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Bachelor of
Social Work
Entry requirements
Key information
VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Start dates
March
July
*Online delivery mode: The course is online with some on-campus requirements. Students attend 20 days at Bedford Park, South Australia, in intensive blocks focused on practice skills.
IELTS Overall
7.0
Speaking: 7.0
Writing: 7.0
Listening: 7.0
Reading: 7.0
Pearson Overall
65
CRICOS code
083453F
Duration
4 years full-time
Delivery mode
In person (on campus)
Bedford Park, City
Start dates
March
July
Annual fee
$36,300 (2026)
About these fees
Transform lives with a career in social work
The Bachelor of Social Work is your pathway to a rewarding career creating meaningful change. Designed for those who are passionate about justice, equality and community impact, this degree gives you the skills to support individuals, families and communities facing complex challenges such as poverty, family violence, and systemic disadvantage.
With a strong focus on real-world experience and critical thinking, you’ll graduate ready to lead, advocate, and drive positive outcomes in a wide range of professional settings.
Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world
THE World University Rankings 2024 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities
No.1 in SA
in Social Work for full-time employment, learning resources, student support and teaching quality
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
Five Stars
in Social Work for student support
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
A social work career is diverse, dynamic and in demand
Social work graduates are in high demand across many sectors. With a degree in social work, you could work in mental health, child protection, schools, disability services, housing and homelessness, aged care, multicultural services, as well as in policy, research, and advocacy roles. You’ll be qualified to take on diverse and impactful roles in government departments, non-profits, community organisations and private practice.
Salary
$98K
typical starting salary for graduates in Australia
Job growth
23.2%
5 year projection
Social Worker
A Social Worker supports individuals, families, and communities to overcome challenges and improve wellbeing.
They provide counselling, advocacy, and practical support across areas like mental health, child protection, aged care, and disability. Working in government, health, and community settings, they help people navigate complex systems and create positive social change.
Case manager
A case manager focuses on coordinating care and support services to help individuals achieve stability, independence, and improved quality of life. Working in areas such as mental health, aged care, disability, child protection, and housing, case managers assess needs, develop care plans, and connect clients with relevant services.
A common and rewarding pathway for social work graduates, case management draws on skills in assessment, advocacy, and systems navigation to support vulnerable individuals and communities.
Salary
$80K - $95K
typical salary in Australia
Jobs growth
25.2%
5-year projection
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025 | Seek Australia, 2025
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
Director of Social Services
A director of social services leads programs and teams that deliver critical support to individuals, families, and communities. Typically working within government, non-profit, or community organisations, these leaders oversee service delivery, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and drive strategic initiatives. For experienced social work graduates, this senior role offers the opportunity to shape policy and practice, influence systemic change, and improve outcomes on a broader scale.
Mental health worker
Mental health workers provide support to individuals experiencing mental health issues. They work in clinical and community settings to promote mental health and well-being.
Senior Policy Adviser
A senior policy advisor researches, develops, and advises on policies that address social issues and improve community outcomes. Working in government, advocacy organisations, or research institutes, they analyse data, consult stakeholders, and shape policies in areas such as child protection, housing, or mental health. For social work graduates, this role offers a way to influence change at a systems level, applying frontline insights to create more effective, inclusive policies.
Other careers could include:
- Clinical social worker
- Social work supervisor
- Policy analyst
- Researcher
- Academic lecturer
What will you study to start your career in social work?
Study a variety of core topics and electives and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
In the first year, you’ll study core topics to build an understanding of social work principles.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Health and social care in Australia
- Indigenous studies
- Democracy in Australia
- Psychology skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Sociology
In the second year, you’ll study core topics which allow you to understand complex social issues and diverse populations.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Service law and practice
- Human social development
- Social policy practice
- Intersectionality
- Practicing social work
- Research and Evaluation
- Social work theories
- Groups and communities
In the third year, you’ll study core topics and gain hands on experience with your first placement opportunity, applying theory in real-world settings.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Research and Evaluation
- Well-being and protection
- Identity, self and agency
- Professional Judgement
- Mental health
- Field education*
*A placement (period of professional experience) where you'll work in real social work settings as part of your training.
In your fourth year, you’ll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You’ll also gain hands on experience with placement opportunities.
Year 4 - Core topics
Your fourth year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Advanced social work theories
- Sustainable social work
- Violence and abuse
- Field Education*
*A placement (period of professional experience) where you'll work in real social work settings as part of your training.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
The Bachelor of Social Work at Flinders University is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), ensuring a high-quality learning experience and direct pathway to becoming a qualified social worker in Australia. AASW accreditation also strengthens your employment prospects. Many employers require it, and it sets you up for future registration and professional recognition across the country.
Boost your knowledge with an Honours in Social Work.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the issues you’re passionate about, the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) gives you the chance to build advanced knowledge, sharpen your research skills, and stand out in the field. You’ll complete a major independent research project on a topic that matters to you, guided by expert academics with strong community and industry connections. Whether you’re planning to pursue postgraduate study, move into leadership or policy roles, or simply want to graduate with a competitive edge, honours is your next step towards making a greater impact.
No.1 in SA
in Social Work for full-time employment and overall educational experience.
(The Good Universities Guide 2023 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
No.1 in SA
in Social Work for full-time employment, learning resources, overall educational experience, student support and teaching quality.
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
Get inspired.
Discover more about Flinders University’s social work degrees.
