social Care (HLTH104), which help you understand how health and social systems work together. You also begin developing your understanding of social work through introductory practice-focused learning.

Year 2

In your second year, you move into more practice-focused learning where theory is directly connected to real community and client support work. Units such as Case Management in Community Services (HDCW213) and Foundations for Mental Health Practice (HLTH310) help you build skills in supporting clients, understanding mental health needs, and working within community service systems.

Year 3

In Year 3, your learning becomes more applied as you begin preparing for real professional practice. You take part in supervised field education through HSSW310 Fieldwork 1, where you gain hands-on experience in community or human service organisations and start developing practical skills in assessment, communication, and client support.

Year 4

In the final year, you focus on advanced practice and professional readiness through more intensive field placement and specialist learning. You complete HSSW411 Fieldwork 2 alongside advanced units such as a Capstone Project (HLTH405) and counselling-focused subjects like Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS374) and Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478), helping you transition confidently into professional social work roles.

Focus Areas

Social justice, human rights, mental health practice, child and family welfare, community development, counselling skills, case management, social policy, Indigenous and rural social work practice, ethical professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

Apply ethical social work principles aligned with professional standards, demonstrate understanding of human rights and social justice, analyse inequality and disadvantage in society, apply theory to real social work practice, reflect critically on professional experience, and develop evidence-based responses to complex social issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, which means graduates meet the requirements for professional recognition and can pursue eligibility for social work practice in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UNE social work graduates are known for being well prepared for practice, particularly because of the strong focus on supervised placements and real community-based experience. Graduates commonly work in hospitals, schools, government departments, mental health services, and community organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Social Work at the University of New England is strongly focused on real-world, practice-based learning, where you develop professional skills through direct experience in community and social service settings. A major part of the degree is completing extensive supervised field placements, where you work with real clients and services under the guidance of qualified social workers. Alongside this, you build practical skills through applied coursework, case-based learning, and UNE’s supported online learning environment, helping you connect theory with real social work practice in a meaningful way.

Experiential learning in this program is structured around placements, applied practice, and skill development:

1000 hours of supervised field placements completed across two major field education units in real community and social service organisations
Placement opportunities in settings such as hospitals, mental health services, child protection agencies, schools, housing services, and disability support organisations
Direct mentoring and supervision from experienced and qualified social workers during all field placements
Application of classroom learning into real practice through units focused on social work methods, case management, and mental health practice
Use of UNE’s online learning platform for interactive case studies, discussions, and applied learning activities
Development of practical skills such as communication, counselling, assessment, advocacy, and crisis support
Exposure to social justice practice, policy work, and community development in real organisational environments
Training in research-informed practice and evidence-based decision making through applied academic units
Opportunities to work with diverse communities, including individuals experiencing disadvantage, trauma, disability, or social exclusion
Access to UNE’s academic support services, digital library resources, and research databases for practice learning and assignments

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work at the University of New England are well prepared to step into a profession that directly supports individuals, families, and communities through real-life challenges. The degree leads into direct social work practice and opens up career pathways in areas such as hospitals, schools, government services, and community organisations. Common roles include social worker, case manager, community services coordinator, mental health support worker, and child protection officer.

Progression & opportunities:

UNE Career Services supports students with practical employability preparation such as resume writing, interview coaching, and career planning for entry into professional roles
Strong industry-aligned training through 1,000 hours of supervised field placements, giving students real workplace experience before graduation
High-demand profession with ongoing workforce needs in social services, mental health, disability support, and child and family welfare sectors
Professional accreditation through the Australian Association of Social Workers, ensuring graduates meet national standards and are eligible for professional recognition and practice
Career pathways across hospitals, schools, government departments, non-government organisations, and community service agencies
UNE’s practice-focused training model helps graduates transition smoothly into real-world social work environments

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Social Work or move into research pathways like a Master of Philosophy or PhD. These options support progression into advanced practice roles, leadership positions in social services, policy development, or academic and research careers focused on social welfare and community wellbeing.