Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The RMIT University Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) combines the study of human behaviour with professional social work practice, giving you a unique understanding of how individuals, families, and communities experience and respond to life's challenges. This degree is ideal for students who are passionate about mental health, social justice, community wellbeing, and helping people create positive change in their lives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year introduces the foundations of the social sciences and helps you understand how society shapes people's experiences. You will explore areas such as Politics, Sociology, Social Theory, and Economics, building critical thinking skills and a strong understanding of social structures and community issues.

Year 2
In the second year, you begin developing knowledge in both psychology and social work. Through subjects such as Social Work Theory and Practice, Cognitive Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, you will learn how people think, behave, and develop throughout their lives while exploring how professionals support individuals and communities.

Year 3
The third year expands your understanding of mental health, human behaviour, and social systems. You will study topics including Biological Psychology, Mental Health, and Public Policy, while completing your first 70-day field education placement, allowing you to apply your learning in a real professional environment.

Year 4
In your fourth year, you will deepen your professional knowledge and practical skills. Subjects such as Psychological Assessment, Psychopathology, and Social Work Practice in Contexts of Violence and Abuse help you develop expertise in supporting people experiencing complex personal and social challenges.

Year 5
The final year focuses on leadership, research, policy, and advanced professional practice. You will undertake studies in Program Management and Evaluation, Social Policy Development, and Research Methods, alongside a second 70-day field education placement that further develops your professional capabilities and industry experience.

Focus Areas

Social work practice, psychology, mental health, human development, social policy, community development, advocacy, public policy, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods, program evaluation, and social justice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the skills to support individuals, families, and communities, understand human behaviour, address social and psychological challenges, conduct research, advocate for social change, and apply ethical and evidence-based practice across diverse professional settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This double degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Graduates gain a professionally recognised social work qualification and an accredited psychology qualification that can lead to further psychology training and registration pathways.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

RMIT is well known for its strong industry engagement and practical learning approach. With 140 days of professional field placement, students graduate with valuable workplace experience and industry connections, helping them build successful careers across social work, psychology, mental health, community services, government, and policy sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The RMIT University Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) gives you the opportunity to develop practical skills through a combination of professional placements, research activities, community engagement, and applied learning experiences. Throughout the degree, you will connect psychological theory with social work practice, gaining valuable experience in real-world settings while learning from experienced practitioners and industry partners.

One of the program's key strengths is its strong focus on workplace learning. You will build professional confidence through placements, collaborative projects, case-based learning, and research activities that reflect the challenges and opportunities found in social work, mental health, and community services sectors.

Experiential learning opportunities include:

Completion of 140 days of supervised field education placements in community, health, welfare, and human service organisations.
A 70-day placement focused on direct work with individuals, families, and community groups.
A second 70-day advanced placement that develops skills in policy, advocacy, leadership, 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, group projects, presentations, workshops, and reflective practice exercises.
Training in psychological research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based practice to develop strong research and analytical skills.
Access to digital learning platforms and online collaboration tools that support communication, research, and project work.
Opportunities to engage with the Social and Global Studies Centre, contributing to discussions and research around social justice, policy, and community development.
Interaction with social workers, community practitioners, government agencies, and human service professionals through placement and industry engagement activities.
Opportunities for international exchange and global learning experiences through RMIT's international partnerships.

Facilities and Learning Resources

Access to extensive RMIT Library resources, including psychology and social science databases, academic journals, research guides, and study support services.
Modern collaborative learning spaces designed for seminars, workshops, group discussions, and project-based learning.
Research-focused environments that support honours-level projects, social science research, and policy analysis.
Digital learning systems that provide access to course materials, online collaboration tools, research resources, and professional development content.
Opportunities to connect with RMIT research centres and institutes focused on social change, community wellbeing, mental health, and human development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the RMIT University Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) develop a unique combination of social work and psychology expertise, opening doors to a wide range of careers focused on supporting individuals, families, and communities. With professional placement experience, research skills, and accredited qualifications, graduates are well prepared for roles such as Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, Case Manager, Community Development Officer, Youth Worker, Family Support Worker, and Policy Officer.

The blend of practical experience and interdisciplinary knowledge gives graduates strong employment prospects across health, community, government, and social service sectors:

Access to RMIT Careers and Employability services, including career counselling, resume and interview support, employer networking opportunities, and job-search assistance.
Completion of 140 days of professional field education placements, helping students build workplace experience and professional networks before graduation.
Strong industry engagement through partnerships 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.
Development of practical skills in social work practice, community engagement, advocacy, psychological research, program evaluation, and policy development.
Accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers, allowing graduates to pursue recognised professional social work careers throughout Australia.
Psychology studies accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, providing a recognised pathway toward further psychology education and professional registration pathways.
Career opportunities across community services, mental health, healthcare, child and family services, disability support, education, government, and non-profit organisations.
The honours component strengthens research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, supporting progression into leadership, policy, and research-focused positions.
Growing demand for professionals in mental health, community wellbeing, social services, and human support sectors provides strong long-term career prospects.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Mental Health, Master of Public Health, Master of Policy and Governance, or research-based master's programs. The accredited psychology component can also lead to further psychology studies and registration pathways, while the honours qualification provides a strong foundation for Master by Research and PhD programs in social work, psychology, public health, social policy, and related fields.