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Why study Social Work?

Social Work is the province of the troublemakers. The ones who stand up for what's right. The people who say I cannot ignore. I will not stand by.

Social Work is the career for those who will always be difficult, because they want to change the world for the better, and because they will never accept injustice.

We welcome the troublemakers.

Nationally and globally, we struggle with issues of child protection, domestic and family violence, housing and homelessness, racial inequalities and many other social problems. Issues of social inequality have become daily headlines, and we need skilled graduates to work towards social change.

No. 1 in South Australia for overall experience in social work

No 1 in South Australia for full time employment in social work

No 1 in South Australia for student support in social work

Need help with your offer or deciding on your pathway to uni? Get in touch.

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Courses available in Social Work

New course Available online Midyear entry

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Higher degree by research

A career driven by passion

Flinders Social Work provides career-ready skills and knowledge to those people who are driven to create a society that is fair, supportive, and inclusive. We are South Australia's No.1 for full-time employment,* in a field with over 32,000 workers (nationally) and strong job growth projected through to 2023.**

Social Work careers are not for the faint-hearted, but they are incredibly important and in high-demand. Social Work graduates work in government departments, hospitals, health and community centres, welfare agencies and many other organisations across the world.

Social Work graduates make a difference, and Flinders Social Work degrees provide hands-on study and real-world placements to ensure our graduates are prepared for a challenging, rewarding career. Our overall quality of educational experience is rated No.1 in South Australia.***

_{*No. 1 in SA in Social Work for full-time employment . The Good Universities Guide 2020 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only ** Social Work is projected to have strong employment growth through to 2023 Job Outlook 2019 ***No. 1 in SA in Social Work foroverall quality of educational experience . The Good Universities Guide 2020 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only.}

Webinars

Research to change the world

Flinders' Social Work research is world-standard#, and our Social Work Innovation Research Living Space (SWIRLS) is a leading national social work research centre, undertaking research that uses evidence and lived-experience, to create innovative solutions in and around social work.

SWIRLS' 'Living Lab' approach brings together skilled researchers, policy makers, social work practitioners and related professions to collaborate, innovate and co-design answers to complex social problems.

_{#Excellence in Research for Australia 2018}

Working towards a better society

With world-standard research, ever-deepening partnerships with major industry stakeholders, highly skilled teachers with practical social work experience and an embedded passion to solving the problems of social injustice, Flinders Social Work is determined to help the troublemakers change the world and work towards a more inclusive, fairer society.

Get qualified as a social worker

An undergraduate degree qualifies you to work as a social worker in a wide range of health and social welfare services.

Graduate prepared for a truly rewarding career with our professionally accredited degree. You’ll have a real impact on the community and will have the opportunity to address complex social issues like domestic violence, abuse, poverty, disability, and social policy and planning.

Gain practical work experience while you study

Undertake intensive work placements that help integrate social work theory into your practice.

You will engage with the community intelligently by recognising wider social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts. Our highly experienced team of teachers and mentors will guide you through the field education program. When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to step into a career.

Expand your knowledge with varied topics

Reach beyond your core topics by expanding your skills in social policy and planning; Indigenous knowledge and issues; and loss, grief and trauma counselling

Our Social Work degrees equip you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to work in a wide range of health and social welfare settings. Take one step further by expanding your knowledge with exciting and varied electives or additional study.

“

Flinders University Social Work course offers all the academic and professional tools needed for students to achieve their goals. The environment of the campus and learning areas are very encouraging. With supportive and helpful teaching staff, and endless opportunities, studying Social Work at Flinders will help you to achieve your goals and help improve people’s lives"

Danielle Hanson, Bachelor of Social Work

Study Social Work

Learn more

Danielle Hanson’s decision to undertake a Bachelor of Social Work at Flinders University was born of a deep interest in people, and a desire to help them when life gets hard.

“Compassion and a general interest in people are two elements which made me gravitate towards this course; the practicality of the course and all the areas one can work in after graduation also appealed to me”.

