Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts(Politics and international relations)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW is a five-year double degree that combines hands-on social work training with a deep understanding of politics and global affairs. It’s perfect for students who want to make a real difference in people’s lives while also understanding the bigger picture — the policies, governments, and international forces that shape communities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll start with the foundations of social work practice and human services, while also exploring the basics of politics and international relations. Courses like Introduction to Social Work and Foundations of Politics and International Relations help you understand both community needs and the political context that affects them.

Year 2:
In year two, you’ll dive deeper into social work topics such as Mental Health and Social Work Practice and Community Development, while continuing Arts units on political systems and global issues. You’ll begin connecting theory with real-world social and political challenges, developing analytical skills that are valuable in any career.

Year 3:
The third year focuses on advanced social work methods and Politics/IR topics like Concepts and Debates in International Relations. This is where your professional thinking, research skills, and understanding of complex political and social systems really start to come together.

Year 4:
Year four is all about experience: you’ll complete two supervised social work placements, working directly with communities, agencies, and organisations. Alongside this, you’ll take Arts courses exploring international governance, diplomacy, and policy analysis, preparing you to approach social issues from both practical and global perspectives.

Year 5:
In your final year, you’ll finish your advanced social work units and complete a research project or professional portfolio to showcase your skills. You’ll also wrap up your Politics and IR studies, strengthening your ability to analyse and respond to global issues and policies.

Focus areas: Social work practice, human services, politics and international relations, community development, policy analysis

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate able to apply professional social work methods, analyse political and global systems, conduct independent research, and confidently engage with diverse communities.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), this degree ensures you meet professional standards and are eligible for AASW membership upon graduation.

Reputation: UNSW is one of Australia’s top universities for social sciences, consistently recognised for producing highly employable graduates with strong analytical, research, and practical skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts (Politics and International Relations) is designed so you’ll learn by doing from the very start. You won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience through placements, projects, and opportunities that show you how social work and politics actually operate in the real world. UNSW provides excellent support, resources, and connections to help you gain practical skills and build confidence before you graduate:

Here’s what your hands-on experience could include:

Social work field placements: You’ll complete two supervised placements, working directly with individuals, families, and communities. These placements let you apply your learning, develop professional skills, and experience the day-to-day work of social workers.
Arts internships & professional projects: Alongside social work, you can take internships or participate in projects related to politics and international relations, gaining practical experience in policy, advocacy, or community engagement.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): UNSW connects you with industry and community partners for projects and placements that combine your academic knowledge with real workplace experience.
Global opportunities: You may have the chance to participate in international placements or exchanges, giving you a global perspective on social work and political systems.
Professional development programs: UNSW offers workshops, group projects, and consulting programs that build workplace skills like communication, networking, and leadership.
Libraries, research tools & centres: Access to UNSW’s extensive libraries, databases, and faculty research support helps you complete projects and independent research with confidence.

By combining placements, internships, global experiences, and professional development, this degree ensures you graduate with practical skills, real-world insights, and strong connections — ready to launch your career in social work, policy, or international affairs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW opens doors to careers where you can make a real difference — helping individuals and communities while also understanding the bigger political and global picture. Many graduates move into roles such as social worker, policy analyst, community development officer, or international advocacy specialist, combining practical skills with insights from politics and international relations. With strong professional accreditation and UNSW’s career support, you’ll step confidently into the workforce and continue developing throughout your career.

Here’s how UNSW helps you launch your career:

Career guidance & employability services: The Careers & Employability team provides personalised coaching, résumé and interview workshops, employer events, and job boards to help you explore career paths and secure roles in government, NGOs, healthcare, or international organisations.
Strong employment outcomes: UNSW graduates consistently report high employment rates and competitive starting salaries, making this degree a great investment in your future.
Industry and community connections: UNSW partners with government agencies, community organisations, and policy groups, giving you opportunities for work experience, internships, and networking that employers value.
Accreditation & professional recognition: The social work component is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which means you graduate ready to join the professional body and practice confidently.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work across child and family services, mental health, social policy, community development, international aid, and advocacy — giving you flexibility to shape your career according to your passions.

Further Academic Progression:
After your bachelor’s, you could specialise further with postgraduate study such as a Master of Social Work (advanced practice), Master of Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, or Human Rights. These pathways let you deepen your expertise, take on leadership roles, and make a bigger impact in government, NGOs, research, or international organisations.