Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The RMIT University Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is designed for students who are passionate about social justice, human rights, and supporting individuals, families, and communities. Over four years, you will develop the professional knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities needed to create meaningful change and address complex social issues in a range of community and human service settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year introduces the foundations of social work and the social sciences. You will explore areas such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Theory, and Social Policy, developing an understanding of how social structures, inequality, and community issues affect people's lives and wellbeing.

Year 2
In the second year, you begin linking theory to professional practice. Through studies in Social Work Theory and Practice, Human Services, and Social Justice, you will learn how social workers engage with diverse communities, advocate for change, and respond to complex social challenges.

Year 3
The third year focuses on building professional skills through practical experience and advanced learning. You will undertake your first 70-day Field Education Placement while studying advanced social work practice, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real community and human service environments.

Year 4
In your final year, you will integrate advanced social work knowledge, policy analysis, and research skills. Alongside a second 70-day Field Education Placement, you will complete either an Honours Thesis or Capstone Project, allowing you to investigate a significant social issue and strengthen your research expertise.

Focus Areas

Social work practice, social justice, human rights, social policy, sociology, psychology, community development, advocacy, research methods, program evaluation, policy development, and field education.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to support individuals, families, groups, and communities, apply ethical and evidence-based practice, advocate for social change, conduct research, analyse social issues, and work effectively across diverse social and cultural contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. Graduates are eligible to apply for professional membership and enter the social work profession upon graduation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

RMIT has more than four decades of experience in social work education and maintains strong partnerships with community organisations, government agencies, healthcare providers, and human service organisations. The program includes 140 days of professional placement, helping students graduate with valuable industry experience, professional networks, and strong employment prospects across community services, health, advocacy, policy, and government sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The RMIT University Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is designed to help you develop professional skills through real-world experience. Throughout the program, you will combine classroom learning with practical field education, working alongside community organisations and human service providers to build the knowledge, confidence, and professional judgement required for a successful social work career.

A major strength of the degree is its strong focus on placement-based learning. You will apply social work theories in real workplace settings, gain experience working with diverse communities, and build valuable professional networks before graduation. In your honours year, you will also have the opportunity to complete a research project or thesis, strengthening your research and analytical skills.

Experiential learning opportunities include:

Completion of 140 days of supervised professional field education placements across the degree.
A 70-day direct practice placement focused on working with individuals, families, and community groups.
A 70-day advanced placement that integrates social work theory, policy, advocacy, and professional practice.
Placement opportunities with organisations such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Anglicare, Oxfam Australia, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Department of Human Services, and Salvation Army Crisis Services.
Learning through real-world case studies, reflective practice activities, workshops, presentations, and group projects that mirror professional social work environments.
Access to digital learning platforms and online collaboration tools that support communication, research, and professional development.
The opportunity to complete an Honours Thesis or Capstone Project focused on a social issue, community challenge, or policy area of interest.
Engagement with the Social and Global Studies Centre, supporting research, policy discussion, and social justice initiatives.
Opportunities for international study, exchange programs, and global learning experiences through RMIT’s international partnerships.
Collaboration with experienced social workers, community organisations, government agencies, advocacy groups, and human service professionals.

Facilities and Learning Resources

Access to extensive RMIT Library resources, including academic databases, journals, research support services, and study spaces.
Modern collaborative learning environments and student workspaces designed for group discussion and project work.
Research support through RMIT's social science and community-focused research centres.
Digital learning systems that support online learning, collaboration, professional communication, and research activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the RMIT University Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are equipped to support individuals, families, and communities while driving positive social change. With extensive placement experience and a professionally recognised qualification, graduates are prepared for careers as Social Workers, Case Managers, Family Support Workers, Community Development Officers, Youth Workers, and Policy Officers across government, healthcare, and community sectors.

The combination of professional practice, research skills, and industry experience provides a strong foundation for long-term career success:

Access to RMIT Careers and Employability services, including career coaching, resume and interview support, networking opportunities, employer events, and job-search assistance.
Completion of 140 days of supervised field education placements, providing valuable workplace experience and professional connections before graduation.
Strong partnerships with community organisations, government departments, healthcare providers, and human service agencies through placement and industry engagement opportunities.
Placement opportunities with organisations such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Anglicare, Oxfam Australia, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Department of Human Services, and Salvation Army Crisis Services.
Full accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), allowing graduates to apply for professional membership and practise as qualified social workers in Australia.
Graduates develop highly valued skills in advocacy, community engagement, case management, policy analysis, research, and ethical professional practice.
Career opportunities exist across community services, healthcare, mental health, child and family services, disability support, education, government, and international development sectors.
The honours year strengthens research and analytical capabilities, creating pathways to leadership, policy, and specialist practice roles.
Social work professionals continue to be in demand across Australia due to ongoing workforce needs in health, community care, and social support services.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can continue into a Master by Research or PhD in areas such as social work, social policy, community development, public health, or related social science disciplines. The honours qualification also provides a strong foundation for advanced research, academic careers, policy development, and leadership roles within the human services sector.