Danielle is not alone. Social work contributes to a more just society, and many students are keen to see how they can help make their mark in this rewarding field. Flinders’ Bachelor of Social Work can take your passion and combine it with work ready skills to prepare you for a range of career options.

“My desired goal is to be in a job where I can utilise my degree and all the tools I learnt at university to my full potential, in a work environment that's challenging and rewarding”.

Your path could lead you towards becoming a social worker, advocate, drug and alcohol counsellor, assessment officer or child protection practitioner. Flinders’ teachers and mentors are highly experienced, and the course offers intensive work placements.

“Flinders University Social Work course offers all the academic and professional tools needed for students to achieve their goals. The environment of the campus and learning areas are very encouraging. With supportive and helpful teaching staff, and endless opportunities, studying Social Work at Flinders will help you to achieve your goals and help improve people’s lives”.

Study Social Work

Study a Master of Social Work

If you already have an undergraduate degree, our Master of Social Work will allow you to enter the profession and become a qualified social worker, building on your first degree.

A Flinders’ Master of Social Work opens the door to a meaningful career in a diverse, multiskilled profession. This professionally accredited degree will enable you to have a career as an advocate for a more just society. You can promote awareness of the injustices in today’s society, and by working with policies, people, families, communities, and systems, make a positive change.

Learn more about the Master of Social Work

Fast facts

achieve your career goals through applied degrees with strong industry links

gain practical work experience while you study

immerse yourself in our professionally accredited degrees

Take a look inside the Social Work and Practice Skills and Simulation Lab

Social work is a large occupation employing 30,800 workers.

New jobs and turnover from workers leaving may create
between 25,001 and 50,000 job openings over the 5 years to 2020.

_{Source: joboutlook.gov.au, data accessed 17/10/17}

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IN HEALTH

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Uncover your passion

“

I decided to study a Master of Social Work at Flinders because I believe that everyone in the society, irrespective of our differences in race, religious /cultural belief, age, ability, gender, sexuality or social economical class, all deserve a fair go in achieving their life goals. My degree has prepared me to be a voice to the voiceless, oppressed and vulnerable persons in society. And to practice in a way that promotes their empowerment, strength, rights, safety and wellbeing.

Blessing Abu Ogwuche Master of Social Work

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In Flinders Master of Social Work, students come from diverse backgrounds and professions, it really enriches the discussions we have in classrooms and tutorials because everyone contributes from their own unique perspective. Our lecturers have both academic and professional backgrounds and therefore can teach from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Flinders campus has beautiful trees and nature and overlooks the sea which enables us to enjoy sunset. Flinders has the complete package from beautiful campus to quality education.

David Ohtaka Master of Social Work

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I have always had a keen interest in social issues and social justice, and this course provided the opportunity to develop my skills and learning in these areas. I have had a very positive learning experience at Flinders University. I have developed my academic skills, gained a vast array of employability skills and broadened my critical thinking skills in both the area of study (social work) but also as a global citizen. I left with confidence in my knowledge and skills as a young social worker and have grown as a person from the University experience. I'm now working full-time as a social worker. I'd say to anyone, if you want an environment that inspires and supports your learning experience in a supported and welcoming community, then Flinders University is the place for you.

Tim Best Flinders Social work graduate

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My social work degree has prepared me for my career in several ways and equipped me with numerous theories and tools that I can incorporate into my future practise when working with clients. I completed my first placement with Aged Care and Housing (ACH) where I had the privilege of working within a multi-disciplinary team with some extremely passionate, inspiring, hard working professionals. Working in their team allowed me to understand my role as a social worker and consequently, assisted me in developing my own social work identity.

Hayley Chenoweth Bachelor of Social Work student

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Studying social work at Flinders has enabled me to fully acknowledge my personal strengths and facilitated my strong desire to help, support and empower people in a meaningful way. The placement experience and learning opportunities within the degree will focus your strengths and skills, increasing your confidence and enabling you to become an advocate for human rights and equality for all.

Pieter Verdonk Bachelor of Social Work student