Bachelor of Social Work [Dubbo]
What is this course about?
CSU's Bachelor of Social Work offered through the Dubbo Campus is a co-enrolment with TAFE Western, which will provide graduates with skills to work in a wide range of social welfare agencies.
CSU is one of the leading providers of social work education in Australia. If you enjoy working with people singly or in groups, problem solving and working with social issues and how they affect communities, then social work could be the career for you.
This course includes practical experience through workplace learning.
Your course is recognised by industry
The Bachelor of Social Work is a nationally accredited and registered award in tertiary education. It has full accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Credit
Credit for prior study will be individually determined. No credit will be given for certificate level or bridging programs.
A completed TAFE Diploma of Community Welfare Work (CHC507) will attract a credit for eight subjects (as per AASW guidelines). These subjects are: HCS103 , HCS111, PSY111, SOC102, SPE101 and three electives.
Social workers with overseas qualifications may be eligible to complete course requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work in less than the normal time. Overseas qualifications are assessed by the University and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and a program of studies is individually prescribed for each student. On successful completion of the program the student is eligible for the award of Bachelor of Social Work.
Applicants may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language which is evidenced by an overall score of six on each of the four bands of the International English Language Test (IELT).
Australian residents with overseas social work qualifications should have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Association of Social Workers in the first instance. For further information, phone 02 6273 0199.
More information about credit and pathways.
Honours program
Students may apply to enter the Honours program through Wagga Wagga Campus on completion of the first year (full-time equivalent) of the Bachelor of Social Work and must have demonstrated both academic and practice competence.
Students should have completed 56 points towards the degree at a Credit average, or grade point average (GPA) of 5 or better. These subjects must include HCS204 Research Methods, HCS206 Social Work Theory and Practice 1, HCS207 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 and HCS303 Professional Field Education 1.
More about the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program at CSU Wagga Wagga
Academic expectations
For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.
Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.
Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).
Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.
Career opportunities
Social workers work at the interface between people and their environments, so they are found in a wide range of settings from hospitals to local councils, and social welfare agencies to setting up their own businesses.
Graduates work professionally as social workers in government and non-government departments, with individuals, groups and communities, in emergency situations and long-term care.
You can work in areas such as:
- individual and group social counselling
- case management
- social administration and policy formation
- social action and program planning
- family work and rehabilitation
- health, community services and corrections
A growing number of social work graduates offer clinical services, education and consultation on a fee-for-service basis.
Workplace learning
Field education is a core element and a major part of the student's development of a professional identity. It provides an opportunity for students to observe, question and model social work behaviour. Each practicum is integrated with a subject covering social work theory and practice.
In order to meet the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised field education. This is undertaken in two practicums in approved agencies. Every attempt is made to accommodate students in placements close to their place of residence and to tailor the practicum to suit the schedules of individual students, but such placements cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that the following subjects may have a residential school component.
HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 - Foundations of Practice
HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 - Micro Practice
Workplace Learning
Please note that the following subjects have a Workplace Learning component.
HCS303 Social Work Field Education 1
HCS402 Social Work Field Education 2
Course structure
The course consists of 26 subjects for the Pass degree (256 points) and 27 subjects including one 16 point Social Work Honours Project/Dissertation (272 points) for the Honours degree.
Pass Degree Subjects:
Foundation:
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology 1S
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
SOC102 Social Inequality
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing
LAW221 Law for the Human Services 2
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
SOC308 Community Analysis
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures Histories and Contemporary Realities
PHL 101 Applied Ethics
Social Work Theory and Practice Subjects
HCS102 Communication and Human Services
HCS111 Introduction to Social Welfare
HCS103 Fields of Practice
WEL218 Developing Cross Cultural Competencies
HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 - Foundations of Practice
HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 - Micro Pratice
HCS204 Research Methods
HCS300 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 - Mezzo Level Practice
HCS310 Mental Health Practice
HCS321 Child Welfare Practice
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
HCS400 Social Work Theory and Practice 4- Macro Practice and Professional Identity
Social Policy/Politics/Economics
SPE211 Foundations in Social Policy
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
Field Education:
There are 980 hours of field education in this degree. This meets the requirement set by AASW.
Field education helps students to develop and consolidate practice skills under the supervision of a qualified social worker. It provides opportunities to observe, question and model social work behaviour. Each practicum is integrated with subjects covering social work theory and practice.