Meet Bonnie Hand
Flinders University Social Work graduate Bonnie Hand and now works as a Senior Social Worker and Clinical Lead at Novita. Novita provides essential therapy and equipment to those living with a disability.
Meet Milijana Stojadinovic
Milijana Stojadinovic studied social work at Flinders and has gone on to become the Manager at headspace Port Adelaide, actively involved in making active change to individuals and communities.
“I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and skills to address some of the toughest social issues in our communities.”
Anne Xi
Social Work student
“The University's commitment to providing a comprehensive curriculum aligned with professional standards and its emphasis on practical experience through field placements were crucial factors in my decision.”
Karanpal Singh
Social Work student
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Teaching Program Director
Rebecca Starrs
Rebecca Starrs is a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Social Work at Flinders. With nearly 20 years of frontline experience, she brings strong industry insight to her teaching and is passionate about preparing students to be career-ready through real-world, practice-informed learning.
She leads curriculum design and quality assurance and contributes to statewide advisory groups and interprofessional research. Her teaching explores the political and systemic forces shaping human services, helping students build the critical thinking and communication skills needed to create change.
Senior Lecturer
Dr Ben Lohmeyer
Senior Lecturer Dr Ben Lohmeyer brings a passion for social justice and youth advocacy to the classroom. With a background in youth work and a PhD in Sociology, his research examines the hidden impacts of social harm on young people, including violence, bullying, and loneliness.
In the Bachelor of Social Work, Ben uses a flipped classroom and a custom podcast to engage students in real-world issues like housing, healthcare, and education. Grounded in lived experience and community connection, his teaching encourages students to think critically and drive social change.
Senior Lecturer
Patrice Whitehorne-Smith
Patrice Whitehorne-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health within Social Work at Flinders, with over 18 years of international experience in mental health and substance abuse. She’s contributed to national and global projects, including Australia’s National Autism Strategy and the Australasian Autism Research Council’s 2023 priorities.
Patrice’s teaching is shaped by her global experience and commitment to inclusive, evidence-based practice. She’s passionate about preparing students to navigate complex mental health systems and advocate for vulnerable communities, earning recognition for her dynamic, award-winning teaching.
Connect with industry and gain real world experience.
Connect with industry through practical experience placements. Gain hands-on experience with 1,000 hours of supervised field placements in real-world settings, building your skills, confidence and professional network as you prepare for a rewarding social work career.
Throughout your studies, you'll gain practical experience preparing you for an exciting career:
- Develop your practice skills in our on-campus Social Work Simulation and Skills Lab
- Undertake two supervised field education placements (in accordance with AASW requirements)
- Placement options include child protection, community health, hospital social work, research, social planning, aged care, social work with migrant groups, correctional services and more.
Prior to your first placement, you will be required to provide the following:
- Screening assessments through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with children, in the aged care sector and disability services
- National Police Check
- Child Safe Environments training
- Driver's licence (required for most placements)
- Students may be required to address other industry-specific conditions.
Please note that eligibility for placement is critical to progressing through this degree.
Financial Support while you're on placement?
You could be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Placement - up to $331.65 per week.*
Begins July 2025 | Teaching, Social Work, Nursing and Midwifery
*Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
- Entry requirements
- Application options
The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work meets external Australian Association of Social Work (AASW) accreditation requirements. Both programs provide graduates with the necessary qualification to be eligible for membership to the AASW, and practice as social workers.
The Statement of Inherent Requirements is designed to help prospective students make informed decisions about whether they will be in a position to complete the requirements of either a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work. If you intend to enrol in either of these degrees look carefully at the inherent requirements to determine whether you will be able to meet them.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
For applicants seeking admission from semester 1, 2021:
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency of Academic IELTS 7.0 overall and 7.0 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening or the equivalent.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
How to apply
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Application options.
Apply online
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Find an agent
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Contact us
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.
Preparatory courses
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
Flinders University Academy
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work meets external Australian Association of Social Work (AASW) accreditation requirements. Both programs provide graduates with the necessary qualification to be eligible for membership to the AASW, and practice as social workers.
The Statement of Inherent Requirements is designed to help prospective students make informed decisions about whether they will be in a position to complete the requirements of either a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work. If you intend to enrol in either of these degrees look carefully at the inherent requirements to determine whether you will be able to meet them.
In Australia, social worker salaries can vary based on experience, location, and area of practice.
According to SEEK, the average social worker salary in Australia ranges from $90,000 to $105,000.
Social work is a stable and growing profession in Australia, offering meaningful, community-focused careers with strong demand across government, non-profit, and private sectors.
Yes, there is strong and growing demand for qualified social workers in Australia. According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, employment in social work is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, driven by increasing community needs in areas like mental health, aged care, family support, and disability services. The 5-year projection for job growth is 23.2% for social workers.
Social workers are employed across government agencies, non-profit organisations, schools, hospitals, and private practice, offering diverse career opportunities across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas. This makes social work a rewarding and future-focused career choice.
Yes, Flinders University’s Bachelor of Social Work is available to study online. Most coursework can be completed remotely, offering flexibility for students balancing work or other commitments. However, the degree does include essential in-person components, such as on-campus intensives and professional placements, which must be completed face-to-face to meet accreditation and professional practice requirements.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 96.80 | 98.10 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 75.50 | 81.00 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 61.80 | 70.05 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 42 | 38% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 23 | 21% |
| Work and life experience | 6 | 5% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 19 | 17% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | 0 | 0 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 14 | 13% |
| International Students | 7 | 6% |
| All students | 111 | 100% |
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University