Social Work degrees

Develop your passion for helping others and making the world a fairer place by studying social work at UniSQ. A degree in social work will assist you to become a compassionate, skilled and knowledgeable professional who can empower individuals, families, groups and communities.

Gain highly transferable skills, such as problem-solving, empathy, teamwork and time management, to utilise in many roles that cross government and non-government sectors, and other careers. Develop the skills needed to enable you to analyse and critique injustice, work ethically and reflectively, and implement effective, evidence-based policy solutions, and interventions for enhancing the self-determination of people experiencing disadvantage, discrimination and inequality.

UniSQ’s social work degrees are part of our health suite of programs. We offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate social work and human services degrees designed to suit your interests and career goals, including:

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Social Work - Honours
• Undergraduate Certificate of Child and Family Studies
• Master of Social Work - Qualifying. 

If you’re passionate about pursuing a hands-on career to influence social change and improve people’s quality of life, a social work degree at UniSQ can lead to a range of career options.

As an allied health professional, you will qualify for a variety of career paths in community health and welfare roles. Assist people to achieve justice and maintain their human rights in a broad range of settings, including:

• mental health support
• disability support
• child, youth and family services
• aged services
• housing services
• economic and social inclusion support services
• community legal and advocacy services.

You could also pursue roles in hospitals and other institutions, community organisations, or not-for-profit community services. 

Provide critical support to people and communities when they need it the most during emergencies and disasters, violence or abuse, homelessness, physical and mental health issues or child welfare matters. 

Studying social work at UniSQ paves the way for worldwide career opportunities. Many organisations and non-profit organisations operate globally, providing international development, humanitarian aid, or social work services in different countries.

To thrive in social work or human services, there are several qualities and characteristics that are important for success. These attributes play a significant role in making a positive impact and effectively assisting individuals and communities. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Empathy and compassion: The ability to understand and connect with individuals and communities, showing genuine care and support.
• Strong communication skills: Effective communication, both verbal and nonverbal, is essential for building relationships, advocating for clients, and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Active listening: Being attentive and receptive to others' needs, concerns, and perspectives, fostering trust and understanding.
• Cultural competence: Having an awareness and appreciation for diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds, and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from various communities.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Being able to analyse complex situations, identify underlying issues, and develop creative solutions.
• Ethical decision-making: Adhering to professional codes of ethics and making ethical decisions that prioritise the well-being and rights of clients.
• Resilience and self-care: Social work and human services careers can be emotionally demanding, so having the ability to cope with stress and prioritise self-care is important.

These skills will develop and strengthen throughout your career, enabling you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

At UniSQ, we are dedicated to nurturing practical skills, fostering industry connections, and promoting professional development to empower our students in making a positive impact in the field of social work. Depending on your chosen degree, we provide opportunities to gain real-world experiences with hands-on learning. Our industry-based placements offer valuable practical insights and experience, while our extensive network of industry professionals can be accessed through industry events and placement courses. Within this, students can learn from passionate academics with extensive experience in social work and human services.

For further information on professional experience or residential schools, please view the degree structure of the program you are interested in.

UniSQ understands the need for flexibility to balance your education with other commitments. We provide a range of study options, including on-campus, external, and online social work courses, which gives you the option to learn your subject theory where and when it suits you. As an external student, you’ll experience the same level of support and opportunity to connect with others.

You can also adjust your social work course enrolment to meet your needs. Take one subject at a time, or study extra subjects when life allows it - the choice is yours!