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16)
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16)
Restricted Electives
GER102 Gerontology Theory & Research
GER204 Aging & Professional Practice
HCS205 Child Abuse & Child Protection
HST310 Drugs & Alcohol: Historical Perspective
JST104 Foundations in Criminology
JST204 Crime Delinquency & Soc Welfare
JST212 Juvenile Justice 1 - Context
JST215 Juvenile Justice 2 - Practice
LES101 Introduction to Leisure & Health
LES110 Foundation of Leisure Activity
LES102 Leisure Programming with Diverse Populations
LES202 Community Leisure & Health Issue
LES302 Leisure and Social Relations
POL205 Political Ideas
SOC215 Gender, Family and Society
SOC108 Sociology of Health & Health Care
SOC217 Fame and Social Control
SOC218 Policy Power & Social Action
SOC226 Rurality in a Globalised World
SOC302 Environment and Society
SOC315 Immigration & Settlement Policy
WEL116 Drugs, Alcohol & Gambling 1
WEL229 Drugs, Alcohol & Gambling Studies 2
WEL217 Social Dimensions of Disability
WEL228 Disability Issues for Fam
Additional Honours component
In addition to the pass program, students in the Honours program complete a dissertation of 16 points (HCS408 Social Work Honours Project/Dissertation) in the final year of the program. Honours students may conduct an investigation in any area in which the Honours Committee can provide adequate supervision and for which written approval has been given. The following general areas provide a guide, but they are not prescriptive:
- Aboriginality
- Children and Families
- Community Work
- Corrections
- Disability
- Drug and Alcohol
- Hospital Social Work
- Ideology and Social Work
- Mental Health
- Rural Issues
- Rural Service Delivery
- Social Policy and Administration
- Women's Issues
- Social Work Theory and Practice
Enrolment pattern
Bachelor of Social Work
Proposed Enrolment Patterns
Full-time On Campus, Wagga Wagga
Year 1
Session 1
HCS102 Communication and Human Services
HCS111 Introduction to Human Services
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
PHL 101 Applied Ethics
Session 2
HCS103 Fields of Practice
SOC102 Social Inequality
JST108 Justice Studies Theories and Practice
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology 1
Year 2
Session 3
HCS204 Research Methods
HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 – Foundations of Practice
WEL218 Developing Cross Cultural Competencies
LAW221 Law for the Human Services
Session 4
HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 – Micro Practice
SPE211 Foundations in Social Policy
IKC 101 Indigenous Cultures Histories and Contemporary Realities
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing
or
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Welfare
Year 3
Session 5
HCS300 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 –Mezzo level Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Commence)
HCS321 Child Welfare Practice
Elective 1
Session 6
SOC308 Community Analysis
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Complete)
HCS310 Mental Health Practice
[ ] Elective 2
Year 4
Session 7
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Commence)
[ ] Elective 3
[ ] Elective 4
Session 8
HCS400 Social Work Theory and Practice 4 – Macro Practice and Professional Identity
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Complete)
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
Full-time On Campus, Dubbo and Port Macquarie
Year 1
Session 1
HCS102 Communication and Human Services
TAFE Studies (3 CSU subjects equivalent)
Session 2
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
TAFE Studies (2 CSU subjects equivalent)
Year 2
Session 3
HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 – Foundations of Practice
TAFE Studies (2 CSU subjects equivalent)
Session 4
HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 – Micro Practice
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
IKC101 Indigenous Culture, Histories and Realities
TAFE Studies (1 CSU subject equivalent)
Students may exit at the end of Year 2 with the TAFE awarded Diploma of Community Services Work
Year 3
Session 5
HCS300 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 –Mezzo level Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Commence)
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing
WEL218 Cross Cultural Competencies
Session 6
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Complete)
HCS 310 Mental Health Practice
SPE211 Foundation sof Social Policy
Year 4
Session 7
LAW221 Law for the Human Services 2
WEL321 Child Welfare Practice
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Commence)
Session 8
HCS400 Social Work Theory and Practice 4 – Macro Practice and Professional Identity
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Complete)
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
SOC308 Community Analysis
Part time/Distance Wagga Wagga Campus
Year 1
Session 1
HCS102 Communication and Human Services
HCS111 Introduction to Human Services
Session 2
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology 1
HCS103 Fields of Practice
Year 2
Session 3
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
PHL101 Applied Ethics
Session 4
JST108 Justice Studies - Theories and Practice
SOC102 Social Inequality
Year 3
Session 5
HCS204 Research Methods
WEL218 Developing Cross Cultural Competencies
Session 6
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing
or
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
Year 4
Session 7
HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 – Foundations of Practice
LAW221 Law for the Human Services
Session 8
HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 – Micro Practice
SPE211 Foundations of Social Policy
Year 5
Session 9
Elective 1
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Commence)
Session 10
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Complete)
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
Year 6
Session 11
HCS300 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 –Mezzo level Practice
HCS321 Child Welfare Practice
Session 12
SOC308 Community Analysis
[ ] Elective 2
Year 7
Session 13
[ ] Elective 3
[ ] Elective 4
Session 14
HCS400 Social Work Theory and Practice 4 – Macro Practice and Professional Identity
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
Year 8
Session 15
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Commence)
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
Session 16
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Complete)
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
Articulated Program Part-time plus Fast Track Enrolment, Port Macquarie
Year 1
Session 1
HCS102 Communication and Human Services
Session 2
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology
Year 2
Session 3
HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 – Foundations of Practice
HCS204 Resaerch Methods
Session 4
HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 – Micro Practice
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Realities
Year 3
Session 5
HCS300 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 –Mezzo level Practice
WEL218 Developing Cross Cultural competencies
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing or PSY113
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (Commence)
Session 6
SPE211 Foundations of Social Policy
HCS310 Mental Health Practice
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (Complete)
Year 4
Session 7
LAW221 Law for the Human Services
WEL321 Child Welfare Practices
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (Commence)
Session 8
HCS400 Social Work Theory and Practice 4 – Macro Practice and Professional Identity
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (Complete)
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
SOC308 Community Analysis
Bachelor of Social Work –Graduate/Advanced Entry
Students must have a three-year degree or its equivalent or have successfully completed two-thirds of a recognised degree including the successful completion of at least one session length subject in each of the following areas::
• Developmental psychology (or equivalent)
• Sociology
• Australian Government and politics and/or welfare politics, social policy and social philosophy, or Australian economic and social history
• Research methods
And
the successful completion of 12 other relevant session-length subjects..
