Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts at UNSW is a 5.7-year double degree that combines professional social work training with the flexibility of an arts education. It is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about social justice, community wellbeing, and helping others while also wanting to explore areas such as politics, sociology, history, languages, media, or international studies.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in social work and the humanities. Social work studies introduce key concepts through subjects such as Human Development and the Social Environment and Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, while Arts studies begin with courses from a chosen major, helping students build critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.

Year 2

The second year focuses on understanding social systems, communities, and human behaviour. Students continue their social work studies through areas such as Social Policy and Community Development, while progressing through core courses within their selected Arts major, strengthening their understanding of social, cultural, and political issues.

Year 3

During the third year, students begin applying theory to real-world contexts and deepen their disciplinary knowledge. Social work studies explore topics such as Mental Health, Working with Indigenous Communities, and professional practice, while Arts subjects allow students to specialise further in their chosen field.

Year 4

The fourth year places greater emphasis on professional practice and community engagement. Students undertake one of their supervised Social Work Field Placements, gaining valuable experience in settings such as community organisations, health services, welfare agencies, and government departments, while continuing advanced Arts studies.

Year 5

In the fifth year, students further develop their professional skills through a second supervised Field Placement and advanced social work practice courses. They may also participate in Arts-based opportunities such as professional placements, research projects, or international experiences that broaden their career perspectives and professional networks.

Final Honours Semester

The final stage of the degree focuses on advanced research and professional development. Students complete an Honours Thesis or Advanced Professional Portfolio, applying research skills and evidence-based approaches to investigate an important issue in social work practice, policy, or community development.

Focus Areas

Social Work Practice, Social Policy, Community Development, Mental Health, Human Development, Child and Family Welfare, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Politics and International Relations, Global Development, Humanities, Research Methods, Social Justice, Community Engagement

Learning Outcomes

Develop professional social work practice skills, apply evidence-based approaches to social issues, conduct independent research, communicate effectively with diverse communities, analyse policy and social systems, advocate for vulnerable populations, demonstrate ethical professional practice, and contribute to positive social change.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Social Work component of the degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Graduates meet the professional requirements for membership and are eligible to practise as qualified social workers throughout Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UNSW is one of Australia's leading universities and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight. The combination of an accredited Social Work qualification and a flexible Arts degree gives graduates a strong foundation for careers across community services, government, policy, advocacy, research, education, and international organisations, while benefiting from UNSW's strong reputation for graduate employability and academic excellence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts at UNSW combines professional training with hands-on learning to ensure students graduate with practical experience and career-ready skills. Throughout the degree, students engage directly with communities, work alongside experienced practitioners, undertake supervised placements, and participate in research projects that connect classroom learning with real-world challenges. The combination of Social Work and Arts also provides opportunities to develop both professional practice skills and specialised knowledge in a chosen arts discipline:

Complete two supervised social work field placements, gaining valuable experience in professional settings across metropolitan and rural Australia, with opportunities for international placements in selected cases.
Apply social work theory in real-world environments by working with individuals, families, groups, and communities through placement experiences.
Learn from practising social workers, industry professionals, researchers, and policy experts who bring current industry knowledge into the classroom.
Access opportunities for Arts-related internships that provide workplace experience connected to a chosen Arts specialisation.
Participate in professional placement electives that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical workplace settings.
Explore global internship opportunities, helping students develop international perspectives and cross-cultural professional skills.
Undertake research projects within the Arts component, strengthening skills in investigation, analysis, critical thinking, and communication.
Study key practice areas such as mental health, community development, social policy, counselling, social justice, and working with Indigenous communities.
Engage in case studies, collaborative projects, and problem-solving activities that reflect real professional scenarios.
Complete either an Honours Thesis or an Advanced Professional Portfolio, allowing students to investigate important social issues and demonstrate advanced research capabilities.
Access extensive UNSW Library resources, including specialist databases, academic journals, digital archives, and research support services.
Connect with the wider Arts, Design & Architecture research community, gaining exposure to contemporary research, policy discussions, and community-focused initiatives.
Develop leadership, teamwork, advocacy, communication, and professional practice skills through placements, group activities, research projects, and community engagement experiences.

Facilities and Resources:

UNSW Social Work Field Education and Placement Network
UNSW Library and Digital Research Resources
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Research Community
UNSW Kensington Campus Learning and Research Facilities
Professional Placement and Global Internship Opportunities through UNSW Arts and Social Sciences

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts at UNSW are equipped with a powerful combination of professional social work skills and broad humanities knowledge. This unique mix prepares students to work across community services, government, policy, advocacy, education, research, and international development sectors. Common career pathways include Social Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Adviser, and Youth Worker:

UNSW offers dedicated career support through career coaching, resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, career fairs, and access to a global alumni network.
Students gain valuable industry experience through two supervised social work field placements, helping them build professional networks and practical workplace skills before graduation.
The Social Work component is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), providing a recognised professional qualification that supports employment opportunities across Australia and internationally.
The Arts component allows students to develop specialist knowledge in areas such as politics, sociology, international studies, history, languages, media, and cultural studies, expanding their career options.
Graduates may work in hospitals, schools, government departments, community organisations, non-government organisations, mental health services, family support agencies, and international aid organisations.
UNSW maintains strong relationships with community organisations, government agencies, and industry partners that support placements, internships, and professional engagement opportunities.
Students graduate with highly transferable skills in communication, advocacy, counselling, research, leadership, cultural awareness, policy analysis, and problem-solving.
Social workers continue to be in demand across Australia, particularly in mental health, healthcare, child protection, disability support, aged care, and community development sectors.
UNSW is recognised globally for academic excellence and graduate employability, helping graduates stand out in a competitive employment market.
The Honours component strengthens research and analytical skills, providing an advantage for leadership, policy, and research-focused roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts, graduates can continue their studies through a range of postgraduate pathways. Options may include a Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, Master of Development Studies, Master of Education, or other specialised master's degrees related to their chosen Arts discipline. The Honours qualification also provides a strong foundation for Master by Research and PhD programs, supporting students who wish to pursue careers in research, academia, policy development, or leadership roles.