Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at La Trobe University is a four-year AQF Level 8 qualification designed for students committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. This programme combines a strong theoretical foundation in the social sciences with professional skills in assessment, intervention, advocacy, and collaboration, supporting students to become ethical and effective social workers.

The course structure typically spans eight semesters, with each year comprising a set of core and elective units of study that contribute to a total number of credit points required for graduation. An honours degree in Australia includes an advanced research component, often a thesis or significant capstone project, enabling students to deepen their knowledge, hone research skills, and advance critical thinking in an area of social work practice or policy.

Professional practice placements are an essential feature, offering students real-world, supervised experience in diverse settings such as child protection, aged care, schools, disability support, community health, and mental health services. Throughout the degree, students gain skills in case management, counselling, group facilitation, community development, and advocacy, all grounded in the Australian legal and cultural setting.

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is well suited to those passionate about social justice, community wellbeing, and helping vulnerable populations. International students must meet a high English language standard (usually IELTS 7.0 or above for social work), as required for registration and effective communication in practice. Graduates are eligible for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. As programme and professional recognition requirements vary, always check the latest details on the official page.

• Social Worker in government, community, and private sector organisations
• Child protection practitioner
• Mental health or disability support worker
• Aged care coordinator
• Community development worker
• Policy officer or researcher
• Case manager in hospitals or health services
• Roles in advocacy, advocacy organisations, or not-for-profits across Australia