Subjects that are not satisfied in these prerequisites will need to be completed prior to graduation.
Part-time Distance, Wagga Wagga
Year 1
Session 1
HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 – Foundations of Practice
WEL218 Cross cultural competencies
Year 1 Session 2
HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Realities
Year 2
Session 3
LAW221 Law for the Human Services 2
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Commence)
Session 4
HCS310 Mental Health Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Complete)
Year 3
Session 5
HCS300 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 –Mezzo level Practice
HCS321 Child Welfare Practice
Session 6
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
Year 4
Session 7
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Commence)
Session 8
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Complete)
HCS400 Social Work Theory and Practice 4 – Macro Practice and Professional Identity (8 points)
Admission requirements
The following Admission Requirements apply to students seeking direct entry to full-time Bachelor of Social Work via distance education as part of the integrated program with TAFE NSW Western Institute.
Students will be required to be enrolled at both CSU and TAFE NSW Western Institute. Interviews for suitability may be undertaken.
Entrance ranking
Students will be assigned to the highest rank for which they have any of the following criteria, except at the discretion of the Course Coordinator(s).
Rank 1
- ATAR of 77.1 or better (including regional allowance), or the equivalent OR
- Completion of a tertiary degree OR
- STAT test with ATAR equivalency of 77.1 or better OR
- Principal's Recommendation Entry Program (PREP)
Rank 2
- ATAR of 72.55 or better (including regional allowance) or the equivalent OR
- Successful completion of a University Diploma, TAFE Diploma of Community Services (Welfare) or Advanced Diploma OR
- Successful completion of one year of study (full-time or equivalent) in a tertiary degree at pass average or better OR
- Successful completion of the CSU Bridging Program OR
- STAT test with ATAR equivalency of 72.55 or better OR
- Successful completion of at least one session (full-time or equivalent) of a tertiary degree at Pass average or better
Rank 3
- Current employment in the social welfare sector OR
- ATAR of 67.95 or better (including regional allowance), or the equivalent OR
- Successful completion of a TAFE or RTO Certificate IV OR
- STAT test with ATAR equivalency of 67.95 or better OR
- Completion of at least one university level subject at Pass level
Rank 4
Appropriate voluntary work in the community or social welfare sector (at least six months' documentary evidence required) AND, one of the following:
- ATAR of 63.40 or better (including regional allowance), or the equivalent
- Successful completion of a TAFE or RTO Certificate III
- Successful completion of a relevant industry-based training program (e.g.NSW Department of Community Services ??? caseworker development program or similar)
- Completion of TAFE Tertiary Preparation Course or ADEPT program for Aboriginal students
An applicant who meets the above criteria and is either:
- an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander
- an isolated rural person
- a person with a disability
will be placed in Rank 3.
Criminal record checks
Applicants should be aware that, in many states, there is a requirement for criminal record checks before practicums can be undertaken in some agencies ??? including health and child-related practicums. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Social Work can only be achieved if enrollees are eligible to undertake practicums in suitable agencies.
Notes
Students who wish to improve their ranking are advised, for example, to enrol in associate student subjects, undertake the University bridging program, undertake a STAT test, voluntary work, or undertake industry-based courses such as Lifeline Counselling.
An applicant's ranking based on prior tertiary study does not necessarily imply that they will be granted subject credit in the Social Work programs.
Applicants will be taken progressively through the Ranks (that is Rank 1 first, Rank 2 second, etc.) until the available quota is filled.
Within the ranks, applicants will be taken on a date of application basis.
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
- previous studies, and
- other attainments and experience.
Previous studies
Previous studies include:
- the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
- the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
- a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
- a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
- an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
- completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
English language proficiency
The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.
Attainment and experience
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
- voluntary or paid work experience;
- performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
- participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
- completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
Internet access
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
international-distance
international-oncampus
Apply now
This course is available to commence study in
Session 1; Session 2
Australian and New Zealand students
To apply for this program, you will first need to contact TAFE Western.
After enrolling in the Diploma of Community Welfare Work with TAFE NSW Western Institute you will need to complete a CSU Application for Admission form 260KB [PDF] for the Bachelor of Social Work . Western Institute staff can show you how to complete this.
Once you have completed the CSU application form, you then need to hand this back to Western Institute staff who will process this through CSU on your behalf.
International students
This course is not available to international students.
More information:
Consider also:
Follow on study:
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