Bachelor of Social Work,
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)
This double degree will appeal to students who are interested in working as a professional social worker as well as gaining a broader international perspective. The program covers all of the requirements for graduates to become professional social workers as well as a wide range of topics including world politics and cross-cultural studies. Through this unique combination of degrees, students gain a strong foundation in contemporary social work knowledge and analytical skills in international, cross-cultural and multicultural contexts.
Applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant social science or human service degree may be eligible for up to two years' credit for prior learning.
- Program information
- What will I study?
- What does it take?
- Who will employ me?
- Professional recognition
Please send your enquiries to swp.enquiries@unisa.edu.au or enquire online
Program Director
Dr Sue King
School of Social Work and Social Policy
Tel : +61 8 830 24316
Email: sue.king@unisa.edu.au
What will I study?
This program combines the full Social Work program with key courses of the International Studies program, allowing students to develop an international perspective to social work.
The Social Work courses include studies in society, ethics and social work practice and include organisational and project work, research and policy analysis.
Students undertake two substantial field placements in the first half of fourth year and the second half of fifth year. Each placement is for 500 hours (approximately 15 weeks full-time).
These placements provide a great opportunity to integrate social work knowledge and skills with an international perspective. Placements also allow students to gain practical experience in areas such as international aid and social development, to work one-on-one with individual clients, and to be involved in community development work, research or policy formulation.
A number of students will also have the opportunity to undertake one placement overseas, with options for international field education placements existing in the UK, United States, Canada, India and Kenya.
What does it take?
Students should have an inquiring mind, good verbal and written communication skills, and an interest in current world affairs - particularly with regard to Australia's place in an international context. Students also require a strong commitment to, and passion for, working for social justice and human rights. All forms of professional social work require effective interpersonal skills, a disciplined, objective approach and adherence to the profession's ethics and values. Social workers may be required to work in settings where resources and assistance are limited, and often work with individuals, families, organisations and communities under stress, or in situations where there is conflict or uncertainty.
Who will employ me?
The demand for professionally qualified social workers continues to be very high. Graduates tend to work in positions across the health, welfare and educational sectors both in government, non-government and local government agencies. Graduates will develop expertise to work in areas such as international aid, foreign affairs, diplomacy and international social development. They will work with communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; child and family welfare; refugees and asylum seekers; migrants; torture and trauma survivors; mental health and community support agencies; detention centres; hospitals; people with intellectual or physical disabilities; the aged; or adolescents.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.