Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Sydney is a five-year on-campus double degree that combines the broad perspective of the humanities with professional training in social work. It is a great option for students who want to understand society, culture, and human behaviour while also gaining the practical skills needed to support individuals, families, and communities through meaningful social services work.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students begin building a strong understanding of society and the foundations of social work practice. Introductory subjects such as Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, Sociology 1, and Psychology 1001 help students explore how social systems influence people’s lives and introduce the key responsibilities of professional social workers.

Year 2:
During the second year, students start developing a deeper understanding of social policy and human development while continuing with their chosen Arts discipline. Units such as Human Development Across the Lifespan, Social Work Practice 1, and Social Policy and Social Justice explore how social workers respond to inequality, support vulnerable populations, and work within broader welfare systems.

Year 3:
By the third year, students focus more strongly on developing professional skills and research knowledge. Subjects such as Social Work Practice 2, Research for Social Work, and Social Work with Communities and Groups help students learn how to assess social needs, design interventions, and support communities through collaborative practice.

Year 4:
The fourth year introduces significant practical experience through supervised professional placements. Students take subjects such as Field Education 1, Social Work Practice with Families and Individuals, and Social Work, Law and Ethics, where they apply classroom learning to real social service settings and gain experience working with clients and organisations.

Year 5:
In the final year, students complete advanced practice training and a second major field placement. Units such as Field Education 2, Advanced Social Work Practice, and Integrative Social Work Practice help students refine their professional skills and prepare for full-time work as qualified social workers.

Focus areas: social work practice, social justice, community development, social policy, human development, sociology, psychology, public policy, advocacy.

Learning outcomes: a strong understanding of social systems and inequality, the ability to support individuals and communities through professional practice, well-developed research and analytical skills, ethical decision-making in social services, and effective communication and advocacy abilities.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The social work component of the degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which means graduates meet the professional requirements to practise as social workers in Australia.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Sydney is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading universities and consistently performs strongly in global rankings for graduate employability and social sciences education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Sydney gain meaningful hands-on experience throughout the degree, allowing them to connect what they learn in class with real social work practice. The program places a strong focus on practical training, giving students the chance to work directly with communities, social service organisations, and professionals in the field. Alongside their coursework, students also benefit from the university’s academic facilities, research resources, and guided supervision that help them develop the skills needed for professional social work practice.

These practical experiences are built into the program in several ways:

Professional field placements: Students complete over 1,000 hours of supervised professional placement during the degree. These placements take place in real organisations such as hospitals, community service agencies, government departments, and non-profit organisations, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience.
Field Education subjects: Through units such as Field Education 1 and Field Education 2, students work within professional social service settings under the guidance of experienced social workers. These placements help students apply theory to real cases and develop practical problem-solving skills.
Work across different social service settings: During their placements, students may work in areas such as mental health services, refugee and migrant support programs, community development organisations, or child and family services. This exposure helps students understand the wide range of roles social workers play in society.
Placement seminars and reflective learning: While completing their placements, students attend regular seminars and discussion sessions where they reflect on their experiences, share insights with classmates, and connect professional practice with social work theory.
Research and collaborative projects: Coursework often includes case studies, research assignments, and group discussions that encourage students to examine social issues, policy challenges, and ethical decision-making in professional settings.
Libraries and research resources: Students have access to the University of Sydney’s extensive libraries and digital research databases, which support their academic work, policy analysis, and community research projects throughout the program.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Sydney are well prepared to work in roles that support individuals, families, and communities while addressing complex social challenges. The combination of a broad Arts education and professional social work training equips graduates with strong analytical, communication, and advocacy skills. Many graduates pursue careers as social workers, community development officers, case managers, policy advisers, or welfare program coordinators across government agencies, healthcare organisations, and non-profit sectors.

These career opportunities are supported by the University of Sydney’s strong professional networks, career services, and industry engagement:

Career support and employability services: Students can access the University of Sydney’s dedicated career support services, including personalised career advice, resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, and online career planning tools that help students prepare for graduate employment.
Extensive professional placement experience: The program includes over 1,000 hours of supervised field education placements, allowing students to gain real professional experience and build connections with potential employers before graduating.
Industry partnerships and placement networks: Through the field education program, students work with a wide range of organisations such as hospitals, community service agencies, government departments, and non-profit organisations, creating strong links between the university and the social services sector.
Professional accreditation value: The social work component of the program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). This accreditation ensures graduates meet national professional standards and are eligible to practise as qualified social workers in Australia.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates benefit from the strong global reputation of the University of Sydney, which helps them secure roles in government, healthcare services, community organisations, and international development agencies.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programs to specialise further in areas related to social policy, public health, or research. Many students choose to pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Social Work (Advanced Practice), Master of Public Health, Master of Policy Studies, or research degrees like a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD, allowing them to move into leadership, policy, or academic roles within the social services sector.