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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW is a five-year double degree that combines practical 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 social and political forces that shape communities and policy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year lays the groundwork for both disciplines. You’ll explore introductory social work topics such as human development and social policy, while your Social Sciences units, like Policy and Society and Social Research and Society, give you insight into how communities, governments, and political systems function. This year helps you start thinking like both a practitioner and a social analyst.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of social challenges and research skills. Social work courses focus on community development and mental health, while Social Sciences units like Power and Powerlessness and Qualitative Social Research teach you to critically analyse social structures and conduct meaningful research. By combining these perspectives, you’ll begin to see how policies impact real communities.

Year 3:
The third year challenges you with advanced topics. You’ll study professional practice methods in social work and explore subjects like Globalisation and Policy Making in Social Sciences. This is where you start applying your research, critical thinking, and analytical skills independently while understanding global and political influences on social issues.

Year 4:
Year four is all about experience — you’ll complete one of your supervised social work placements, working directly with clients and organisations. At the same time, you’ll continue your Social Sciences studies with specialised courses that prepare you for policy, advocacy, and community-focused work.

Year 5:
In your final year, you’ll finish your second supervised placement and take advanced coursework across both disciplines. You’ll also complete a research project or professional portfolio that showcases your practical skills, critical thinking, and understanding of social and political issues — giving you the confidence and experience to step into your career.

Focus areas: Social work practice, community development, mental health support, social research, politics and international systems

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to apply professional social work methods, analyse political and social systems, conduct independent research, and engage effectively with individuals and communities — ready for both direct practice and broader policy or advocacy roles.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), meaning you’ll meet the professional standards required for practice and be eligible for membership upon graduation.

Reputation: UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia and #23 globally for social sciences and management, giving your degree credibility and recognition in the job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) is designed so that learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll gain hands-on experience through placements, internships, professional projects, and research opportunities that let you apply your skills in real-world settings. Whether you’re working directly with communities, contributing to policy projects, or exploring international perspectives, UNSW provides the support, facilities, and guidance to help you build confidence and professional expertise:

Here’s how your practical experience comes to life:

Supervised social work placements: You’ll complete two field placements where you work directly with clients, agencies, and community organisations. These placements give you real-world experience under the guidance of experienced social workers, whether in urban, rural, or international settings.
Social sciences internships and projects: Alongside your social work training, you can participate in internships or applied projects in politics and international relations, giving you practical exposure to advocacy, policy research, or community development.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): UNSW connects you with industry and community partners, letting you gain professional experience, develop workplace skills, and build networks while still studying.
Professional development programs: Workshops, seminars, and faculty-led initiatives help strengthen skills like communication, teamwork, networking, and professional conduct.
Research tools & support facilities: You’ll have access to UNSW’s libraries, databases, and faculty expertise to support your research and projects across both social work and social sciences.

With a mix of placements, internships, research, and professional development, this degree ensures you graduate with practical skills, professional confidence, and strong connections to help you start your career successfully.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW prepares you for a career where you can truly make a difference — both in people’s lives and in society at large. Many graduates move into roles such as social worker, policy analyst, community development officer, or international advocacy specialist, combining hands-on skills with an understanding of the political and global forces that shape communities. With strong professional accreditation, real-world experience, and UNSW’s career support, you’ll be ready to step confidently into the workforce.

Here’s how UNSW helps you get there:

Personalised career support: UNSW’s Careers & Employability team provides one-on-one coaching, résumé and interview workshops, employer events, and access to job boards to help you find your ideal career path.
Strong employment outcomes: UNSW graduates enjoy high employment rates and competitive starting salaries, giving you confidence that your degree is valued by employers. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 65,000 and 80,000 per annum.
Industry and community partnerships: Connections with government agencies, NGOs, research organisations, and community groups mean you can gain work experience, professional contacts, and real-world skills while studying.
Professional accreditation: The social work component is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), so you graduate eligible for professional membership — an important credential for long-term career growth.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work across social work, policy, community services, advocacy, and international development, providing flexibility to choose a path that matches your passions.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, you can specialise further through postgraduate programs like the Master of Social Work (Advanced Practice), Master of Public Policy, International Relations, Human Rights, or Development Studies. These pathways allow you to take on leadership roles, deepen your expertise, and make a bigger impact locally or internationally.