Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Criminology & Criminal Justice

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Criminology & Criminal Justice at UNSW is a five-year double degree that combines professional social work training with specialised knowledge of crime, justice systems, and social policy. It is an excellent choice for students who want to make a positive difference in people's lives while gaining a deeper understanding of the social factors that influence crime, justice, and community wellbeing.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both social work and criminology. Social work studies introduce key concepts through Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare and Human Development and the Social Environment, while criminology subjects such as Introducing Crime and Criminal Justice explore crime, justice institutions, and contemporary social issues.

Year 2

The second year focuses on understanding social systems, policy, and the causes of crime. Students study areas such as Social Policy, Community Development, and Crime and the Criminal Justice System, developing the analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills needed for professional practice.

Year 3

During the third year, students examine more complex social and justice-related issues. Subjects including Mental Health, Working with Indigenous Communities, and Criminological Theory help students understand the relationship between social disadvantage, offending behaviour, rehabilitation, and community wellbeing.

Year 4

The fourth year emphasises professional practice and applied learning. Students undertake a supervised Social Work Field Placement, gaining hands-on experience in settings such as community organisations, government agencies, health services, and justice-related organisations while continuing advanced criminology studies.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete a second supervised Field Placement and advanced social work practice courses while deepening their knowledge of criminal justice issues. The Honours component includes either an Honours Thesis or Advanced Professional Portfolio, allowing students to investigate important issues in social work, criminology, justice, or public policy through independent research.

Focus Areas

Social Work Practice, Criminology, Criminal Justice Systems, Social Policy, Community Development, Human Development, Mental Health, Youth Justice, Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation, Human Rights, Indigenous Communities, Research Methods, Social Justice, Policy Analysis

Learning Outcomes

Develop professional social work practice skills, understand crime and justice systems, apply evidence-based approaches to social and criminal justice issues, conduct independent research, advocate for vulnerable individuals and communities, analyse policy and legislation, communicate effectively with diverse populations, 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 specialised Criminology and Criminal Justice studies gives graduates a strong advantage across social services, community organisations, government agencies, justice systems, policy development, advocacy, and research, 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) / Criminology & Criminal Justice at UNSW focuses strongly on real-world learning, where students develop professional skills by working directly with communities, justice settings, and social service organisations. Throughout the degree, students move from classroom learning into supervised practice, applying social work and criminology theories to real cases, policies, and systems. This combination helps students build confidence in professional environments while developing practical skills in both social work and criminal justice contexts:

Complete two 70-day supervised Social Work Field Education placements, gaining hands-on experience in community services, hospitals, government departments, and justice-related organisations across Australia and potentially overseas.
Support individuals and communities dealing with real issues such as mental health challenges, family violence, homelessness, and substance use during professional placement experiences.
Participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities linked to criminology, including internships and applied experiences with justice agencies, NGOs, and policy organisations.
Engage with real-world case studies involving courts, corrections, policing, and rehabilitation systems to understand how the justice system operates in practice.
Take part in field visits and practitioner-led learning sessions with professionals working in social work, law enforcement, courts, and correctional services.
Develop practical social work skills such as interviewing, counselling, advocacy, and ethical decision-making through structured practice-based courses.
Use UNSW learning environments designed for interactive and collaborative study across social sciences, law, and justice disciplines.
Strengthen research and analytical skills through guided academic projects that apply criminology theories and social work frameworks to real social issues.
Access the UNSW Library, including specialist social science and law collections, databases, and digital research tools to support evidence-based learning.
Learn from practising social workers, criminologists, and justice professionals who bring current industry experience into teaching.
Work on group projects, simulations, and applied assessments that reflect real professional tasks and workplace scenarios.
Complete an Honours research project or professional practice portfolio in the final stage of the degree, focusing on a real issue in social work or criminal justice.

Facilities and Resources:
UNSW Social Work Field Education Program
UNSW Law & Justice Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Program
UNSW Library (Social Sciences and Law resources)
UNSW Kensington Campus Learning and Teaching Spaces
UNSW Criminology and Social Work Research Facilities

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Criminology & Criminal Justice at UNSW are prepared for meaningful careers focused on social justice, crime prevention, rehabilitation, and community wellbeing. With a strong foundation in both social work practice and criminology, graduates can work in roles such as Social Worker, Criminologist, Policy Analyst, and Youth Justice Officer, among other positions across government, community, and justice sectors.

These career outcomes are supported through practical learning, professional exposure, and strong industry connections:

UNSW Career Services support students with career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and connections with organisations across government and community sectors.
Students complete two 70-day Social Work Field Education placements, gaining real experience in hospitals, community organisations, government agencies, and justice-related services.
The criminology component includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, linking students with justice agencies, NGOs, and correctional services.
The Social Work qualification is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), ensuring professional recognition for practice in Australia and internationally.
Strong placement networks with government departments, community organisations, and justice institutions help students build professional contacts before graduation.
Graduates develop in-demand skills in advocacy, counselling, research, policy analysis, ethical decision-making, and community engagement.
Career pathways span high-demand sectors such as mental health, child protection, youth justice, disability services, corrections, and crime prevention.
UNSW’s reputation as a Group of Eight university strengthens graduate employability and international career opportunities.
The Honours component builds advanced research skills, supporting progression into leadership, policy, and evidence-based practice roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Social Work, Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or other related programs. The Honours qualification also provides a pathway into Master by Research or PhD study for those interested in research, academia, or specialist policy careers.